The Former Watari Residence (Tome City History Museum)

This elegant, well-preserved home offers a glimpse of upper-class life during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The residence occupies the original site of Sanuma Castle, which was constructed in the late twelfth century. The castle frequently changed hands over the centuries until 1591, when it came under the control of Date Masamune (1567–1636), a prominent daimyo lord who later founded the city of Sendai, the capital of present-day Miyagi Prefecture.

In 1757, Watari Tomoatsu was appointed to oversee the castle, and successive generations of the Watari clan lived there until 1868.

Takatane, the ninth head of the Watari family, had a new residence constructed on the former castle site in 1892. Visitors can see exhibits of his personal belongings, as well as works by cultural figures with whom he was connected. Agricultural tools and household items used in daily life are displayed at the Folk Tools Exhibition Hall on site.

An architectural legacy

The residence faces south and features a thatched roof built in the yosemune-zukuri hipped roof style, with four sloping sides that meet at a single ridge at the top. A gabled entrance on the southwest side provides access to the interior, which includes connected sitting rooms that look out over the lovely garden. High-quality zelkova wood was used around the alcove in the reception room, lending the home a refined and elegant appearance.

The garden’s focal point is a beautiful Japanese red pine tree, estimated to be between 300 and 350 years old. The main building, together with the tea room and front gate, is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The residence serves not only as a historical site, but also as a venue for community activities, including tea gatherings, cultural lectures, and the starting point for walking tours.

After looking around the residence, visitors can explore the neighboring history museum to gain a better perspective on the residence’s historical background. The museum’s exhibits present Tome’s history from the prehistoric Jomon period (c. 14,000–900 BCE) through to the Edo period (1603–1867). Emphasis is placed on the culture and daily life of samurai and townspeople during the Edo period, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.