Kamihaga Residence

The Kamihaga Residence (上芳我邸, Kamihagatei), located in the charming Yokaichi Old Town, was once the home of the Kamihaga family, a branch of Uchiko’s influential Honhaga family. This spacious Meiji-period residence is now a museum showcasing Uchiko’s wax industry. The Kamihaga family, along with the Honhaga family, made Uchiko famous for its high-quality wax, especially with the iconic "Crane in the Sunrise" label. By the time of the 1900 Paris World Expo, Uchiko’s wax reached international acclaim.

Inside the Kamihaga Residence, visitors can explore a wax museum with exhibits in both Japanese and English. The displays creatively illustrate the wax-making process, with miniatures and historical products. The residence itself offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prosperous family in the early 1900s, blending traditional tatami rooms with Western-style elements that reflect the town’s cultural evolution.