Former Matsuzawa Residence

Do You Know About the Historic House in Akabane, Kita Ward?

There is a traditional Japanese house in the Akabane area of Kita Ward, Tokyo, where visitors can enter and even experience traditional Japanese farming activities with a reservation.

This time, I’d like to introduce the Kyu-Matsuzawa House and Akabane Nature Park, both located within a residential area.

Kyu-Matsuzawa House

The Kyu-Matsuzawa House is a historic residence designated as a cultural property of Kita Ward. This area frequently suffered from flooding until the early Showa period, so the estate was built on raised ground, about 1 to 2 meters higher than the surrounding area, to prevent water damage. The remnants of this raised foundation, along with a bamboo grove marking the estate’s boundary, still remain today.

The main house features four rooms arranged in a traditional “rice field” (田の字) layout. The construction technique used in the house involves slightly offset partition pillars, and the structure consists of a 9-bay-wide and 6.5-bay-deep main section, with an adjoining stable (umaya) protruding to the west, forming a unique shape.

The roof has a characteristic hako-mune (box-shaped ridge), and elements such as a built-in study area in the inner room and a connected stable leading from the dirt-floored entrance (doma) showcase the refined architectural style of an upper-class farmhouse of the time.

According to oral tradition, the house was built in 1844 (Koka 1). Based on the architectural style and materials, it is estimated to have been constructed between the late Edo period and early Meiji period.

Additionally, the warehouse (kura) on the property is believed to have been built even earlier than the main house. Since this historic house was relocated, a full-scale restoration was carried out during the relocation process. The house was carefully reconstructed to reflect its original appearance from the late Edo to early Meiji period, including not only the building itself but also its surrounding landscape, such as the raised ground and estate layout.

Kita Ward During the Edo Period

The original location of the Kyu-Matsuzawa House was in Ukima Village, which was then known as Musashi Province, Adachi District, Hirayanagi Territory, Ukima Village. This village was directly controlled by the Edo shogunate throughout its history.

One of the most valuable historical records of the area is the Kuroda Family Documents, which include a village registry (Meisaisho) compiled in 1804 (Kyowa 4). This document, believed to be a copy of an official village report submitted to the shogunate’s magistrate, provides detailed insights into the village’s condition about 200 years ago.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Ukima Village consisted of 55 households (52 farmer families, 1 tenant, 1 temple, and 1 Shugendo priest’s residence). A total of 271 people lived in the village (135 men, 133 women, 1 monk, 1 Shugendo practitioner, and 1 ascetic), along with five horses. The villagers primarily earned their livelihood by growing grains and poppies, making straw mats and cotton threads, and crafting ropes.

The Village’s Main Industry: Kaya Grass

Historical records indicate that about 78.2% of the village’s cultivated land was used for growing kaya grass, a type of perennial plant, including chigaya (Imperata cylindrica) and susuki (Miscanthus sinensis).

Kaya grass was in high demand as a thatching material for roofs, especially in Edo, where frequent fires made it an essential commodity. Despite suffering from frequent floods due to its proximity to the Arakawa River, Ukima Village benefited from the formation of fertile river islands (sandbars) along the river’s bends, which provided an abundant supply of kaya grass.

The villagers harvested kaya grass and transported it to Edo using the Arakawa River’s water routes, generating a steady income. According to historical records from 1881 (Meiji 14), the market price for kaya was 40 bundles per 1 yen or 35 bundles for higher-quality kaya used in straw raincoats.

The Kyu-Matsuzawa House was originally built in this environment, serving as a residence for people who lived off the kaya industry. Observing the house’s distinctive thatched roof and architectural features gives us a glimpse into what daily life might have been like back then.

Farming Experience

One of the highlights of visiting this site is the chance to experience traditional Japanese rural life through hands-on activities. The event schedule can be checked on the official website, and no reservations are required—simply visit on the event day to participate.

Visitors can make traditional Japanese toys such as pinwheels and bamboo copters, and during certain seasons, they can even try cooking rice balls (onigiri) using an old-fashioned kamado stove inside the historic house.

This immersive experience allows visitors to step into a scene reminiscent of historical settings seen in popular anime and manga, such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

8:00 to 16:30

Free