The Former Okada Family Residence is a historic traditional townhouse in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it preserves the architectural character of a merchant’s home from the Edo period (1603–1868). The property was once the residence of Rihei Okada, who served as mayor of Itami City.
The townhouse was originally built in 1674 during the Edo period as a private residence. It was later adapted for commercial use, reflecting the development of Itami as a center of sake brewing. In 1715, a sake brewery was added to the north side of the main building. This brewery is regarded as the oldest surviving sake brewery in Japan, making the property especially valuable for understanding the country’s traditional brewing industry and merchant culture.
The residence was originally built by a merchant named Yohei Matsuya. Ownership changed several times over the centuries, and in the Meiji period (1868–1912), it came into the possession of Shozo Okada. The buildings underwent repeated alterations and additions as the business and the needs of their owners changed.
In 1992, the former shop and sake brewery were designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Detailed dismantling surveys and restoration work began in 1995, allowing the buildings to be preserved and their historical features carefully recovered. The residence opened to the public in 2001 as part of the Miyano-mae Cultural Zone, together with other cultural facilities.
1674: The original townhouse was built.
1715: A sake brewery was added to the north of the shop.
1729: Seiemon Kanoya purchased the brewery from Yohei Matsuya as the business began to decline.
1876: Another brewery was built on the east side of the shop to expand production. The business later closed, and Shozo Okada became the owner, undertaking major renovations.
1925: The property passed to Itami Liquor Industry.
1968: After being transferred to Otegara Shuzo, the business eventually ceased operations.
1987: Itami City acquired the property. The shop and brewery were demolished, and the Itami City Handicraft Center was established on the site.
1995: The former Okada brewery buildings underwent dismantling surveys and restoration.
2001: The restored property opened to the public as part of the Miyano-mae Cultural Zone, alongside the Itami City Handicraft Center.
The former shop now serves as an exhibition space introducing the history of the Okada family and Itami’s sake-brewing tradition. Visitors can learn about the lives of merchant families and the town’s commercial development through historical displays. Traditional furnishings, including chests of drawers and paper lanterns, help convey the atmosphere of a merchant household in earlier times.
The former brewery has been adapted into a multipurpose hall with seating for up to 150 people. Visitors can watch an audiovisual presentation titled “Itami: A Town of Sake Brewing”, which explores the area’s brewing heritage. The program is shown on a large 150-inch screen, offering an engaging introduction to the history of sake production in Itami.
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Last admission is at 5:30 p.m.
Closed: Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday, the facility closes on the following day.
Admission: Free.
Address: 2-5-28 Miyanomae, Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture 664-0895, Japan.
The Former Okada Family Residence is approximately an eight-minute walk from Hankyu Itami Station on the Hankyu Itami Line or JR Itami Station on the JR Takarazuka Line.
The residence is part of the Miyano-mae Cultural Zone, an area where historic architecture, art, and local heritage come together. Nearby attractions include the Former Ishibashi Family Residence, the Itami City Museum, the Kakimori Bunko haiku archive, the Itami City Museum of Arts and Crafts, and the Brewery Museum.
A visit to the Former Okada Family Residence offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Edo-period merchants and the development of Itami’s sake industry. Its preserved architecture and restored brewery make it a rewarding stop for travelers interested in traditional Japanese buildings, local history, and the cultural heritage of sake brewing.