The Ohashi House was built in 1796 and belonged to the Ohashi family, wealthy rice merchants in Kurashiki. It holds typical machiya (town house) features of a wealthy merchant residence in Kurashiki. This includes tatami mat flooring, elegant sliding doors, front rooms used for entertaining guests, private quarters, and a kitchen. What makes this particular residence distinctive is that it is not built directly on the road, but has a front gate and open area. This architectural style was solely reserved for samurai residences, which further indicates the Ohara family’s local importance. The residence also features a guesthouse, which is rare for a merchant’s home. This is one of the few former merchant houses that is open to the public. It is also a designated National Important Cultural Property. The rooms contain family heirlooms and furniture of a traditional Japanese home. The Ohashi House is located only minutes away from the well-known canal area in Kurashiki.
