The Homma Family expanded its business interests into commerce, finance, and landownership. In 1768, the head of the third-generation of the Homma Family, Mitsuoka built the samurai-style house for the feudal lord, Sakai who ruled over the Shonai domain. The purpose of the house was to accommodate the inspectors sent by the Tokugawa shogunate to observe the local political situation and people’s living conditions. Once the inspections stopped and the house was no longer needed, Sakai returned it to Homma, who built onto it in the merchant-style of architecture. It is the only house in Japan that has two different architectural styles. Visitors can view the home of the man who was once the wealthiest landowner in Japan.
