Old Bando Residence Classic Hall 旧坂東家住宅見沼くらしっく館

Edo era house for history and classic toys

The former Bando family residence dating from the Edo era was restored and designated one of Omiya City's tangible cultural properties in the 1990s. The original residents who were originally from the Kii Peninsula settled here as village chiefs, and under the Tokugawa shogunate, they developed the rice fields of the district. The house hosts seasonal events and experiences such as rakugo, craft lessons, and festive displays of decorations. The best part for young families is the trays full of traditional toys which you can play with - spinning tops, battledores, and all kinds of playthings of yesteryear. They also have takeuma, stilts of various kinds made of bamboo to try out. The guide I spoke to on my visit had lots to tell me about maintaining the interior and a little about the history of the district and the family. Admission to the house is free. When you enter, be sure not to step on the thresholds.