Places of interest · Imai-cho
Imanishi Residence 今西家住宅
The fortress-like 'eight-roofed' house of Imai-cho's leading family, rebuilt in 1650 with its own courtroom and holding cell.
About
The Imanishi family led Imai-cho, and their house sits where the main street bends, with an upstairs window that looks straight down the road like a watchtower. A ridge tag records that it was rebuilt in 1650 by the seventh head, Imanishi Masamori, as a base for administering justice: the earthen floor served as an oshirasu court, and a small smoke-filled cell held suspects. Local tradition says Oda Nobunaga used the house as headquarters in 1575. Its many interlocking gables gave it the nickname Yatsumune, 'eight roofs'. It became an ordinary home in 1679 and was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1957.
Highlights
- Lookout window aimed down the street
- Earthen-floor court and smoke cell
- Layered 'eight-roof' gables
Tips
- Interior viewing is run by a preservation foundation; check opening days locally.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-19
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Open in the appNearby
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