The History of the Awa Miki Family
The Miki family has a long history associated with the Inbe people, who played an important role in ancient imperial ceremonies, including the Daijosai, a major ritual held to mark the accession of a new emperor. The residence was built in the 17th century by members of the Awa Miki clan and served as the family’s principal home.
In its original setting in Mitsugi Village, Oe District, in the former Awa Province, the house reflected the status and lifestyle of the local gentry, known as gōshi—warriors who lived outside the major castle towns. Today, it remains a valuable historical structure that conveys the traditions and social standing of a family deeply rooted in the region.
Historical Documents and Family Records
The neighboring Miki Family Museum displays documents and historical materials passed down through generations of the family. Among its most significant holdings are the Miki Family Documents, which have been designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokushima Prefecture. These records offer important insights into the history, society, and cultural traditions of the Awa region.
Traditional Architecture
The residence is a single-story wooden building facing south, with a hipped roof covered in traditional thatch. Measuring approximately 22.2 meters along the ridge direction and 9.3 meters across, the house has a spacious interior characteristic of substantial rural residences of its time.
Inside, visitors can learn about traditional domestic life through features such as the earthen-floored work area and the sunken hearth. The layout and construction preserve architectural details associated with the mountain-dwelling warrior class during the early Edo period.
Interior Layout and Distinctive Rooms
The house originally had an eight-room layout, including an earthen-floored area two bays wide. This area was later expanded by one bay, creating the three-bay space seen today. A room centered around an irori, a traditional sunken hearth used for cooking and heating, provides a sense of how the family once lived.
There are four tatami-mat rooms, including a distinctive room in the northeastern corner known as the Tengunoma. This room was reserved for the head of the household, reflecting the family’s traditional hierarchy and domestic customs.
The toilet was situated behind the tatami rooms. Together with the hearth room on the eastern side, it was connected by a corridor extending northward. These carefully arranged spaces offer valuable evidence of the architectural practices and everyday routines of the period.
Miki Family Museum
Located beside the residence, the Miki Family Museum exhibits historical documents and other materials preserved by the Miki family. The collection helps visitors understand the family’s legacy and the broader cultural history of the Awa region. The Miki Family Documents are particularly important to historians and researchers because of their designation as a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokushima Prefecture.
Volunteer-Operated Facility
The museum is managed by local volunteers, so opening arrangements may vary depending on their availability. Visitors are advised to check in advance before making the journey, particularly if they are planning a visit on a specific day.
Visitor Information
Admission and Access to the Buildings
Admission to both the Miki Family Residence and the Miki Family Museum is free. The residence can generally be viewed from the outside only. Anyone wishing to see the interior should contact the facility in advance to confirm whether entry can be arranged.
Opening Days and Hours
The residence and museum generally open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, while they are normally closed on weekdays. Unexpected circumstances may occasionally lead to closures even on scheduled opening days, so checking ahead is recommended.
Regular opening hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As the property is located on the southern mid-slopes of the Shikoku Mountains, snow and icy roads can make winter travel difficult. The facilities close for the winter from December through March, when visits are not possible.
Getting There
The Miki Family Residence is in a mountainous rural area, so traveling by private car or taxi is the most convenient option. A parking area with space for approximately 15 standard passenger cars is available at the site.
By Car
From Wakimachi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, travel south on National Route 193, then transfer to National Route 492 in Wakimachi. Continue south until you pass Mitsugi Simple Post Office, where a sign indicates the route to the residence. Follow the mountain road and the directional signs for approximately 3.5 kilometers to reach the property. The drive from Wakimachi Interchange takes about one hour.
By Public Transportation
From Anabuki Station on JR Shikoku’s Tokushima Line, the residence is approximately 50 minutes away by taxi. Alternatively, take the Mima City Bus on the Anabuki–Koyadaira route and get off at Takeyashiki bus stop. From there, the property is more than an hour’s walk away. Because the final stretch on foot is long and the route is mountainous, traveling by car is generally the more practical choice.
A Journey into the Mountain Heritage of Tokushima
Surrounded by the natural scenery of the Shikoku Mountains, the Miki Family Residence offers a rare opportunity to explore the architecture and domestic life of a rural warrior family from the early Edo period. Its traditional thatched roof, distinctive room arrangement, and historic documents provide a tangible connection to the region’s past. For visitors interested in Japanese history, traditional architecture, and local cultural heritage, this quiet mountain property is a rewarding stop in Mima City.