Inoh Tadataka’s Former Residence

The Former Residence of Inoh Tadataka, the man who drew the first complete and accurate map of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868)

Inoh Tadataka’s Former Residence, nationally designated as a Historic Site, is where Inoh Tadataka spent over 30 years of his life, from the age of 17 to the age of 50. In addition to the storehouse-style shop, in which the Inoh family carried out their sake brewery business, a main gate, a kitchen, a study room, and a storehouse made with earthen walls still remain. Because the storehouse is old-fashioned and the shop and front gate were constructed before Inoh Tadataka married into the family, these buildings are considered to be very old, even in Sawara.

In front of the former residence, which faces the Ono River, is a dashi, a stone stair-shaped dock used for loading and unloading cargo. This dashi is now used as the boarding dock for the Ono River Boat Tour. In addition, the Inoh Tadataka Museum is located across the Ono River from the former residence. In between these two building is Toyo Bridge (Ja Ja Bridge). The sound of water falling from this bridge has been designated as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.