It is worth the hour or two or three to visit the several free houses and one still private home if available (¥100) admission. All others are free but have very limited hours.

This area is very close to the castle and an easy walk. The houses are located in a residential area and are marked near the entry. No one was there when we visited and the buildings were open for viewing. Each house was set in its own little garden compound. The grounds were neatly kept and the pathways clear. You can look in the windows or take off your shoes and enter each building. Some rooms had a few artifacts from their former days. We appreciate the trust the country puts in tourists by leaving these important historical houses open for visitors and free of charge.