The Nasu Family Residence, also known as Tsuru-tomi Yashiki, is a historic traditional house in Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is closely associated with the legends of the Heike clan, which have been passed down through generations in this remote mountain village.
The residence is believed to have been built during the Bunsei era (1818–1829), in the late Edo period. Its distinctive architectural design and historical background make it an important place for understanding the traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage of the region.
The Nasu Family Residence is a representative example of a traditional house known as a heiretsu-gata minka, or parallel-plan farmhouse, a distinctive architectural style of this region.
The building has a long, horizontal layout, with a veranda running along the front. The Buddhist altar room, guest room, sleeping room, and living room are arranged side by side in a single row.
The building measures 25.09 meters along its length and 8.64 meters across. Its roof is constructed in the irimoya or hipped-roof style described as yosemune-zukuri. It was originally thatched, but the surface was covered with copper sheets in 1963 (Showa 38).
The residence was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan on June 28, 1956 (Showa 31).
The residence consists of four main rooms, known locally as Koza, Dei, Tsubone, and Uchine, together with an earthen-floored area called Doji. Each space had a specific role in the household and reflected the customs and daily life of the period.
Koza was a sacred room where deities and Buddhist objects were enshrined. In the past, women were prohibited from entering this space.
Dei was the largest room in the house and served as the guest room. It was also used for important family and community occasions, including weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial events.
Tsubone was used as a bedroom for the married couple. It was also a place where childbirth took place.
Uchine served as the everyday living room, functioning as the household’s dining and gathering space.
Doji was the earthen-floored area used for household work. It contained a wooden mortar for pounding grains and stone hearths of various sizes, which were used for everyday cooking and other domestic tasks.
The Nasu Family Residence is associated with a romantic legend involving Nasu Daihachirō, a general of the Genji (Minamoto) clan, and Tsurutomi-hime, said to be a descendant of Taira no Kiyomori, the famous leader of the Heike (Taira) clan.
According to the story, the two fell in love and formed a bond that crossed the divisions between the rival Genji and Heike families. Their love story has become one of the best-known local legends of Shiiba Village.
The tale is also commemorated during the Shiiba Heike Festival, held every November. The festival brings the story of the two figures to life and celebrates the village’s historical traditions.
It is also said that many of the Genji soldiers who came to the area remained there and settled. As a result, approximately 20 percent of Shiiba Village’s population is said to have the surname Nasu.
The Nasu Family Residence is open to visitors throughout the year. Its opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it is open every day.
Admission is 200 yen for adults. A combined ticket covering both the Nasu Family Residence and the adjacent Shiiba Folk Performing Arts Museum is available for 430 yen.
The residence is located along National Route 265, making it relatively easy to reach by road when visiting Shiiba Village.
Visitors can enjoy traditional local cuisine inside the residence by making a reservation in advance. The meals feature seasonal mountain vegetables, river fish, and game meat such as wild boar and deer. Handmade soba noodles and sesame tofu are among the popular dishes.
It is also possible to stay overnight in an adjacent building, allowing visitors to spend more time experiencing the atmosphere of this historic mountain village.
The Nasu Family Residence is more than an important historic building. It offers an opportunity to experience the history and culture of Shiiba Village through its traditional architecture, distinctive room layout, and the legends that have been passed down in the region.
Visitors can learn about the everyday lives of people in the late Edo period while discovering the moving story of the Genji and Heike families. The residence provides a memorable glimpse into the history and cultural depth of this mountain community.