Rare in the mountain villages of Tachibana-machi Shiraki, the former Ouchi Residence retains machiya townhouse architectural characteristics, while its stout framework and large beams give the structure a rich farmhouse air.

The main structure was built around 1884 in the Meiji Era, and extensions were added in the early Taisho and Showa eras (early 20th century). Due to this style of construction, visitors can see the architectural styles of the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras all blended together at the former Ouchi Residence. Among the highlights are delicately crafted ranma (Japanese transom panels), long, seamless wood hallways, intricately constructed thick pine beams, and bamboo that covers the second-story ceilings. The second floor study room is surrounded by glass on three sides, creating a comfortable space that lets in plenty of natural light and breeze.

However, the former Ouchi Residence has not always been preserved in its current state. About 30 years ago, when the house was on the verge of going to ruins, Ms. Maki Tanaka and other local residents formed the Former Ouchi Residence Preservation Society and restored it to its current state through signature drives, the “One Roof Tile Campaign” fundraising effort, and petitions to the town leadership. Thanks to their efforts, the former Ouchi Residence was donated to the town and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2000.

At the Former Ouchi Residence, local women are known for serving a dish called the “mother’s meal.”

The menu, rich in originality and ingenuity, is filled with vegetables and mountain plants harvested in the area to make the most of local flavors. Dishes include handmade tofu and konnyaku potato jelly, traditional nukazuke pickles, Japanese-style nimono vegetables, shiraae tofu salad, and camellia sushi with its impressive red petals.

The dishes are an interpretation of seasonal ingredients through “beginning, bloom, and end,” tenderly incorporating the changing of seasons into food while bringing out the full flavors of local ingredients. A small cycle is created when those who receive gifts of vegetables harvested in the community then cook and share the food with the gift-givers. These traditions are packed with the wisdom of life in the satoyama, something we should learn now more than ever.

Tachibana-machi, Yame City is a beautiful mountain village with citrus and kiwi trees lining its gently sloping hills. In addition to the former Ouchi Residence, other sights include the Tanigawa Plum Grove, the Onoko Great Buddha, the Kosuke Tasaki Museum of Art, and the Tachibana Roadside Station.