The stairwell separates the private bedrooms from the public areas of the house. It is excellent exercise to go up and down the stairs several times a day. Since the ceilings are high, there are 14 stairs that lead to the mid-level landing and another 9 stairs that take you up to the second floor. It seems difficult to believe that the stairs have been in constant use for over 100 years without having undergone any repairs. Everything is original. The wood is of exceptional, local quality and the workmanship was uncompromising. The banister is made of beautifully worked hardwood and is framed by four handsomely carved end posts. At the mid-level landing, there is a large window that contributes natural light for a bright and cheery transition between the floors. The staff quarters are also accessible by a door that leads from the landing. The stairwell is a very good place to display paintings and artworks. Now we use this space to hang Yokohama-ei prints whose story you can read in the Family Room and Dining Room sections. We apologize that this area is not open to the public.