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The former residence of Rihei Nakamura, who was a comb craftsman and later, became a comb wholesaler in Narai during the Edo period. He dealt in Orokugushi combs.
The residence used to belong to a painted-comb wholesaler. It is dashibari-zukuri (beam-protruding) style, which is typical of Narai’s houses in town. When you look at the sunken hearth in the kitchen and the large open ceiling space, you can imagine what life was like in those days. It is open to the public as a city's cultural property.
A gabled building built in the Edo period. You can see the interior space of a typical town house of Narai-juku. There are also painted combs and tools on display.
Takero Ishii
Once the residence of the Nakamura family, the home of the former comb wholesaler is now open to the public as a museum.
We interviewed Takero Ishii. He is the assistant manager of the Social Pedagogy Section of the of Shiojiri City Board of Education.
“The residence was built around 1830 in the late Edo period. It is dashibari-zukuri style which means that the second floor protrudes somewhat.
The building is precious because it remains as it was in the Edo period. It represents the townscape of Narai-juku in Nakasendo.”
“The house’s wooden framework is fascinating. It shows exactly what a private home was like 170 years ago.
Usually some alterations are made to a house due to problems that arise as years go by, but this house is the only place in Narai-juku where we can see the exterior and interior exactly as it was at that time –
though there used to be as many as 200 of these houses here.”
“I recommend taking a tour of the inside. The guide will open antique wooden doors and windows and give explanations.”
In addition, the Nakamuras’ Residence is the place that motivated the residents to preserve the townscape of Narai-juku.
In the 1960s an offer was made to dismantle and reconstruct the building in the Japan Open-air Folk House Museum in Kawasaki City (Kanagawa Prefecture), but this prompted the residents to preserve the history of Narai, leading to the post town preservation project.
“The town of Narai is one where people actually live. There are few opportunities to see the inside of a building where someone lives. We hope that many people will experience the attractions of the Nakamuras’ Residence,” said Mr. Ishii.
“Come and see the residence. It is open even on Mondays,” Mr. Ishii added.
A gabled building built in the Edo period. You can see the interior space of a typical town house of Narai-juku. There are also painted combs and tools on display.
12 minutes’ walk
From the Shiojiri Interchange on National road 19, 40 minutes by car
From the Ina Interchange on National road 361, 30 minutes by car
311 Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture
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