Important Cultural Property
「Former Mikami Residence」
The former Mikami Family Residence was the home of the Mikami family, one of the most prominent merchant families in the castle town of Miyazu. Named “Mottoiya,” the family business included sake brewing, shipping, and thread wholesale. Mikami Kanbei, the second son of Uhei of the main Mikami family, established a new branch of the family in 1776 and built his residence on the current site.
The family business was named Mottoiya, and it is believed that the company was involved in the production and sale of mottoi, which were decorative cords used to tie hair.
In February 1783, the house burned down in the Sarashiya Fire, which destroyed the entire neighborhood. Reconstruction began immediately, and records show that the main building was nearly completed by December of the same year. The exterior is built with beautiful white walls, and the interior, including the tatami rooms, is of exquisite quality.
Japan Heritage
The Former Mikami Residence is registered as part of the following Japan Heritage sites:
Merchant Ships Carrying Goods, Culture, and Big Dreams
300 Years of Weaving - The Silk District of Tango
In 2003, eight buildings of the Former Mikami Residence were designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
The following eight buildings were designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
【Digital Motion Book】
This manga-style digital motion book can be enjoyed on your smartphone and will help you deepen your understanding of Former Mikami Residence. You can access it by scanning the QR code on the on-site signboard with your smartphone camera.
【Virtual Guide】
The Virtual Guide explains Former Mikami Residence using characters that appear in your smartphone camera in front of the actual cultural property.
(This content is only accessible at the cultural property.)
【GPS-Linked Digital Map with Historical Overlay】
The GPS-enabled digital map with historical overlay allows you to switch between a present-day map and a historical map. These maps let you see how the terrain or coastline has changed over time. It can also help you find your way to other cultural properties in Miyazu.
【Immersive Virtual Tour】
The immersive virtual tour is content that links 360° images of Former Mikami Residence to create a virtual space that you can navigate to visually understand Former Mikami Residence.
Address
1850 Kawara, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto-fu
