We saw the signage along the road and followed it to Ohashi House. This old historical house is preserved for all to see, for a small entry fee. Explore the gardens and interior. It is beautifully preserved and a genuine gem.

The existing house and the rice storehouse were built around 1796. The Ohashi family moved to Kurashiki in 1705 and become a large land owner and made a fortune in rice and salt farming as well as in finance business. You can see their wealth in the size of the property. It is designated by the Japanese government as a nationally important cultural property. If you get the Kurashiki tourism pamphlet from your hotel, you can get a discount (100 yen) on the admission fee. It is a typical Japanese traditional wooden structure. But it has a unique cray tile walls. Inside the house, there are plenty of rooms to explore (you need to take off your shoes, of course). The house is well maintained and little gardens are charming. The house shows abundantly how the affluent class lived at that time. But it is still a traditional Japanese house. There is no gold leafed columns or elaborate ornaments. It retains the essence of Japanese "Wabi-Sabi" motif. So if you want some quiet moment and spend a time looking at an interesting Japanese architecture, you should visit the Ohashi House.