This was the home of Kōzaka Gorōuemon (dates unknown), who lived during the Edo period (1603–1867). As village head of Kita-Kinomoto, Gorōuemon oversaw local affairs on behalf of the regional governor and mediated disputes between villagers.
This house was built in 1847. At the time, strict sumptuary laws prevented non-samurai from owning houses that stood taller than 7.2 meters or had more than two floors. Such restrictions prevented wealthy merchants from building large, impressive houses which might outshine their social betters, the samurai.

 

※This English-language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.