History of Hirokane Residence
The residence was built by Motoharu, the second-generation head of the Hirokane family, who served as a village headman in Ōnoro. During the late Edo period, the family accumulated considerable wealth through the operation of the Koizumi Copper Mine and the manufacture of copperas, or iron sulfate, a material used in the production of bengara, a traditional red pigment.
The mansion stands as a testament to the family’s prosperity and influence. Its grand design and imposing stone walls reflect the wealth generated by mining and pigment production in the Fukiya area. The property is also famous as a filming location for the Shochiku movie Yatsuhakamura, filmed there in 1977 and again for the 1996 film adaptation.
Castle-Like Architecture and Impressive Stone Walls
One of the most striking features of Hirokane Residence is its massive stone retaining walls, which give the property the appearance of a small fortress. Within the grounds are the main house, three storehouses, a traditional gate known as a sakuramon, and a row-house-style building. Together, these structures create an imposing architectural ensemble that evokes the atmosphere of a Japanese castle.
The main house was built in 1810, during the late Edo period, while a separate residential building was added during the Taishō period. The entire property covers approximately 2,581 square meters, equivalent to 781 tsubo, and the main house measures about 323 square meters, or 98 tsubo.
The garden contains a suikinkutsu, a traditional underground water feature that produces delicate, bell-like sounds as water drips into a buried vessel. This subtle acoustic feature adds a peaceful atmosphere to the expansive grounds and offers a contrast to the mansion’s imposing exterior.
Nearby Historic Residences and Film Locations
Another notable historic property in the surrounding area is Nishie Residence, which served as an official residence and administrative office for local village headmen who also carried out duties for the shogunate’s regional authorities. Like Hirokane Residence, it reflects the wealth and influence of the families who played important roles in the area’s history.
Nishie Residence is also known as a filming location for Tsuribaka Nisshi 18, a popular Japanese comedy film. Together, Hirokane Residence and Nishie Residence contribute to the historic character of the Fukiya region, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyles, architecture, and local culture of earlier centuries.
The Hirokane Family’s Prosperity
The Hirokane family served as village headmen in Ōnoro. Around the beginning of the 19th century, during the Kyōwa and Bunka eras, the second-generation head of the family operated the Koizumi Copper Mine and produced iron sulfate. These businesses generated substantial wealth, enabling the family to build a mansion of exceptional scale and grandeur.
The surviving stone walls remain among the property’s most impressive features. Their monumental appearance conveys the family’s former financial strength and social standing, while the layout of the buildings reveals the care taken to create a residence worthy of a prosperous landowning family.
A Famous Japanese Film Location
Hirokane Residence has gained nationwide recognition through its appearances in Japanese films. It was used as a filming location for the Shochiku adaptations of Yatsuhakamura in 1977 and 1996. Its imposing stone walls, traditional architecture, and dramatic setting made it particularly suitable for the atmosphere of the story.
The residence also appeared in Tsuribaka Nisshi 18, bringing the historic property to a wider audience. For Japanese film enthusiasts, a visit offers the chance to see the real locations behind familiar scenes while appreciating the architectural character that made the mansion such a memorable backdrop.
Experience the Grandeur of Historic Japan
A visit to Hirokane Residence offers an opportunity to experience the grandeur of a wealthy family home from the late Edo period. Walking through the grounds, visitors can admire the monumental stone walls, explore the traditional buildings, and imagine the lives of the merchants and landowners whose fortunes were built on copper mining and bengara production.
The mansion is also an excellent stop for travelers exploring the wider Fukiya area. Combined with nearby historic residences and the distinctive red streets of Fukiya Furusato Village, it provides a deeper understanding of the region’s industrial heritage, traditional architecture, and cultural history.
For anyone visiting Takahashi City, Hirokane Residence is a rewarding destination where impressive architecture, local history, and Japanese cinema come together in a memorable historic setting.