This was once the home of the first generation silk mill owner, Kunizo Hayashi of Hayashi Silk Mill, who built the foundations for the development of the silk industry in Okaya. The house displays a skillful integration between traditional Japanese architecture and Western techniques with a Western section and Japanese tea room all in one building, creating a dignified and gorgeous atmosphere. The Japanese-style room covered in wallpaper called “kinkarakawashi,” an art of Western decoration, and the transom carvings brimming with master craftsmanship are not to be missed.
▶Former Hayashi Family Residence, Designated Cultural Property of Japan website
♦Address and telephone number
2-20 Mikura-cho, Okaya City, Nagano, Japan, 394-0043
Tel: 0266-22-2330
♦Inquiries
Okaya City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Properties Section
Okaya Art and Archaeological Museum, 1-9-8 Chuo-cho, Okaya City, Nagano, Japan, 394-0027
Tel: 0266-22-5856 / Fax: 0266-22-5854