Nomura Samurai House Virtual Tour｜Funny Backstories by Local Guide (Not in Official Guides)

0. Welcome to the Samurai’s Secret Life!

Ever wondered how a real samurai lived behind closed doors? This isn’t a dry history lesson. In this 3-minute virtual tour, I’ll take you through the Nomura House with the “funny backstories” you won’t find in any official guide.

In this tour, we’ll solve these mysteries:

• The Tiny Armor: Was the samurai really that small?
• The Stag Beetle Helmet: What does a “closed horn” symbolize?
• The Hidden Garden: Why it’s more than just a pretty view.

Let’s step inside and meet the spirits of the Edo period!

1. What is Nomura House? (Quick Overview)

Before we step inside, here are three things you need to know about this house. Think of it as a time capsule from the Samurai era.

• A High-Ranking Samurai’s Home: Built about 200 years ago, this was the residence of the Nomura family. They weren’t just soldiers; they were senior executive-level officials who served their lord for generations.
• The Only One of Its Kind: While many samurai houses exist in this district, this is the only one where you can actually go inside, walk the original floorboards, and feel the “soul” of the samurai life.
• Beyond Kyoto Style: Unlike the quiet, Zen-meditation gardens of Kyoto, the garden here was part of a samurai’s daily life. It feels like another dimension—as if the master of the house just stepped out for a moment and might return at any time.

2. Virtual Tour: Exploring Each Exhibit

The following explanations are crafted to infuse a humorous touch into the usual descriptions, drawing on the unique characteristics of Japanese culture to captivate virtual foreign visitors like you and inspire them to visit in person.

👉 Rest assured, more detailed and conventional explanations await you on-site!

2.1 Entrance/ Entrance

Q1.Armor：What is this armor?

　As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by this suit of armor. But here’s the secret: this isn’t just for display. It was actually worn by the first head of the Nomura family in real, brutal battles!

1. This is the actual armor worn by the first head of the Nomura family.
2. He earned recognition for his valor in battles while wearing this armor, which led to his promotion as a senior samurai.
3. This board provides insights into the details of the battles he participated in.
4. The lord of Kanazawa Castle was in a period of significant instability at that time.
5. The head of the Nomura family was said to have fought with a spear, his specialty.
6. Unlike the ornate armor often displayed in museums, this helmet is both compact and practical.
7. In Japan, the helmet part of the armor is called ‘kabuto’, meaning ‘a beetle’, and its frontal ornament is called ‘kuwagata ‘meaning ‘a stag beetle’.
8. Generally, this ornamentation and size of ‘kuwagata’ indicate the status of the samurai, but unlike stag beetles that usually have a pair of horns, this one is closed at the end.
9. As he was a low-ranked samurai at the time, he likely felt he had no other way to survive but to make his way with his spear, equivalent to a beetle’s horn.
10. The closed circle of the stag beetle ornament on his helmet might symbolize the dilemma he faced at that time!

Q2. Armor：Was he really as small as this armor suggests?

This is the question we, local guides, hear often from visitors! Looking at this armor, it’s hard not to wonder if samurai were all tiny.

Let’s look at the facts—and the story—behind the armor.

• Two Types of Samurai Armor: Samurai had two types of gear. One was bright, flashy armor for high-ranking generals to be seen on the battlefield. The other was functional, lightweight armor for soldiers who needed to move fast. This armor is the latter—built for speed and survival, not fashion.
• The Average Samurai Height: It’s true that the average Japanese man during the Edo period was about 5’1” to 5’3” (155–160 cm). But remember: samurai armor was custom-made, just like a modern suit. It fits the wearer perfectly, making it look small to our modern eyes.

1. Samurai armor comes in two main types, each with a distinct purpose in both appearance and function.
2. One is the luxuriously conspicuous armor of a general or a high-ranking commander, intended to boost morale on the battlefield.
3. The other is functional armor for front-line soldiers, like infantrymen, which prioritizes agility and ease of movement.
4. This armor is made to be lightweight and simple, with minimal decoration.
5. According to many studies, the average height of a Japanese man during the samurai period was about 5’1″ to 5’3″ (155 to 160 cm).
6. Armor was custom-made to fit the individual’s physique, so it’s natural that the armor on display would seem small to a modern viewer.
7. Japanese proverbs say that just as a tiger leaves its skin behind when it dies, a person should leave behind a good name.
8. Although this ancestor might have been small in stature and unremarkable in appearance, he not only successfully left behind his name but also his armor, just as a tiger leaves its skin.
9. Even today, his spirit seems to reside in his armor, protecting his family.
10. As the English saying goes, he is literally in armor—ready to defend his legacy.

2.2 Onikawa Bunko (Ancestors’ Valuable Archives)

This library showcases treasures passed down through the Nomura family for generations. While official guides might focus on dates and names, I want to share the human stories behind these artifacts—stories of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

👉Note: ‘Bunko’ means ‘library’ or ‘archive’.

Q1. Background：Why is there an exhibition room here?

You might wonder why a private home has such a large collection of treasures.

When the samurai era ended 150 years ago, many families fell into poverty and were forced to sell their heritage. The Nomura family, however, managed to hold onto their swords and private letters.

1. In the samurai residence area, high-ranking samurai maintained close ties with lords, aristocrats, and wealthy merchants.
2. They amassed impressive collections of rare and valuable items.
3. When the samurai era came to an end, many of them faced financial difficulties and were forced to sell their land and family possessions.
4. As a result, numerous precious samurai treasures were dispersed.
5. The Nomura family, however, managed to preserve ancestral swords and letters.
6. Visitors here have a unique opportunity to admire these samurai-era artifacts, typically found only in renowned museums.
7. The best part? It’s more affordable than visiting those heavily advertised and staffed museums.
8. A descendant of the Nomura family successfully preserved their ancestral home, overcoming various challenges and choosing not to turn it into a large public museum.
9. Moreover, as local guides, we can offer captivating and compelling explanations at a fraction of the cost of expensive museums!
10. Perhaps this is because we share a similar mindset and position as the lower-class samurais of that time, who had no choice but to serve.

Q2 .Letters：What is valuable in this letter of gratitude?

These look like ordinary letters, but they hold a massive secret. They contain a thank-you note from a samurai involved in one of the most famous betrayals in Japanese history.

💡 The Betrayal: Think of Judas or Brutus, but for Japan. A trusted retainer was so loyal, then suddenly, he turned on his boss (the de facto king of Japan) and ordered his troops to kill him!

1. This is a letter of gratitude from a samurai known for one of the most notable betrayals in Japanese history.
2. Just as “Judas” and “Brutus” are well-known examples in world history, he holds a similar position in Japanese history.
3. He sent his own troops to kill his boss, who was then the de facto king of Japan, while the latter was resting
4. He had been so obedient and loyal to that king up to that point that his betrayal is still considered a mystery.
5. At the time of the betrayal, before the lord of Kanazawa Castle assumed his position, he was subordinate to the murdered king and a colleague of the traitor.
6. If the king had not met his unfortunate end, there might not have been a Lord of Kanazawa Castle and its retainers, including the Nomura family.
7. The king’s tyrannical nature led to the punishment or forced removal of many of his subordinates who failed to meet his expectations, with the most severe consequence being ordered to commit seppuku (ritual suicide).
8. Experts suggest that fear, rather than respect or rationality, compelled many of his men to follow him.
9. Both the traitor and the subsequent lord of Kanazawa Castle might have faced their demise sooner or later.
10. It’s possible that it was the Nomura family, not the traitor that wanted to write a ‘thank you’ letter for the betrayal.

Q3. Swords: Were these swords actually used?

If you are a fan of Japanese tech, you probably love samurai swords. These aren’t just weapons; they are pieces of functional art. But here’s the interesting part: in the peaceful later samurai period, swords became less about fighting and more about status.

1. The late Samurai period was marked by relative peace, leading to the creation of many ornamental swords.
2. It’s astounding that these swords are more than two or three hundred years old because they retain both functionality and beauty.
3. It could be considered the last source of pride for the Samurai that they didn’t sell these swords, even amidst the decline of Samurai families.
4. ‘A sword is the soul of a samurai’ held great value. So, no matter how dire their circumstances, it might have been unthinkable to ‘sell their souls’.
5. Samurai stood in contrast to merchants who prioritized survival, even if it meant ‘selling their souls to the devil’.
6. It could be said, then, that the contest for leadership between the samurai and the merchants was predictable from the beginning.
7. For samurai who had survived by the sword for nearly a thousand years, the weapon became a legacy of pride, even in peaceful times.
8. This recalls the famous biblical saying, “Live by the sword, die by the sword.”
9. One might argue that the samurai proved this true across time and space—not necessarily in the literal sense.
10. They didn’t just die by the sword; they clung to it, refusing to sell, even when it might have been wiser to trade their legacy for survival.

Q4. Stirrup：What was this display used for?

This is a stirrup—the part of the saddle where a rider places their feet. But look closer: does this look like something you’d use in a dirty, violent battle?

💡 The “Golden” Rule of Kanazawa: This stirrup is decorated with silver wire. In the peaceful later samurai period, stirrups turned into art.

1. This is a decorative footrest that was placed on both sides of the saddle.
2. Stirrups were essential for maintaining posture during the violent movements of a horse in battle, allowing the rider to effectively attack opponents.
3. But this particular stirrup is decorated with embedded silver wire, not for practical use.
4. Similar to the swords mentioned earlier, stirrups also became adorned with decorative features during the peaceful samurai era.
5. It was designed and crafted by skilled artisans, a testament to Kanazawa’s long history of producing talented craftsmen.
6. While silver is commonly used for rings, it might seem extravagant to use such a valuable metal for stirrups, which are primarily for foot placement.
7. However, in Kanazawa, a well-known town famous for its gold leaf craftsmanship dating back to the samurai era, metals other than gold may not have been as highly valued.
8. Indeed, people in Kanazawa would never consider embedding gold in stirrups for ‘foot’ placement.
9. For the people of Kanazawa, gold holds utmost importance and is reserved for more significant applications.
10. This is perhaps why today we see many people delighting their taste buds and eyes alike with gold leaf ice cream!

Q5. Cigarette tray：Is this some kind of special craft?

Think smoking is just a modern habit? Think again. In the samurai era, smoking was as refined and social as the tea ceremony itself.
💡 The Samurai “Smoking Lounge”: This luxurious box isn’t just an ashtray—it was a portable social kit containing everything needed for a smoke break.he tea ceremony.

1. This was originally a portable kit designed for enjoying cigarettes anytime, anywhere.
2. The kit included all the essentials for smoking – a firebox, ashtray, smoking pipe, and a tobacco container – all neatly packed in a single box.
3. In contrast to today’s smoke-restriction era, smoking during the Samurai era was a social activity akin to the tea ceremony.
4. These kits were even used during tea ceremonies to entertainment guests.
5. Much like high-quality incense sticks, the fragrant smoke from these cigarettes was introduced into the tea room, allowing everyone to savor the aroma.
6. They were often adorned with maki-e decoration and remain popular as antiques to this day.
7. The glory of the samurai of that era has vanished like the dissipating smoke from cigarettes, leaving behind only this tobacco tray.
8. Yet, the samurai of that time might have been content not to experience the smoking restrictions of the modern era.
9. In modern Japan, smokers are isolated in a limited and confined space, smoking cigarettes shoulder to shoulder with each other.
10. Just like the samurais trapped in the smoke of their burning castle.

Q6. Samurai-period coins：What do the lines connecting these coins represent?

Looking at these old coins, you might think the math looks strange. That’s because Japan used a totally different system back then!

💡 Money is Rice: In the samurai era, rice was money. High-ranking samurai weren’t paid in cash; they were paid in rice, which held a stable value just like gold does today.

1. These are Samurai-period coins arranged with the most valuable koban—gold coins—on the far right, and the less valuable ones on the left.
2. The yellow lines connecting them indicate that they are of equivalent value.
3. Historically in Japan, binary and quaternary systems were used. Coins from that period, for example, often followed a quaternary system rather than the decimal system.
4. In practice, it was simpler to count money by halving coins—one half, then another—than by using the decimal system, which made fractional calculations more cumbersome.
5. At the time, Japan’s monetary system was still developing, and since trade was often based on the value of rice, there was little need for advanced systems like decimal-based calculations.
6. In fact, samurai were paid in rice, and both family status and individual rank were judged by the amount they received. Rice held a stable value, much like gold today.
7. But with the end of the samurai feudal era, rice lost its role as currency.
8. Even more sadly, since the 1950s, rice consumption has declined further with the growing popularity of bread in Japan.
9. In the samurai period, rice was the soul of the Japanese people—its value went beyond money.
10. Perhaps because Japan neglected rice for so long, it was punished by the god of rice. What was once priceless has, quite literally, become riceless.

Q7. Naginata：”What is this long stick?”

Think samurai only used swords? Meet the naginata—the weapon of choice for samurai women.

💡 The Samurai Woman’s Secret Weapon: While men were fighting on the front lines, samurai wives and daughters stayed home to protect the castle town. The naginata, with its long handle, was perfect for creating distance between them and an attacker.

1. That’s a naginata, a traditional Japanese weapon with a curved blade on a long handle.Its name literally translates to “mowing sword,” and it is often compared to a halberd or glaive in Western weaponry due to its similar form and function.
2. The naginata was primarily used by samurai women (the wives and daughters of samurai families) for self-defense and to protect their homes.
3. Unlike swords, which are made for close-quarters combat, the naginata’s long handle allowed the user to keep their distance from an opponent.
4. As the long handle provided leverage, even a less physically powerful person could use it effectively to fend off an attacker.
5. We find that many of our female guests are very interested in and pleased by this fact.
6. Perhaps it’s not just because the weapon was used by women, but also because of its beautiful, graceful, flowing shape—a surprising trait for a weapon.
7. Every samurai’s home proudly displayed a naginata, and everyone in samurai society knew it would be used in times of crisis.
8. Even if it was never actually used, the naginata was considered an ideal defensive weapon. Its mere presence conveyed formidable protective power—like a guardian deity quietly standing watch.
9. Perhaps that’s why our female guests often smile when they grasp the naginata’s true significance.
10. They might instinctively feel reassured—after all, this samurai house is clearly well-defended, even today!

Q8. ”What is the purpose of this document?”

This is an official document from the Lord of Kanazawa Castle, signed 400 years ago. At first glance, it looks like a boring piece of paper. But look closer—this was a “million-koku” secret.

💡 The “Million-Koku” Secret: The Kanazawa lord ruled the wealthiest domain in Japan. The new shogun in Tokyo was terrified of this power and accused the Kanazawa lord of treason.

1. This is an official certificate issued by the lord of Kanazawa Castle about four hundred years ago. It confirms that the Nomura family had the authority to manage a particular domain.
2. The land was located on the outskirts of Kanazawa, along the main route to the neighboring province, and it served as an important strategic point in times of emergency.
3. Even today, the area is known for rice cultivation and its famous spring water. The “two hundred koku” written here refers to the rice yield of that land.
4. One koku is the amount of rice one person consumes in a year—about 150 kilograms—so in theory, it could feed two hundred people.
5. The year recorded on this document corresponds to the establishment of the shogunate in Edo, present-day Tokyo.
6. At that time, the lord of Kanazawa Castle was suspected of treason by the new regime. This region, ruled by the Kanazawa lord, was known as the “million‑koku domain,” the wealthiest in the entire country.
7. Throughout history, supreme rulers have always wanted direct control over prosperous regions, and the shogunate often fabricated accusations of rebellion as a convenient excuse.
8. This document is a primary historical source showing the trust the lord placed in the Nomura family. Starting with this grant, they continued to receive land and eventually built this magnificent residence.
9. However… many visitors don’t show much interest in this document, and even local guides aren’t always eager to explain it. The worry behind that is quite understandable. After all, how frightening that cold reaction must be.
10. No matter how wonderful or historically valuable a document is, in the end, it’s still just words on paper, right?

Q9. ”What does this map represent?”

This wasn’t just a map—it was the “Google Maps” of the early modern Japan.

💡 The Samurai “Google Maps”: This was a best-selling map that gave a visual summary of 2,000 years of Japanese history and power. It was so high-quality that the top authorities recommended it.

1. This was one of the best‑selling maps of the samurai era. It gives a quick, visual summary of Japan’s two thousand years of history and shifting power structures—from the mythical age of the first Emperor (Emperor Jimmu) to the samurai era.
2. Its quality was so impressive that it even received an official recommendation from the top authority of the time, which was quite a sensation.
3. Because it remained popular for so long, you can still find copies today in used bookstores for tens of thousands of yen.
4. It makes perfect sense that the Nomura family, who managed the local domain, owned this map.
5. For strategists in military, economic, and administrative fields, it was basically the “Google Maps” of early modern Japan—though, of course, only the ruling class had access to it.
6. But while this map offers a broad geopolitical view, it tells us nothing about the future.
7. And then, suddenly, the samurai era ends.
8. In that sense, Google Maps might not be so different. It’s become so convenient that people have stopped thinking about directions altogether.
9. And when a natural disaster cuts off cloud services, people finally realize it:
10. If you rely too much on maps, you lose your sense of direction the moment they disappear—just like the samurai.

2.3 Japanese-style garden

Many visitors come to the Nomura House just to see this garden, often sitting on the wooden veranda (engawa) for hours, simply gazing at the water.

💡 The “Loud” Samurai Garden: Unlike the quiet, slow-flowing water in Kyoto, this garden features a meandering stream with a loud, lively waterfall. It’s a perfect reflection of the samurai spirit: active, powerful, and natural.

Q1 Background：Where does the water for this garden come from?

You might hear the roar of a waterfall, but where does all this water come from?

💡 The Samurai Irrigation Canal: This water comes from a large irrigation canal that was built 400 years ago to transport lumber for building the samurai district.

1. A large irrigation canal has been maintained in this former samurai residence area.
2. Originally, this irrigation canal was used to transport lumber when samurai residences were first constructed in this area.
3. Over time, many samurai residences including this one utilized the water from this canal to create their own gardens.
4. The garden here is one such example, and the waterway in front of the house is a remnant of this.
5. Before the house was restored in this way, it was a large mansion of about 1,000 tsubo (about 3,000 square meters).
6. Then the original garden would have been larger than this.
7. It is much smaller than the earlier version, but still has a samurai-like power.
8. The design philosophy of this garden came from a prominent samurai who was also a cultural figure, and perhaps this is why.
9. Unlike the tranquil aristocratic gardens with slow-flowing water, Kyo-ku-sui, featuring a meandering stream, creates a lively ambiance, reminiscent of a samurai’s garden.
10. But doesn’t the electrically-powered waterfall evoke the feeling of the lost power of samurai?

Q2 Open Veranda：What is it about this little garden that attracts us so much?

　Even though the garden is narrow, it feels surprisingly spacious and deep. How?

💡 The 400-Year-Old Guardian: The secret is the 3D arrangement of trees, lanterns, and stones. But the true master of the garden is the 400-year-old wax myrtle tree in front of you.

1. Although the garden is narrow, the dense, three-dimensional arrangement of each component makes it appear larger, thus creating a sense of spaciousness.
2. The well-balanced arrangement of components like trees, lanterns, garden stones, and kyo-ku-sui (meandering stream) imparts a feeling of unity and stability.
3. The carp glide silently through the stream, their quiet movement harmonizing with the lively cascade of the waterfall.
4. Due to its narrowness, it is designed for viewing from the open verandah rather than for strolling, ensuring that the viewer never feels disoriented.
5. The large mountain myrtle tree( a kind of myrica)in front of you is over 400 years old.
6. The first head of the Nomura family tried to plant and grow plants that grew in his hometown at that time.
7. The harsh climate and unforgiving soil proved a challenge, claiming most of the transplanted species
8. This tree, one of the few that survived, appears to be the guardian deity of this small garden.
9. Perhaps this modest tree, a survivor of adversity, serves as a silent guardian, reflecting the spirit of its planter.
10. If he had planted very beautiful and expensive pine trees, this garden would have been sold for a high price and would not exist like this. 

Q３🌳Which one is the 400-year-old wax myrtle tree featured on the official website?

You’ve found it—the guardian of the garden. But this isn’t just any tree; it’s a 400-year-old Yamamomo (literally “mountain peach”).

💡 The Unofficial Mascot: While this tree is supposed to bear red, strawberry-like fruit, that’s not why it’s famous. In Japan, trees like this usually live for only a century. But this one has survived for four!

1. This is the wax myrtle tree, known in Japanese as Yamamomo, which literally means “mountain peach.”
2. It’s a native Japanese species that grows in the mountains and produces red fruit that resemble oversized strawberries.
3. Botanically, it belongs to the Myrica family—its scientific name is Myrica rubra, and it’s also called Chinese bayberry or wax myrtle.
4. The fruit is said to be juicy and slightly tart, often enjoyed fresh or made into jam.
5. Typically, these trees live for several decades to a century, depending on climate and care.
6. So it’s quite rare to find one thriving in this garden, given the region’s harsh winter conditions.
7. Perhaps generations of this household have lovingly protected it—preserving a precious living legacy brought here long ago by the family’s first head.
8. I’m not sure if this venerable elder still bears fruit, but that hardly matters.
9. Because this tree now offers a different kind of harvest: it moves visitors from all over the world with the quiet beauty of this unpretentious garden.
10. To many, it may even feel as if the intangible fruit—like its spirit—is just as vivid and tart and tender as the real thing.

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2.4 Upper Level Room / Audience Room/VIP Room

　This is the most luxurious room in the house—the Jodan-no-ma, or the “VIP Audience Room.” Imagine this: even if you were the head of the Nomura family, you weren’t allowed to enter this room unless a lord was visiting!

💡 The “Imposter” VIP Room: Here’s the fun part: this room wasn’t originally here! It was actually moved from a real lord’s mansion during a 19th-century restoration. It’s a beautifully crafted imposter designed for one purpose: showing off.

Q1：Purpose：”What was this room used for?”

So, how did this room work? It was all about making the lord feel like a god.

1. This was a VIP room, known as a Jodan-no-ma, designed for inviting feudal lords. It was built one step higher than the rest of the house to signify its importance.
2. The upper-level room is an architectural style that originated about 400 years ago in samurai residences. Originally, lords included such rooms in their own homes to meet with their vassals.
3. Therefore, you can find similar rooms not only in the Nomura House but also in the residences of famous daimyo (feudal lords) throughout Japan.
4. Historians might wonder why an upper-level room exists in the Nomura House, given that it was not the residence of a lord.
5. The answer lies in its history—this room was not part of the original Nomura House but was moved from a related daimyo’s mansion during restoration in the mid-19th century.
6. These rooms are boldly and exquisitely crafted using expensive materials, such as ebony and black ebony, and feature elaborate techniques.
7. In such audience halls, bamboo blinds were often hung over the room to prevent the nobleman inside from being seen directly.
8. Naturally, nobles and lords did not want to be visible to the common people outside.
9. In modern Japan, you can find similar screens in many small houses, primarily used to maintain privacy.
10. However, the reason for using these screens today is often practical—to hide the inside of small homes and laundry drying indoors from view.

Q2：Coffered ceiling：“Is there anything special about this ceiling?”

Don’t forget to look up! This ceiling isn’t just wood; it’s a masterpiece of luxury.

1. This ceiling is constructed using a method commonly seen in grand halls, symbolizing high status.
2. It features a lattice-like framework made of long, thin wooden pieces, with a backing board attached to it.
3. Furthermore, this is a coffered ceiling—the highest class of ceiling—characterized by its concave upper surface rather than a flat one.
4. This style is also found in Renaissance architecture in Europe and has the effect of making a room appear larger than it actually is.
5. Various decorations and carvings can be added to the open spaces within the ceiling, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere of the room.
6. This ceiling is made of hinoki cypress, one of the finest types of wood used in Japan since ancient times.
7. Hinoki cypress remains a popular material in high-end construction today due to its beautiful white color, natural luster, and unique fragrance.
8. Even now, wealthy individuals install hinoki cypress baths in their homes to enjoy its soothing aroma.
9. In fact, the scent of hinoki cypress is said to have a calming effect on the brain, helping to stabilize the autonomic nervous system.
10. After all, it would be troublesome if a lord sitting beneath this ceiling became agitated. You wouldn’t want to risk being ordered to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) in a fit of their anger!

Q3：Paulownia wood floorboards：“Is this tatami mat special as well?”

What’s beneath your feet? It’s not just floorboards—it’s a piece of luxury that tells you exactly who was allowed to be in this room.

💡 The High-Maintenance Floor: These floorboards are made of paulownia wood, the same expensive material used for high-end chests because it repels insects.

1. Not only is the tatami mat special, but the floorboards beneath it are also uniquely crafted.
2. The floorboards are covered with paulownia wood, a material often used in high-end chests.
3. Using six-foot-long paulownia boards makes them even harder to source and significantly more expensive.
4. Paulownia wood has a component that keeps wood-eating insects at bay, making it an ideal material for chests of drawers.
5. So why would such high-quality paulownia wood be used for flooring?
6. There are many possible reasons, but one theory suggests that paulownia floorboards are chosen for their ability to retain warmth.
7. The interior of paulownia wood contains a lot of air, which doesn’t conduct heat easily, making it resistant to cold, much like a sponge.
8. However, its high air content renders it weak, easily scratched, and unsuitable for flooring.
9. Thus, paulownia floorboards are best suited for noble individuals who can tread gracefully without harming the surface.
10. Sadly, this suggests that paulownia wood can repel not only mold and pests but also commoners like us.

Q4. Glazed sliding door：“Is this glass shoji screen also from that time?

These glass screens might look modern, but they are over 200 years old. Two centuries ago, this was the ultimate “wow” factor.

💡 The Ultimate Status Symbol: Traditionally, Japanese screens used washi paper to let in light but block the view outside. Clear glass was different—it let you see the garden while keeping the wind and rain out.

1. The glass-filled shoji screens that allow you to see the garden from inside were made in those days.
2. The shoji screens, which could be mistaken for modern ones, would have been an object of amazement two hundred years ago.
3. In Japan, shoji screens made of washi paper have been used as window coverings since ancient times.
4. Shoji screens are highly practical, as they block wind while allowing enough light to illuminate the room.
5. However, unlike glass, they do not allow you to see outside while keeping the door closed.
6. But why didn’t the wealthy Nomura family opt for adding more expensive yet convenient clear glass?
7. Unlike shoji screens, this glass repels rain, keeps out wind, allows all light to pass through, and can be proudly displayed to those around it.
8. Since the introduction of glass was a symbol of westernization, its widespread use also signaled the end of the samurai period.
9. As if foreseeing this, they decided against turning the place into a glass house after all.
10. Instead, this very popular samurai mansion, which has gained worldwide fame, became another glass house open to the eyes of people in the Net world!

Q5.Sliding Screen Painting & Peony：“What kind of flower is depicted in this fusuma painting?”

Take a look at the stunning paintings on the sliding screens. They depict traditional landscapes and elegant white peonies, painted by the masters of the era.

💡 The Samurai’s Unlucky Flower: Peonies represent elegance and wealth, making them popular with lords. But here’s the funny backstory: peonies were considered unlucky among the samurai class.

1. The fusuma paintings depict traditional monochrome landscapes and white peonies painted by the best painters of the time.
2. Since the symbolic meanings of peonies are “elegance” and “wealth,” they are often depicted on fusuma paintings in the residences of lords.
3. Interestingly, peonies were considered unlucky flowers among the samurai class. Typically, when most flowers wither, both the flowers and the entire plant gradually decline and die.
4. Peonies, however, have such heavy petals that they cannot support their weight, causing the flowers to fall off while the stem remains intact.
5. The sudden and simultaneous shedding of petals reminded people of the severed heads of defeated samurai.
6. Yet, the sight of the delicate petals falling together conveys both strength and transience, making peonies a popular subject for paintings.
7. In China, their country of origin, peonies are called ‘the king of flowers’ or ‘the flower god’ because even a single bloom in a vase can create a luxurious atmosphere.
8. Unlike cherry blossoms or plum blossoms, which require many flowers and branches to create a beautiful painting, peonies can create a stunning image with just one flower.
9. While painters often needed to depict numerous flowers and branches for cherry or plum blossoms, a single peony was sufficient.
10. This seemingly lighter workload might be why the famous painter, tasked with decorating so many fusuma panels in this house, chose peonies!

2.5 Tatami Rooms（1F)

Q1.nail head covers：What are these ornaments?

1. These are ornaments used to conceal nail heads.
2. In many Japanese houses, they serve as decorative accents, available in various designs.
3. Notably, they are made from rare black persimmon wood, not metal.
4. Black persimmon refers to the black-patterned part of persimmon trees that appears after more than a hundred years.
5. Valued for its durability, unique coloration, and beautiful grain, black persimmon is also used in high-end furniture.
6. Ordinary nail head covers are often made from metal, which can be mass-produced using molds at a lower cost.
7. However, these wooden ornaments must be individually hand-carved by skilled artisans, enhancing their value.
8. In English, the expression “to drive a nail” means to complete a task.
9. However, in Japan, driving a nail doesn’t signify the job is complete.
10. The task is only finished when the nail is carefully concealed—not simply by driving it in.

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Q2. ”What’s written on this hanging scroll?”

1. Well… unless you’re a specialist, it’s almost impossible to read it accurately. But we believe it contains moral teachings for samurai.
2. During the samurai era, it was common to write ethical lessons—blending Shinto, Confucian, and Buddhist ideas—in classical Chinese-style poetry.
3. It was a way of reminding warriors to balance everyday life with spiritual cultivation.
4. This particular scroll was written by the fifteenth lord of the Kanazawa domain. The signature on the left is his pen name, which makes the piece historically valuable.
5. Ironically, the samurai era ended when he was only ten, and his family had to leave Kanazawa Castle after the fourteenth generation. Even so, he remained part of the nobility and even studied in England in his early teens.
6. Because he was both a nobleman and a cultural figure, someone likely commissioned him to write these “words to live by.”
7. He was probably influenced by British ideas of knighthood—everything from the heroic “knight in shining armor” to the “carpet knight,” the sort who talks bravely but never sees a battlefield.
8. He must have heard phrases like “chivalry is not dead”… or perhaps “chivalry has gone,” depending on who he met.
9. Sadly, many visitors today aren’t very interested in the deep meaning of this scroll. Instead, they’re more fascinated by scrolling their own devices for trivial information.
10. If he could see that from the afterlife, he might sigh and say, “The spirit of the scroll has gone!”

2.6 First Floor Hallway

Q1. Paulownia Wood Box：What is this box for?

Many visitors often find themselves captivated by the beauty of the garden’s veranda, and we generally prefer not to interrupt that natural flow of attention. That’s why we don’t always actively explain this particular box right away. However, we’ve noticed that many guests are curious about it and often ask questions. So, this short story is based on those very inquiries.

1. This is a paulownia wood box designed to hold the birdcages of bush warblers, enhancing the beauty of their songs.
2. The Japanese bush warbler has held a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people for centuries, announcing the arrival of spring with its beautiful call.
3. Dating back over a thousand years to the aristocratic age, the Japanese practiced “Uguisu-awase,” a competition where they would cage bush warblers in spring and vie for the most beautiful songs.
4. Moreover, paulownia has been considered a sacred tree for birds since ancient China, so using such a box also reflected a profound respect and affection for these creatures.
5. Of course, in modern Japan, this custom has largely disappeared due to animal welfare concerns.
6. Indeed, some visitors who see this paulownia box in person may find the practice of caging bush warblers to be cruel or distressing.
7. Historically, caretakers ensured the birds had proper ventilation, but it’s understandable how a seemingly closed box might appear distressing to modern visitors.
8. Let’s just say I don’t always volunteer information about this box unless asked.
9. Part of it is to avoid any impression of cruelty, but there’s also a somewhat inconvenient truth.
10. I’m afraid it might simply highlight an unsolved paradox: that we’re here saying the Japanese weren’t abusing birds, while simultaneously enjoying perfectly grilled and skewered yakitori all across the country.

2.7 Tea Room（2F)

The tea ceremony room is one of the main attractions of the Nomura house. While many visitors appreciate it at first glance, there are subtle aspects and deeper meanings that may go unnoticed without some explanation. I hope the following imaginary small talks can help enhance your understanding!

Q1.Backgound：“How do people have tea in this room?”

This is a question we’re often asked when showing visitors around the tea ceremony room. For those unfamiliar with the tea ceremony, they likely have no clear image of what it’s like to actually drink tea in this setting.

1. It was fashionable during the time of the daimyo lords and high-ranking samurai to have tea rooms in their residences.
2. They wanted to showcase not only their martial arts skills but also their refined intellectual tastes.
3. If this tea room is available and you’re interested, you can even experience tea here.
4. You can enjoy tea while sitting on the tatami mat and listening to the sound of the curved stream in the garden below.
5. If sitting in seiza (the formal Japanese sitting position) is uncomfortable, you’re welcome to sit at ease instead.
6. Since this tea room is on the second floor, we also recommend gazing out the window at the serene garden.
7. Having a tea room on the second floor is quite rare. In fact, even a famous temple in Kyoto boasts a second-floor tea room as one of its key attractions.
8. Interestingly, the Nomura house doesn’t actively promote their unique tea room, which might reflect the modesty often associated with samurai.
9. However, samurai were often ridiculed by merchants for lacking business acumen or promotional skills at the time.
10. If the residents of this house had known what merchants thought of them, they might have responded with, “It’s none of your business!”

Q2. Entrance：“Why is the entrance so narrow?”

This is another question that is often asked, and like Q1, it is a simple question for many foreign visitors who are unfamiliar with the world of tea ceremonies.

1. In tea ceremonies, the entrance is deliberately made narrow to ensure that guests do not bring in weapons or belongings and must lower their heads and upper bodies to enter, symbolizing equality.
2. Inside the room, the seating arrangement for hosts and guests is typically determined by roles rather than social class, reflecting an egalitarian philosophy.
3. The fundamental principle of the tea ceremony ensures that status or wealth is irrelevant, allowing everyone to be treated equally and enjoy tea together.
4. During the era of the samurai, society was highly stratified, with samurai at the top of the hierarchy.
5. It’s fascinating that the tea ceremony, which disregards social status, became popular among the samurai class.
6. Particularly during the civil war period about 500 years ago, when samurai lived with the constant risk of losing their lives in battle, the tea ceremony may have created an extraordinary world of equality and hospitality.
7. Another theory suggests that the egalitarian ideals of Christianity influenced the tea ceremony.
8. Around the time the customs of the tea ceremony were being established, Christianity was first introduced to Japan by Spain and Portugal.
9. However, the ruling authorities of the time banned Christianity, viewing it as a dangerous ideology.
10. If that theory is true and Christianity had not been banned, the name of the tea ceremony might have been quite different. Instead of a “Tea Ceremony,” we might be calling it a “Christiani-tea Ceremony”!

Q3. Tea Room：Ceiling：This ceiling is a very unusual structure.

1. You have a keen eye for noticing and appreciating such beauty, as most people overlook its subtle charm.
2. The ceiling features a unique construction with two layers, using cedar on top and paulownia wood beneath.
3. This design allows you to catch glimpses of the beautiful paulownia wood through small knotty holes.
4. Paulownia wood is prized for its resistance to warping and changes in size, ensuring it maintains its exquisite appearance indefinitely.
5. The rare cedar used here is known as ‘Jindai Sugi,’ which means ‘cedar of ancient times.’
6. These cedars were buried in the ground like volcanic ash, for hundreds of years. During this time, they lost their moisture and developed a captivating sheen.
7. In the tea ceremony, there were instances where a guest’s aesthetic sense was sometimes evaluated based on their ability to appreciate unusual materials such as ‘knotty holes’.
8. Guests who could not grasp the value of this ‘knotty holes’ were sometimes viewed with disdain in Japan as a person with eyes like ‘knotty holes’.
9. That’s why I’m sharing this explanation with guests who possess a refined aesthetic sense, like you, today.
10. After all, I wouldn’t want to be considered a “knotty holes-eyed” guide myself.

Q4. Antechamber：Does this floorboard have any special meaning or characteristics?

1. The floorboards are made from a single piece of a 1,000-year-old maple tree, which is incredibly precious and rare.
2. Maple wood is generally light cream to reddish-brown in color, with a straight, fine, and uniform grain, which gives it a unique beauty.
3. Maple wood is commonly used due to its hardness, strength, durability, and impact resistance, making it a popular choice for furniture and musical instruments.
4. However, this maple board is not only ancient but also precious in a double sense, as it’s rare to find and procure maple trees large enough to craft such an expansive single piece.
5. The Nomura family must have been quite wealthy to have such a contraption not only in the tea ceremony room but also in the antechamber.
6. While wealthy individuals often use rare and expensive materials to show off, the samurai’s way of displaying wealth may have been a bit different.
7. For example, a maple tree could have been used  as a distinctive accent in a ceiling, allowing waiting guests to enjoy the view of imagined autumn leaves.
8. On the other hand, the use of inconspicuous floorboards may have been intended to evoke the image of autumn leaves falling into the meandering water of the garden.
9. Perhaps the maple tree was chosen to avoid being pestered by many visitors, especially the lord’s lieutenants.
10. Since the language of maple flowers symbolizes reservation, could it have been meant to represent a thousand years of restraint, rather than a thousand years of loneliness？

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Thank you 🔶 Afterword

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