The Kusakabe family was among the wealthiest in Takayama, growing their fortune through a variety of businesses such as money exchange, and eventually becoming an official merchant for the Shogunate by the end of the Edo period. This townhouse was constructed in 1880 following a major fire in 1876. The architecture features an elevated eaves roof, unique exterior touches like corner-patterned windows, and corner-cut windows on the facade. Inside, a grand, open-air space is created by leaving the areas above the 'oue' (living room) and 'doji' (alleyway) open, and imposing beams made from large red pine trees are used.Constructed during the Meiji era, when the constraints and customs of the Edo period were replaced by a newfound freedom, this house is a product of abundant Hida timber, the economic power of the 'danna-shu' (wealthy merchants), and the advanced architectural skills of Hida craftsmen. All these factors converged to build this extraordinary residence.Kusakabe Family Residence (Important Cultural Property)

Kusakabe Family Residence

The Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine, originally enshrined at Kakenoue (now Yasugawa-dori) in 718 (the 2nd year of Yoro), was venerated as the oldest guardian deity of the Takayama region. In 1586 (the 14th year of Tensho), it was relocated to its current location when Kanamori clan, the feudal lord of the time, developed the castle town.The Mizuma clan, believed to be the direct descendants of Hida Gon-no-kami Fujiwara Muneyasu, revered as the "founder of Hida craftsmanship," distinguished themselves with excellent sculptures and carried the title "Mizuma Sagami no Kami" for four generations since the middle of the Edo period. Specializing in the construction of shrines and temples through generations, the worship hall of the Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine was crafted by the third-generation Mizuma Sagami.One of the unique beauties of Hida's shrine and temple architecture is the elegance of the roofs. The curvature of the roofs, which reflects the beauty of Hida's mountains, is shaped by the sensibilities of the master carpenters, following oral traditions passed down through generations.The Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine is considered one of the three major shrines in Higashiyama, alongside Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine and Nishikiyama Shrine, and is regarded as the oldest shrine in Takayama City.The Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine Shinai, displayed during the festival on May 5th, was crafted by artisan Taniguchi Yoka in 1847 (the 4th year of Koka). It has been designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Asset by the prefecture. Additionally, the octagonal mikoshi has been designated as a tangible folk cultural asset by the city.Owner: Higashiyama Hakusan ShrineStructure: Single-layer irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable roof) with a copper plate roofLocation: 1-74 Wakatatsu-cho, Takayama City

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