Japanese Wax Museum & Kamihaga Residence

Kamihaga Residence

Kamihaga Residence

Kamihaga Residence

Kamihaga Residence

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  • Kamihaga Residence
  • Kamihaga Residence
  • Kamihaga Residence
  • Kamihaga Residence
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  • get_the_title($post->ID)
  • get_the_title($post->ID)
  • get_the_title($post->ID)

A Historic Wax Merchant's Estate from Uchiko's Golden Age

The Kamihaga Residence was the home of the Kamihaga family, the principal branch family of the Honhaga family, who operated one of the largest Japanese wood wax businesses in the country. Made from the fruit of the haze tree, this traditional vegetable wax brought great prosperity to Uchiko from the late Edo period through the early 20th century.

The estate includes ten surviving buildings, including the main residence, storehouses, and auxiliary structures, all of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Some date back to the late Edo period, when the Kamihaga family first established itself as a separate branch of the Honhaga family.

Particularly noteworthy is the kamaba (boiler house) and other wax-production facilities. These are the only surviving examples of their kind in Japan and provide a rare glimpse into the close relationship between local industry and daily life during Uchiko's most prosperous era.

Visitors can also enjoy the information corner and café located on the grounds. Guided tours are highly recommended for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Uchiko's history and heritage.

The attic and impressive roof structure of the main house can be viewed up close on the third floor.
The attic and impressive roof structure of the main house can be viewed up close on the third floor.
The tatami guest room of the main house. The connecting corridor leads to the dressing room and birthing room.
The tatami guest room of the main house. The connecting corridor leads to the dressing room and birthing room.
The main house and kitchen viewed from the spacious wax-bleaching yard.
The main house and kitchen viewed from the spacious wax-bleaching yard.
Inner courtyard.
Inner courtyard.

Check Point

Discover the Industry That Built Uchiko
Discover the Industry That Built Uchiko
Today, the Kamihaga Residence serves as the Japanese Wax Museum, preserving the history of the industry that laid the foundation for Uchiko's prosperity.

The exhibition hall explains the traditional Japanese wood wax production process through detailed models, displays, and video presentations, making it easy for visitors to understand how this unique material was made and used.

The museum also houses an exceptional collection of wax-making tools from Uchiko and the surrounding region. Among them are 1,444 artifacts designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, with selected items on display throughout the museum.

A visit to the museum offers a fascinating insight into the industry that shaped Uchiko's historic townscape and helped transform the town into one of the region's most prosperous communities.

Video

Information

Address:2696 Uchiko, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime, Japan
Tel:+81-893-44-2771
Opening Hours:9:00 - 16:30
Closed:29 Dec. – 2 Jan.
Admission:・Adults: ￥500
・Children (6–15 years): ￥250

Group Rates (20 people or more):
・Adults: ￥380
・Children (6–15 years): ￥200

Combined Ticket Available:
Includes admission to the Japanese Wax Museum & Kamihaga Residence, Uchiko-za, and the Museum of Commercial & Domestic Life.
Parking:No on-site parking available. Please use the nearby Machinami Parking Lot (paid parking).
Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anhBZMVYIdw&feature=youtu.be

MAP

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