Wealthy Merchant Residence with Splendid Trowel Art—Experience the History of Wax Production
About this spot
The residence of the Kami-Yoshiga family, a branch of the Yoshiga family who became one of Japan's wealthiest merchants through wax production. The main house and warehouses on the estate are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The grounds retain the remains of wax production workspaces and bleaching grounds where wax was exposed to the sun. The attached exhibition hall clearly presents the process from wasabi berries to finished wax through tools and models. Here you can touch the real face of the wax industry—the answer to why Uchi-ko's townscape is adorned with such refined aesthetics. Gazing at the garden from the parlor seating of this grand residence brings the lifestyle of the merchant houses of that era vividly to life.
Tips
Shoes are removed for viewing inside the residence, so shoes that are easy to slip on and off are convenient. Check the information window, as the facility sometimes sells combined admission tickets with other town facilities like Uchiko-za, which can provide good savings.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Afternoon's slanting light makes the white plaster trowel art rise three-dimensionally.
Access & map
〒791-3301 Ehime Prefecture, Kita-gun, Uchi-ko Town, Uchi-ko 2696
Model course featuring this spot
Uchi-ko: Uchiko-za Theater and the White-Walled Retro Town of Wax Production
Ehime
Explore features & model courses
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