​Chapter One

The Prosperity of Onomichi as a Port Town

More than 100 years ago, in 1912, the final year of the Meiji era, Onomichi was flourishing as one of the leading port towns of the Seto Inland Sea.

During the Edo period, the development of the western coastal shipping route brought Kitamaebune merchant ships to Onomichi.

People, goods, and culture arrived from all over Japan, and the town prospered as a thriving centre of commerce.

Land reclamation at Yakushidō-hama, Kōjindō-hama, and Tsuchidō-hama expanded the town. Later, Onomichi magistrate Hirayama Kakuzaemon developed Sumiyoshi-hama, helping Onomichi Port grow into one of the most important ports in the Seto Inland Sea.

Along Nakahama Street, which led towards the harbour, rickshaws, horse-drawn carriages, and carts passed by without pause.

The streets were filled with the energy of merchants, townspeople, and travellers.

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Chapter Two

Takeuchi Kengyō, the Blind Musician

It was during this era that Takeuchi Kengyō, a blind musician from Onomichi whose real name was Takeuchi Shirotsugu, built this residence.

Although he lost his sight at a young age, Takeuchi Kengyō devoted himself to mastering the koto.

He became known throughout Japan as one of the leading performers of traditional jiuta and koto music during the Meiji and Taishō eras.

His teacher was Kuzuhara Kōtō, a renowned master from Kannabe.

Throughout his life, Kuzuhara Kōtō kept the Kuzuhara Kōtō Diary using wooden movable type.

This wooden type is recognised as an important achievement in the history and culture of blind people in Japan. It is said that Helen Keller, who later visited Japan, also expressed great admiration for its significance.

Takeuchi Kengyō carried on his teacher’s legacy. While training many students, he helped preserve and pass Japan’s koto music tradition on to future generations.

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Chapter Three

Tsubame Yashiki — A Home That Lived with Sound

Having lost his sight at an early age, Takeuchi Kengyō experienced Onomichi through sound.

The whistles of ships entering and leaving the harbour.

The ringing of the bell from Jōdoji Temple.

The voices of people carried on the sea breeze.

The lively sounds of merchants and travellers passing along Nakahama Street.

It is said that among these sounds, the beautiful notes of Takeuchi Kengyō’s koto echoed through the town.

Takeuchi Kengyō is believed to have built this residence with one wish in his heart:

“I want to create a home that lives with sound.”

In time, the people of Onomichi began calling the residence:

“Tsubame Yashiki”

— the Swallow Residence.

It is said that this home was created with another heartfelt wish:

“Like swallows returning in spring and departing in autumn, may this be a place where travellers can rest their wings.”

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Chapter Four

More Than a Century Later — Onomichi Tsubamedo

Following a major renovation in the Reiwa era, the building was given new life while carefully preserving the character and atmosphere of its past.

An original wooden building plaque bears the inscription:

“Built in July 1912 — Patron: Takeuchi Shirotsugu”

Even today, this plaque quietly tells us that the building is deeply connected to Takeuchi Kengyō.

The old beams and lattice doors carry the marks of more than 100 years, continuing to warmly welcome everyone who visits.

Then, in December 2025, the place once known as Tsubame Yashiki began a new chapter as:

Onomichi Tsubamedo

— a small inn welcoming only one group per day.

The culture carried by the Kitamaebune merchant ships.

The history of the port town of Onomichi.

The sound of Takeuchi Kengyō’s koto.

The spirit of music inherited from Kuzuhara Kōtō.

And the wish held within this home — to welcome travellers.

More than a century later, Onomichi Tsubamedo continues to weave a new story as a place where travellers from around the world can rest their wings.

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​To Our Guests

We invite you to relax and enjoy your time here while experiencing the history and stories that live within this building.