House of the Kumagai Family

In Omori, the House of the Kumagai Family offers a view into the domestic life of people who prospered around Iwami Ginzan. The Kumagai were influential merchants, involved in mine administration and active in finance and sake brewing under Tokugawa rule. After a major fire swept through the town in 1800, the residence was rebuilt in 1801 and enlarged over the following decades; today it is an Important National Cultural Property. Its scale stands out among the traditional houses along the street.

The property covers about 1,500 square metres and includes the main residence, five storehouses and service buildings. Its layout shows how living, work, reception and storage areas were organised in a merchant household; some displays of furniture, clothing and domestic objects change with the seasons. Public comments value the size of the house, its traditional kitchen and an underground stone room, and often mention helpful staff. This is more than a historic façade: understanding each room takes time and curiosity.

The house is at 63 Omori-cho, about a three-minute walk from the Omori Daikansho-ato bus stop; the Iwami Kotsu bus from Oda-shi Station takes around 30 minutes. It is open 9:30–17:00, closed Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday) and 29 December–3 January. Published admission is ¥520 for high-school age and above and ¥100 for primary and middle-school pupils; free parking is available. When planning the mine route, visit the house before or after the main street walk, check the bus timetable and avoid driving into the narrow historic lanes.