The Sakurai Family Residence in Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture, is the former home of the Sakurai family, one of the three most prominent ironmaking families in the region during the Edo period (1603–1868). Built in 1738, the residence is now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, preserving valuable examples of traditional architecture and the lifestyle of a powerful family involved in the local iron industry.
Okuizumo has been an important center of tatara ironmaking since ancient times. This traditional Japanese method used iron sand to produce high-quality iron, including tamahagane, a special steel traditionally used in the manufacture of Japanese swords. The Sakurai family played a central role in the industry and was appointed by the Matsue domain to oversee iron mines and ironmaking operations. The family consequently became one of the region’s influential households and contributed greatly to the local economy.
The Sakurai residence was more than simply a private home. It was also used as an official lodging facility when the lords of the Matsue Domain traveled through the area for inspections.
Among the distinguished visitors was Matsudaira Harusato, the seventh lord of the Matsue Domain, better known by his tea-master name Fumai. His visit brought particular attention to the elegance and refined atmosphere of the residence.
The complex includes the main house, storehouses, gates, and rooms designed in the sukiya-style, an architectural style strongly associated with the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. The buildings create a distinctive atmosphere in which elements of samurai residences and merchant houses are brought together.
Together, these structures provide an exceptionally valuable picture of a large estate associated with the tatara ironmaking industry during the early modern period. Walking through the grounds offers visitors a sense of the status, traditions, and daily life of the people who helped shape Okuizumo’s history.
One of the highlights of the Sakurai Family Residence is its beautiful garden, which is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
The garden was developed in 1803 in preparation for welcoming Matsudaira Fumai. Its carefully arranged landscape reflects the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the period.
A particularly striking feature is the waterfall flowing over exposed rock. Matsudaira Fumai himself is said to have named it Iwanami, meaning something like “waves of rock.” The flowing water resembles waves as it cascades over the rocks, creating a beautiful scene that changes with the seasons.
The garden is also surrounded by numerous maple trees. Fresh greenery appears in spring, deepens through summer, and transforms into brilliant autumn foliage. These maples are traditionally said to have been brought from Kyoto by a woman who married into the Sakurai family, symbolizing the cultural connections between Okuizumo and Kyoto.
The Sakurai residence attracted not only feudal lords but also artists and other cultural figures. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), the renowned Japanese painter Tanomura Chikuden is associated with the site, where he stayed and created works inspired by the surrounding environment.
A small rustic retreat where the artist is said to have spent time remains within the garden. It provides a glimpse into an era when artists sought inspiration by living close to nature.
The quiet surroundings allow visitors to experience a distinctive harmony between art, architecture, history, and nature. The atmosphere is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy traditional Japanese gardens and historic residences.
Next to the Sakurai Family Residence is the Kabeya Shuseikan Museum, which displays historical documents, artworks, crafts, and other objects passed down through the Sakurai family.
The museum opened in 1983 and today houses approximately 4,500 valuable items. Its collection provides a deeper understanding of the history of the Sakurai family and the development of tatara ironmaking in Okuizumo.
Exhibits include tools used in traditional ironmaking, historical documents, weapons, household furnishings, and other objects connected with the family’s life and work.
Visitors can also see hanging scrolls and decorative objects that were used when feudal lords visited the residence. These exhibits help convey the distinguished status of the Sakurai family and the formal culture surrounding visits by the Matsue lords.
Tatara ironmaking was at the heart of Okuizumo’s economic and cultural development. By exploring the museum’s collection, visitors can understand how iron production influenced the landscape, industries, communities, and everyday life of the region.
The Sakurai Family Residence and its surrounding area form part of the Cultural Landscape of Tatara Ironmaking and Rice Terraces in Okuizumo, which has been selected as an important cultural landscape by the Japanese government.
This designation recognizes the close relationship between the area’s natural environment and the activities of the people who have lived and worked there. The landscape was shaped over generations by agriculture, forestry, ironmaking, and settlement.
In 2017, the garden was officially designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, further recognizing its cultural and landscape value. The Sakurai Family Residence is therefore significant not only for its architecture, but also for its garden and its place within the wider cultural landscape of Okuizumo.
In recent years, the Sakurai Family Residence has attracted additional attention after being used as a filming location for a television drama. In particular, a drama broadcast in 2023 featured the residence as a model for a prestigious family, bringing the site to the attention of a wider audience.
Its historical architecture and beautifully preserved gardens also make the residence an attractive destination for photography. The combination of traditional buildings, carefully designed landscapes, and seasonal scenery creates many opportunities for memorable photographs.
The Sakurai Family Residence is approximately 20 minutes by car from Izumo-Mizunari Station on the JR Kisuki Line. Surrounded by the peaceful natural landscape of Okuizumo, the residence provides an opportunity to slow down and experience the region’s history and culture away from the bustle of larger cities.
The Sakurai Family Residence is a valuable cultural heritage site that preserves the history of Okuizumo, a region that flourished through traditional tatara ironmaking. Its substantial historic buildings, elegant garden, and extensive collection of historical materials offer visitors a vivid introduction to the lives and culture of the people who shaped this mountain region.
A visit becomes even more rewarding when combined with the neighboring Kabeya Shuseikan Museum, where visitors can explore the history of the Sakurai family and the tatara ironmaking industry in greater depth.
With its beautiful garden, historic architecture, artistic heritage, and surrounding mountain scenery, the Sakurai Family Residence is a place where history, nature, and Japanese aesthetics come together. It offers travelers a peaceful and memorable way to discover the cultural heritage of Okuizumo.