Yamanashi

Aug 24, 2014 - 1 min read

Kanzo Yashiki House

Edo Era residence preserved as a History Park

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Although the roof is not thatched, the style of the house is like some of the Shirakawa-go houses

View of the big house framed by the gate

A well stands in the grounds

The garden featured a small pond

A bamboo wind chime made the most enchanting sound

Looking into the back of the house from the garden

There is a sunken hearth near the staircase

Cold tea and fruit were very welcome in the sticky August weather

Tables and cushion seating for visitors

The first floor was a huge open tatami matted space

Stairwell in the big house

The second floor acted as storage for silk production equipment, old furniture, trays of dishes, and many other interesting things

View of the grounds from the second floor

View from second floor window

Lilies bloomed in the garden

Just opposite JR Enzan Station is a truly amazing place! A large Edo Era home and a collection of smaller buildings have been preserved as a kind of history park. If you translate the name, Kanzo Yashiki, into English, it means Licorice House. I gather that in Edo Era licorice was used for medicinal purposes. After exploring the garden and outbuildings, which include stables and a building currently being used as a library, I paid a small fee to enter the main house. I was served cold tea and peach slices, and plied with photo albums and brochures full of tantalizing images of persimmon stringing, koto concerts and Hinamatsuri displays. Incidentally, you can hire bicycles here for exploring Enzan's many other attractions.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

It was very quiet and peaceful the day I was there, but they hold interesting events here through the year, so I guess it is busy then.

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Yui Yamaguchi

Yui Yamaguchi 10 years ago

Such a big house! Looks very quiet and peaceful!

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