Choshu Nishi-ke Nagaya
Background
This structure is part of a bukeyashiki (samurai house) of the old Chōshū Domain located in the jōkamachi (castle town) of Kushizakijō; it is not the omoya (main building) but a nagaya (rowhouse) which was used as an annex to the residence's gatehouse before being relocated. The bukeyashiki belonged to the Nishi family, retainers of the Mōri of Chōshū. As hereditary vassals, the Nishi served Chōshū as Umamawari. Umamawari were a type of elite mounted guard whose battlefield roles included accompanying the general's horse around the battlefield, serving as the general's body guard, serving as a messenger, or fighting as an elite trooper. Peacetime roles included acting as a mounted guard, or performing administrative duties as the lord's aide-de-camp. In this role the Nishi family earned 220 koku. The construction date of the Nagaya is not known, but it is thought to date to the Late Edo Period.
| Choshu Nishi-ke Nagaya Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Choshu Nishi-ke Nagaya |
| Japanese Name | 長州藩西家長屋 |
| Year | Late Edo Period |
| Residence Type | Middle Class |
| Designations | Local Historic Site |
| Features | House |
| Visitor Information | Free |
| Location | Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Castle | Kushizaki Castle |
| Coordinates | 33° 59' 46.25" N, 130° 59' 15.47" E |
| Kushizaki Castle and nearby Samurai Homes | |
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| Admin | |
| Visits | |
| Added Jcastle | 2021 |
| Contributor | ART |
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