A Rice Storehouse of 1899
The Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse (太田家住宅米蔵) is a clay-walled rice storehouse of 1899 in Shidazawa, Haramachi Ward, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on November 2, 2018 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). In Japanese it is written 太田家住宅米蔵 and read Ōta-ke jūtaku komegura.
The Agency records a clay-walled storehouse of 2 storeys with a partial basement of 1 level, roofed in tile, with a building area of 127 square metres; registration number 07-0199.
The Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse stands behind the main house, toward the east, facing south. It was renovated in 2005 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
A Storehouse 8 Ken by 4 Ken
The Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse is a two-storey clay-walled storehouse with a gabled roof running east to west, 8 ken by 4 ken in plan (Agency for Cultural Affairs). A ken is the traditional bay of a Japanese building. With a building area of 127 square metres it is the largest of the four buildings after the main house.
Inside, both floors are divided into 3 rooms, and part of the building has a basement. Across the front runs an open lean-to roof on posts, without walls (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse was registered as a building that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency notes that its weighty yet colourful finish brightens the whole homestead.
A building meant to hold the harvest was given an exterior worth looking at, which says something about the standing of a landowning family.
What to Look For
What to look for on the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse is the combination of finishes. The walls are Namako-kabe, with tiles set in a lattice of raised plaster joints; the band under the eaves and the surrounds of the openings are done in black plaster, and the doors are iron, painted vermilion (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Lattice walls, black trim and red doors: it is this mix that leads the Agency to call the building both solid and showy.
Visiting
The Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse stands within a private property and its interior is not open. As it sits behind the main house, whether it can be seen from the road has not been confirmed. Directions are on the Ota Family Residence (Minamisoma) page.
Q&A
- When was the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse built?
- In 1899, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs; it was renovated in 2005.
- How large is the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse?
- It is a clay-walled storehouse of 2 storeys with a partial basement, 8 ken by 4 ken, with a building area of 127 square metres.
- What does the outside of the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse look like?
- Namako-kabe lattice walls, black plaster trim around the eaves and openings, and vermilion iron doors.
- Can I visit the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse?
- No. It stands on private property and is not open to the public.
- When was the Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse registered?
- On November 2, 2018 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse (太田家住宅米蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 12 Shidazawa, Haramachi Ward, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/11/02 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Clay-walled storehouse, 2 storeys with a partial basement of 1 level, tiled roof, building area 127 m² |
| Owner | Private owner |
| Public Access | Not open to the public (private residence) |
References
- Ota Family Residence Rice Storehouse (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00012484
- Cultural Heritage of Minamisoma: List of Designated Cultural Properties (Minamisoma City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.minamisoma.lg.jp/material/files/group/43/siteibunkazai.pdf
Last verified: 2026.11.02
