Hakogi House (箱木家住宅), thought to date from the 14th century, is regarded as Japan's oldest surviving farmhouse. On 22 May 2026 it was recommended for upgrade to National Treasure, which would make it the first farmhouse ever given that status. It now stands above the Tsukuhara lake in Yamada-chō.
Why it's unique
It is regarded as the oldest surviving farmhouse in Japan, and on 22 May 2026 it was recommended for National Treasure status, which no farmhouse has held before.
You can go inside and see the work of the original carpenters, adze marks on the floors and doors, and the earthen-floor kitchen stove.
Before you go
Look at the floors and doors: the adze marks of the original carpenters are still visible, and the earthen-floor kitchen stove survives. The family claims a founding in 806; experts date the present form to the Muromachi period.
It was moved a short distance in 1977 when a dam flooded the valley, so it now stands above the Tsukuhara lake. It is only open at weekends, and the bus terminates nearby, so plan the return.
