Sugano Residence

Sugano Residence (菅野家住宅, Sugano-ke Jūtaku) is a beautifully preserved home that once belonged to a wealthy merchant family in Takaoka. Located along the historic Yamachosuji Street, the residence offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the city’s past. Visitors can explore its traditional wooden rooms, admire the serene garden, and see the highlight of the house—an elaborate home altar (butsudan) that showcases both religious devotion and artistic craftsmanship.

This residence reflects the prosperity of Takaoka’s merchant class and their refined taste during the Edo Period. The building also features fire-resistant design elements added after a major fire in the early 1900s. A visit here not only reveals how people once lived but also provides insight into the city’s architectural and cultural history.