About the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse)
The Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (寿美吉旅館土蔵, former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse) is a two-storey earthen storehouse of 1923 adjoining the south side of the main house of the Sumiyoshi Ryokan in Honmachi 4-chome, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 3, 2024. It was the pawnshop's secure store for pledged goods (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a two-storey earthen-walled building with a sheet-iron roof and a building area of 59 square metres, renovated in the early Showa period; registration number 21-0306, with no owner listed. Sumiyoshi Ryokan is an inn on the west bank of the Miya River in central Takayama, originally the shop, house and storehouses of the Sumi pawnshop; its main house, kitchen wing and storehouse were registered on December 3, 2024 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse was registered as a building that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs singles it out for its high level of plasterwork.
What to Look For
The Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse is a two-storey earthen store running north-south, with a separately framed gabled (Kirizuma-zukuri) sheet-iron roof. Its openings have earthen doors and iron grilles, a heavily secured design (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
On the north side, facing into the main house, hang double doors of stepped plaster, with key parts picked out in black plaster (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Seen from inside the house, these doors show the plasterer's skill at close range.
Visiting the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse)
The Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse is part of a working inn, so its interior is seen by staying there; we found no official information on visits by non-guests. Details are on the Sumiyoshi Ryokan page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Gifu
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse)
- [ Shirakawago & Takayama Old Town Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse built?
- In 1923, renovated in the early Showa period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What was the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse used for?
- It was the pawnshop's store for pledged goods (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for at the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse?
- Earthen doors with iron grilles, and plastered double doors with black-plaster detailing facing the house (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse registered?
- On December 3, 2024.
- Can you visit the Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse?
- It is part of a working inn, and there is no official information on visits.
Basic Information
| Name | Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse) (寿美吉旅館土蔵（旧住質店質蔵）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-21 Honmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2024/12/3 (Reiwa 6) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | A two-storey earthen-walled building with a sheet-iron roof and a building area of 59 square metres, renovated in the early Showa period |
| Owner | Not listed in the national record |
| Public Access | Part of a working inn (no official information on visits) |
References
- Sumiyoshi Ryokan Storehouse (former Sumi Pawnshop Pledge Storehouse) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00015193
Last verified: 2026.10.06
