Yamanashi

Kanzo Yashiki House

Edo Era residence preserved as a History Park

Cathy Cawood Aug 24, 2014 - 1 min read

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

<p>View of the big house framed by the gate</p>

<p>A bamboo wind chime made the most enchanting sound</p>

<p>Looking into the back of the house from the garden</p>

<p>There is a sunken hearth near the staircase</p>

<p>Cold tea and fruit were very welcome in the sticky August weather</p>

<p>Tables and cushion seating for visitors</p>

<p>The first floor was a huge open tatami matted space</p>

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

<p>View of the grounds from the second floor</p>

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.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...