Former Yagyu Clan Chief Retainer Residence

In the late Edo period, Shurei Oyamada served as the chief retainer of the Yagyu Domain, which had a stipend of 12,000 koku. A man of remarkable talent, he was credited with restoring the domain’s finances. This residence, the Former Yagyu Clan Chief Retainer Residence, was built on land gifted to him by the domain’s lord in recognition of his achievements.

It is the only remaining samurai residence in Nara Prefecture. In 1964, it came into the possession of writer Sohachi Yamaoka, who is said to have developed the concept for the NHK historical drama Haru no Sakamichi, featuring Yagyu Munenori, while staying here. After Yamaoka’s passing, the house was donated to Nara City in accordance with his wishes. It has since been restored and opened to the public as a museum showcasing materials related to Shurei Oyamada, the Yagyu Domain, and Sohachi Yamaoka. Today, the facility also serves as the Yagyu Tourism Association.

Highlights include the lord's guest chamber, which remains as it was in the past, and a beautiful garden said to have been designed under the guidance of Kizu Sōsen, Oyamada’s tea ceremony mentor. On the west side of the road, visitors can also admire an impressive stone wall built by stonemasons from Owari.