Jananohana Goten Kurazashiki: A Hidden Gem of Meiji-Era Warehouse Architecture in Fukushima

Nestled within the lush grounds of "Hana to Rekishi no Sato Jananohana" (Ja no Hana Gardens, a Park of Flowers and History) in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, the Jananohana Goten Kurazashiki is a remarkable example of a traditional Tohoku-style kurazashiki — a fireproof earthen storehouse converted into an exquisitely decorated reception parlor. Registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1996, this two-story timber-framed building with its distinctive earthen walls stands as a testament to the wealth, refined taste, and architectural ambition of the Meiji-era rural elite in northern Japan.

What Is a Kurazashiki?

The kurazashiki (蔵座敷) is a distinctive architectural tradition found throughout the Tohoku region of Japan. While typical kura (storehouses) were built with thick earthen walls primarily to protect valuables from fire, floods, and theft, the kurazashiki took this protective shell and transformed its interior into a refined reception space or living quarters. The heavy earthen walls provided natural insulation — cool in summer and warm in winter — while the lavish interiors served as a symbol of the owner's prosperity and cultural sophistication.

The Jananohana Goten Kurazashiki is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of this building type, distinguished by the exceptional quality of its interior decoration. Unlike many kurazashiki that maintain relatively modest interiors, this building features elaborate painted screens, rare timbers, and artistic details that rival those of the adjacent main hall.

History: The Vision of Ito Wataru

The Kurazashiki was built as part of the larger Jananohana Goten estate, commissioned by Ito Wataru (1867–1918), a wealthy landowner and influential local politician from Motomiya. Ito Wataru served as both the town mayor and a prefectural assembly member, and he is also known as the father of Ito Hisao, the celebrated wartime-era singer and close friend of the famous composer Koseki Yuji, who inspired the NHK morning drama "Yell" (エール).

Construction of the estate began around 1904 (Meiji 37) and took approximately eight to ten years to complete. Ito Wataru was legendarily meticulous about the project, reportedly ordering sections to be torn down and rebuilt as many as seven times when the results did not meet his exacting standards. He traveled extensively to gather design ideas and personally oversaw every detail, from the selection of rare timbers to the commissioning of master artisans.

The Kurazashiki stands connected to the main hall (honkan), forming a unified architectural complex. While the main hall showcases spectacular carved entrance decorations modeled after those of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the Kurazashiki complements this with its own unique character — combining the robust, protective construction of a traditional storehouse with interiors of extraordinary artistic refinement.

Why Was It Designated a Cultural Property?

The Jananohana Goten Kurazashiki was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財) on December 20, 1996, under the Cultural Properties Protection Act. It was among the very first buildings in Fukushima Prefecture to receive this designation when the registration system was established that year.

The building was recognized for several important qualities:

• It is an outstanding example of the kurazashiki tradition characteristic of Tohoku-region estates, featuring exceptionally elaborate interior decoration that sets it apart from typical examples of the type.
• The interiors are adorned with painted screens (shohekiga), rare and precious timbers, and other special materials that match the quality of the adjacent main hall.
• As a two-story wooden building with earthen walls and iron-sheet roofing (teppanbuki), it represents Meiji-era construction techniques that would be extremely difficult to replicate today, both in terms of craftsmanship and the availability of materials.
• Together with the main hall, it constitutes a unique architectural ensemble with few parallels anywhere in Japan.

Highlights and What to See

Exterior: Namako-Kabe Walls and Unusual Windows

The exterior features distinctive namako-kabe (なまこ壁) patterned plasterwork, added during later renovations. Unlike typical storehouses that have small, narrow windows for security, the Kurazashiki has notably larger window openings — a deliberate design choice to allow natural light into the interior reception spaces, making the rooms more welcoming for entertaining guests.

Interior: Painted Screens and Rare Timbers

Inside, the Kurazashiki reveals an extraordinary world of artistic expression. The rooms are decorated with painted fusuma (sliding screen) artworks by painters of the Kano school and other renowned artists. Precious and rare timbers — some of which are no longer available today — were used throughout the construction, from structural columns to decorative elements. Every surface demonstrates the painstaking attention to detail that defined Ito Wataru's vision.

Connection to the Main Hall

The Kurazashiki is physically connected to the Jananohana Goten Main Hall (also a Registered Tangible Cultural Property), creating a seamless visitor experience. The main hall features remarkable carved entrance decorations inspired by the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, including a carving reminiscent of the famous "Sleeping Cat" (Nemuri-neko). Visitors can view calligraphy by historically significant figures such as Ito Hirobumi (Japan's first Prime Minister), Sanjo Sanetomi, and Kido Takayoshi.

The Garden Setting

The Kurazashiki sits within the expansive 33-hectare Jananohana Gardens, where seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year. Highlights include approximately 200 cherry trees in spring, a centuries-old wisteria with an 80-meter trellis in May, 400 rose bushes in early summer, and over 500 maple trees that turn brilliant crimson in November. The combination of architectural heritage and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable visit.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Motomiya City is centrally located in the Nakadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. The city has historically prospered at the crossroads of major highways connecting Aizu, Soma, and Miharu. Nearby attractions include:

• Nihonmatsu Castle (Kasumigajo) and the annual Chrysanthemum Doll Festival — approximately 30 minutes by car.
• Dake Onsen hot spring resort — about 20 minutes by car, offering therapeutic mineral baths at the foot of Mount Adatara.
• Adatara Highland — a scenic area for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
• Miharu Takizakura — one of Japan's three great cherry trees, spectacular in mid-April, about 30 minutes away.
• Bandai-Atami Onsen — a renowned hot spring area approximately 10 minutes by car.

Visitor Information

The Kurazashiki is located within the Jananohana Gardens and can be visited as part of the general garden admission. The garden admission ticket also serves as a year-round free pass, so visitors can return throughout the seasons at no additional cost. Photography inside the Goten (including the Kurazashiki) requires separate permission. A coin-operated taxi service is available from JR Motomiya Station to the gardens.