Honmaya Former Residence

The Honma family's former residence is extremely rare in that it combines two architectural styles: a samurai residence and a merchant house. Normally, a samurai residence is designed for the purpose of a samurai's residence and defense, while a merchant house is built for the purpose of a merchant's office and business. However, in the Honma family's former residence, these two functions are integrated, creating a unique architectural style. This rare architectural style is evident in the structure and arrangement of the building, as well as the layout of the interior. The grandeur of the samurai residence and the practicality of the merchant house are combined, with a beautiful garden, spacious earthen floor, and luxurious guest room. The design of the samurai residence's weightiness and the merchant house's desire for business prosperity are harmoniously blended, making its uniqueness and beauty attractive. The architectural style of the Honma family's former residence is unparalleled nationwide and is highly valued for its historical and cultural significance. For visitors, its uniqueness and beauty will be an attractive experience!

The pine tree at the entrance of the Honma Family's former residence, known as the "gate-covering pine," is a unique pine tree that stands as if covering the roof of the entrance. This pine tree symbolizes the spirit of the Honma Family, expressing the family motto of "never be arrogant, always remain humble." As the name "gate-covering pine" suggests, this pine tree symbolizes the virtues of humility and modesty, as can be seen from its posture. The Honma Family has actively contributed to the local community and led a simple and sturdy lifestyle throughout the generations. This pine tree is positioned as a symbol of the family's attitude and spirit. The gate-covering pine also plays a role in conveying its humility and modesty to visitors. Through this pine tree, visitors can feel the history and philosophy of the Honma Family. It also impresses the local people as if symbolizing the spirit of the Honma Family's contribution to the community. Its existence conveys history and culture along with the building itself, leaving a deep impression and respect on visitors!

Various events are held throughout the year at the Honma family's former residence, but one event that deserves special attention is the "Sakata Hina Street" event. This event, held annually from late February to early April, showcases the venerable "Hina dolls" that have been cherished since ancient times. The Honma family's former residence and Honma Museum feature limited-time exhibits of beautiful Hina dolls. Visitors can enjoy the traditional atmosphere in combination with the scenery of the samurai residence and garden. The exhibited Hina dolls are known for their intricate decorations and delicate craftsmanship, leaving viewers moved. "Sakata Hina Street" is a valuable opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. Visitors can appreciate the beautiful Hina dolls while touching on history and art. The exhibits at the Honma family's former residence and Honma Museum are particularly valuable and cannot be missed. For those who want to fully enjoy the charm of Sakata City, "Sakata Hina Street" is an event not to be missed. Please visit this event, where the beauty of the Hina dolls and the historical atmosphere of the Honma family's former residence merge, and have a special experience!

The "Shop" annex of the Honma family's former residence is where Honma Hikaru, the first generation of the Honma family, started his business as "Niigata-ya". This is a historic place where the Honma family has been engaged in business for generations, and exhibits are displayed to convey its history. Inside the building, there are displays of actual ledger rooms, lighting fixtures such as lanterns, kitchen utensils, and signs used in business. In addition, because there were many fires in Sakata City, firefighting equipment that the Honma family had prepared is also on display, introducing the Honma family's history and their journey with the community. This annex is a valuable place where you can experience the commercial activities of the Honma family and the history of the region. When you visit, please feel the history of the Honma family's business and the local community.

The Honma Museum of Art consists of the main building, Seienkaku, the garden, Tsuruma-en, and the exhibition hall. The site covers an area of approximately 1.7 hectares and was opened as a museum in 1947 with Seienkaku and Tsuruma-en. Later, in 1968, a new exhibition hall was built to exhibit a variety of collections and works by artists from both inside and outside Yamagata Prefecture. Seienkaku and Tsuruma-en were originally a villa built by Mitsumichi Honma, a wealthy merchant in Sakata, in 1813. It was used as a resting place for the lord of the Shonai domain during inspections of the territory. Seienkaku is a building in the shoin-zukuri style with a tea room called "Rokumeiro" and offers a beautiful view of Tsuruma-en from the second floor. The museum has a permanent exhibition mainly of its collection. Tsuruma-en is a pond garden with a spring-fed stream and is designated as a national scenic spot with Mt. Chokai in the background. The garden features famous stones brought by Kitamae ships, with the north side representing deep mountain valleys and the south side compactly reproducing the scenery of the satoyama and people's lives. The Honma Museum of Art combines the historic building of Seienkaku and the beautiful garden of Tsuruma-en, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the charm of both culture and nature at the same time. Various cultural events, such as exhibitions and public viewings of collections, are also held, making it a place where you can fully enjoy the charm of art and gardens!