Yoshijima Heritage House
吉島家住宅
The former residence of the Yoshijima family, a wealthy merchant house that amassed a fortune trading raw silk and silkworm cocoons from the late Edo period onward, designated a national Important Cultural Property together with the neighboring Kusakabe Folk Museum as a leading example of Takayama townhouse architecture. The current building was rebuilt in 1907 after being destroyed by fire in 1905. The open, soaring space just inside the entrance, viewed from the earthen floor, presents a fantastical sight where beams and struts are geometrically assembled around a central pillar, illuminated by light streaming in from a skylight onto polished wood surfaces. With overall low eaves and delicate detailing throughout, it's described as having a "feminine beauty" in contrast to the powerful "masculine beauty" of the Kusakabe House, and as a masterpiece of refined townhouse architecture born of Hida's master carpentry skills, it's also popular among architecture fans and photography enthusiasts.
The residence of the Yoshijima family, prospering through raw silk
The Yoshijima family was one of Takayama's leading wealthy merchant houses, prospering from the late Edo period through the raw silk and silkworm cocoon trade and sake brewing. The current building was rebuilt in 1907 by master carpenter Nishida Isaburo after burning in the great fire of 1905. Designated a national Important Cultural Property in 1964, it's known together with the neighboring Kusakabe House as a leading representative of Takayama's townhouse architecture.
A soaring beam structure woven from light and shadow
The greatest highlight is the open space viewed from the entrance's earthen floor. The structure of beams and struts, geometrically assembled around a central pillar without a single nail, is breathtaking, as soft light streaming in from high windows and skylights traces along the beams, beautifully illuminating the polished floors and pillars. In contrast to the powerful "masculine" beam structure of the Kusakabe House, this one is described as having a "feminine beauty" for its delicacy and elegance.
The skills of Hida's master carpenters residing in every detail
The building's overall height is kept low, with delicate craftsmanship attended to in every corner of its design. The central pillar, polished to a dark sheen over more than a century, and the refined design of the fittings and transoms convey both the pride of the wealthy merchants who once supported Takayama's economy and the outstanding wooden construction techniques of Hida's master carpenters.
Seasonal Highlights
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in summer, so it's recommended to check the opening days before visiting.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in winter, an irregular schedule requiring confirmation in advance.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30-45 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Many tourists visit together with the neighboring Kusakabe Folk Museum; morning light is especially beautiful for photography
- Best time to visit
- A sunny morning when light streams in from the skylight
| Address | 1-51 Oshin-machi, Takayama, Gifu |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:30-15:30 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays in summer, Mondays through Thursdays in winter; subject to change) |
| Admission | Adults ¥500, elementary/junior high students ¥300 (groups of 30+: adults ¥450, elementary/junior high students ¥250) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 17 min walk from Takayama Station (JR Takayama Line)