Once more we return to the Edo Period – to a day where five of the seven most famous nobles of Kyoto came to this house.
Known as the “Shichikyō,” the Seven were known to be at the forefront of the “Sonnō Jōi” movement. “Sonnō Jōi” means “To create a nation centered around the Emperor, and drive out foreign influence.” But their methods were controversial, resulting in exile from Kyoto and a subsequent flight to the Chōshū Domain. A year after their exile, five of the Seven tried to return to the Imperial Court at a time when Chōshū was amidst the planning of a coup. Halfway there, however, they heard of the coup’s failure, and decided to turn back the way they came. The five nobles came through Mitarai at that time and stayed at this house. They say that they spent two nights here waiting out the tides and winds, all the while praising the view of Shikoku from the house.
Speaking of which, this magnificent house once belonged to a village headman. Back in the days when there were no roads here, the property was enormous, as it included the surrounding grounds. No doubt the day the Five came was a memorable one for the master of the house at the time.
