Welcome to Our Home
A Living Legacy
Experience the harmony of Japanese tradition and Catholic heritage in our family home, where 16th-century samurai history meets spiritual transformation.
Our Family Legacy
From the Isshiki clan of the 16th century to today’s Catholic heritage
Our family’s history stretches back to the 16th century when we were known as the Isshiki clan. During the tumultuous era of warring daimyōs, as powerful families fought for the title of shogun, the Isshiki—governors of Iwataki and Ishida—found themselves in fierce battle with the Hosokawa clan, governors of nearby Miyazu.
This conflict, carried out under the command of the ambitious Oda Nobunaga, left its mark on the land. One street in Ishida still bears the name “The Slope of Battle” in remembrance of those times.
After the Hosokawa victory, some members of the Isshiki clan changed their name to Yamazoe and resettled in Ishida. A small hill, once used to monitor enemy movements over the Iwataki plains and sea, is now the Yamazoe family cemetery. Each year, our relatives gather here to clean and care for the graves—keeping alive a sense of connection, history, and belonging.
Our Home
Built by our grandfather with thoughtful craftsmanship and refined elegance
Built by our grandfather—a successful silk fabric factory owner and respected landowner—this house was designed to welcome business guests and esteemed visitors. It reflects the thoughtful craftsmanship and refined elegance of traditional Japanese architecture.
From the careful balance of simplicity and complexity in its design to the tranquil garden views, every detail of the house invites you to slow down and breathe. We hope you’ll experience the quiet calm that fills each room, a gentle stillness that soothes the mind.
Our Gardens
Where nature speaks through seasons and tranquil beauty
Step into our Japanese garden, where a stone lantern rests among pruned trees and moss-covered ground. In the backyard, you’ll find a wilder, woodland-inspired space that mirrors the changing seasons—framed by a mountain that shifts in color throughout the year.
The sounds here are few but rich: birdsong, the hum of insects, and the soft rhythm of a weaving machine from a neighbor’s workshop. It’s a space that speaks through nature.
Restoration with Respect
Preserving the original spirit while honoring generations past
Time took its toll on the house, but when we began restoration, we were committed to preserving its original spirit. The walls were restored by a master sakan plasterer and traditional shrine carpenters handled other key repairs. The only complete replacement during the restoration is the tatami mats in our tea room.
We chose to keep the small scratches and markings on the walls—reminders of the generations who lived, laughed, and grew here. These traces of the past are now part of the story we continue to share.