Kanzo Yashiki was the residence of the wealthy Takano Family, whose members took the name “Ihei” from generation to generation in Kamiozo-mura Village during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and served as titled peasants.
It was originally a thatched-roof building (copper plate roofing today for preservation purposes) characterized by a two-tiered raised section called Kebudashi in the middle of the gabled roof. The main building, five attached buildings, and the lot have been designated an Important Cultural Property as a prime example of folk houses that were typical to the eastern region of the Kofu Basin.
The residence was called “Kanzo Yashiki” (literally, “Licorice Mansion”), because the Takano Family used to cultivate the medicinal herb and offer it to the Shogunate during the reign of Tokugawa Yoshimune, eighth Shogun of the Tokugawa Family.
In the Hina Doll Decoration and Peach Blossom Festival in Koshu Enzan held from February 11 to April 18 every year, Hina dolls and hanging ornaments from the Edo Period (1603–1867) to Showa Period (1926–1989) are displayed inside Kanzo Yashiki.