What Is the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse?
The Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse (小原家住宅文庫蔵, Obara-ke Jūtaku Bunkogura) is a two-storey Dozo-zukuri earthen-walled storehouse in Nanjo, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, built in the early Showa period (1926 to 1945) and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 28 June 2017. Its building area of 43 square meters is more than twice that of the rice storehouse.
It stands west of the main house, facing east. A bunkogura is a storehouse for books, account ledgers and family records. The Obara building measures 4.5 meters along its length and 7.3 meters across, with a lean-to Geya roof on its front.
Stepped Plaster Doors
The openings are what catch the eye on the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse. Both the main door on the front and the window in the gable end close with pairs of Kakegonuri shutters. In this finish, the edges of each leaf and of its frame are built up in stepped layers of plaster that lock together when shut, sealing out sparks and flame.
A small hood shelters the window, and even the brackets that carry it are coated in Shikkui plaster. Carrying the plaster onto the supports of the hood as well as the shutters shows how seriously fire protection was taken.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the building as a substantial storehouse that helps form the landscape of the estate. It was registered as number 12-0222 for its contribution to the historic landscape.
A Timber-Lined Interior
Inside, the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse turns from plaster to wood. The floors are boarded, and the walls are lined with horizontal planks, a standard storehouse finish that keeps stored goods off the earthen walls and softens humidity.
The upper floor has a saobuchi ceiling, with boards laid over thin parallel battens, the same type used in reception rooms. With wood on floor, walls and ceiling, the upper room has a very different character from the heavy plastered shell outside.
Visiting
The Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse is privately owned and the interior is not open.
It stands inside the lot west of the main house and can hardly be seen from the road. Please do not enter the private grounds.
Q&A
- When was the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse built?
- In the early Showa period, between 1926 and 1945.
- How large is the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse?
- 4.5 meters by 7.3 meters, with a building area of 43 square meters.
- What are the exterior features of the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse?
- The front door and the gable window both close with double kakegonuri shutters of stepped plaster, and the brackets under the window hood are plastered too.
- When did the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse become a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- On 28 June 2017, as registration number 12-0222.
- Can visitors see the Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse?
- No. It is privately owned, the interior is closed, and it stands inside the lot where it can hardly be seen from the road.
Basic Information
| Name | Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse (小原家住宅文庫蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 54 Nanjo, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building), registration no. 12-0222 |
| Year Designated | Registered 28 June 2017 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-storey earthen-walled storehouse, tiled roof, building area 43 square meters |
| Owner | Private |
| Public Access | Not open to the public |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011642
- Cultural Heritage Online: Obara Family Residence Document Storehouse (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/245438
- Obara Family Residence: Main House, Detached Wing, Rice Storehouse, Document Storehouse, Former Nagayamon Gate, Front Gate (Tateyama City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.tateyama.chiba.jp/syougaigaku/page100122.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28
