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The Yoshijima House (1907) is an example of a large machiya — a wooden townhouse in Japan that combines dwelling and workplace, often for merchants or craftspeople.

This house was the residence of the Yoshijima family, their servants and workers. It was also a maker space, containing a sake brewery and storehouses.

Carried over from the farmhouse, the earthen floor area has evolved into a covered earthen passageway — often set to one side. This provides access to the kitchen, washing area and well, and eventually connects the street with the paved rear courtyard. While Yoshijima House now serves as a museum, this multipurpose workspace would have supported the activities of a small manufacturer.