Nabari Todo Family Residence Site

In the quiet residential streets of Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, a doorway to history quietly stands open.
Just a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nabari Station lies a samurai residence that appears to have been frozen in time since the Edo period.

This is the Former Tōdō Family Residence — a place where the past still lingers.

Surrounded by white walls and black wooden fences, the stately gate welcomes visitors into a world far removed from the noise of the modern city. Step through, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a serenity that speaks of another era.

Echoes of the Tōdō Clan, Lords of Iga and Ise

The Tōdō clan was one of Japan’s powerful daimyō families during the Edo period, ruling over the regions of Iga and Ise. As feudal lords, they governed with both military and political authority.

This residence once belonged to the Nabari branch of the Tōdō family, likely the home of Tōdō Takayoshi’s descendants. The building remains largely unchanged since the late Edo period, preserving its historical integrity.

Today, visitors can explore the main house and its beautiful garden — both of which are designated as Prefectural cultural property of MIe prefecture. The atmosphere speaks of dignity, tradition, and quiet elegance.

A Moment of Peace in a Samurai’s World

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the scent of tatami, the view of the garden from the engawa (veranda), and furnishings that speak of the home’s long history.
Among the most fascinating features are the letters, swords, and pieces of armor displayed in the exhibition rooms — tangible reminders of the lives once lived here.

The inner garden is meticulously maintained, featuring stone lanterns, stepping stones, and a harmonious balance that offers visitors a true sense of Japanese aesthetic calm.

In spring, cherry blossoms flutter gently into the garden, blending beautifully with the traditional scenery — a view that feels almost poetic.

 

In Nabari, Silence is the Ultimate Luxury

This is not a flashy tourist attraction.
But the Former Tōdō Residence holds something even more precious: a quiet, enduring beauty that tells the story of everyday samurai life.

Visitors are few, which only enhances the experience. Take a seat on the tatami floor, feel the sunlight filter through the shoji screens, and imagine the lives of those who once called this place home.

It’s a true hidden treasure of Japan — a place known only to those who seek it out.

Why not take a quiet journey into the past and experience the charm and history of Nabari for yourself?