Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd. Kake Branch Office: A Taisho-Era Former Bank in the Mountains of Hiroshima
Tucked away in the quiet mountain town of Kake in Akiota, Hiroshima Prefecture, the Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd. Kake Branch Office (株式会社日新林業加計出張所) stands as a tangible reminder of rural Japan's economic vitality during the Taisho era (1912–1926). Originally constructed in 1921 as a bank branch, this modest yet elegant wooden building was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property in December 2013, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
For international visitors exploring the less-traveled paths of western Hiroshima Prefecture, this cultural property offers a rare glimpse into the architectural heritage of Japan's mountain communities, where traditional building techniques met the demands of modern commerce in the early twentieth century.
History and Background
The building was erected in 1921 (Taisho 10) as a bank branch serving the town of Kake, which had been a thriving commercial hub in the mountainous interior of Hiroshima Prefecture. The area around Kake had long prospered through forestry and the iron sand smelting industry known as tatara, and the presence of a bank in the town attested to its importance as a regional economic center.
In 1966, the building underwent a partial renovation, during which tile cladding was applied to the lower facade on the front side. Despite this modification, the side and rear elevations retain their original vertical board wainscoting, preserving the authentic character of the Taisho-era construction. The building was subsequently repurposed as the Kake Branch Office of Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd., a forestry enterprise fitting for a region whose livelihood has been deeply intertwined with the surrounding forests.
Why It Was Registered as a Cultural Property
The Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd. Kake Branch Office was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) on December 24, 2013. The registration system, established in 1996, is designed to protect buildings constructed more than 50 years ago that possess historical, architectural, or academic significance, even if they do not meet the stricter criteria for designation as Important Cultural Properties.
This building was registered for its value as a well-preserved example of a Taisho-era commercial building in a rural mountain setting. Its architectural design, which cleverly disguises a single-story wooden structure as a two-story machiya-style townhouse through the use of extended eaves, demonstrates the ingenuity of local builders in adapting traditional Japanese construction techniques to create a dignified appearance suitable for a banking institution.
Architectural Highlights
Though compact in scale at just 61 square meters, the Nisshin Forestry Kake Branch Office is rich in architectural interest. The building faces north along the street, a typical orientation for commercial buildings in the Kake town center. Its most distinctive feature is the way a single-story wooden structure is made to appear as a two-story machiya (traditional townhouse) through the addition of extended eaves (hisashi) on the front and side elevations.
The roof is a hipped design (yosemune-zukuri) covered with san-gawara (pantiles), and the eaves are finished in a technique called dashigeta-zukuri with plastered walls (nurigome), giving the building a refined and substantial appearance. The windows above the eaves function as clerestory windows (takamado) on the interior, allowing natural light to illuminate the space from above.
While the front lower facade received tile cladding during the 1966 renovation, the side and rear walls still display the original vertical board wainscoting (tategami koshikabe-hari), providing visitors with an authentic view of Taisho-era construction methods. This contrast between the updated front and the preserved sides offers a fascinating study in how buildings evolve over time while retaining their essential character.
The Town of Kake and Its Heritage
The town of Kake, now part of Akiota Town following a municipal merger in 2004, has a long and distinguished history as a commercial center in the mountainous interior of western Hiroshima. The area was historically prosperous thanks to forestry, charcoal production, and the tatara iron smelting industry. In its heyday, the Kake Hondori Shopping Street boasted more than 100 shops, and the town served as a hub for commerce and culture in the Ota River valley region.
Today, Kake retains much of its nostalgic charm, with traditional buildings lining its shopping street and a relaxed atmosphere that invites leisurely exploration. The Nisshin Forestry building is one of two Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Akiota Town, alongside the Former Tsutuga Village Office, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the Nisshin Forestry Kake Branch Office will find themselves in an area blessed with natural beauty and cultural riches. The following attractions are easily accessible from Kake:
- Sandankyo Gorge (三段峡) — A nationally designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty, this 16-kilometer gorge is one of the finest in western Japan. Famous for its autumn foliage, emerald pools, and traditional ferryboat crossings, Sandankyo earned three stars in the French Guide Bleu Japon.
- Yoshimizuen Garden (吉水園) — An Edo-period strolling garden built in 1781 by the 16th head of the Kake Sumiya family, who operated tatara ironworks. Open to the public only twice a year (early June and November), the garden is renowned for its Moriao tree frogs and spectacular autumn maples known as "Edo Momiji."
- Ondo Dam (温井ダム) — One of Japan's largest arch dams at 156 meters high, located upstream on the Ota River system. The dam offers impressive views and periodic water discharge displays.
- Kake Hondori Shopping Street — The charming main street of Kake features traditional shops, local confectioneries, and retro signage that evoke the town's vibrant past.
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Q＆A
- Can I go inside the Nisshin Forestry Kake Branch Office?
- The building is a privately owned office of Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd. and is not generally open to the public for interior viewing. However, the exterior can be appreciated from the street at any time. Please be respectful of the property and its occupants when visiting.
- How do I get to Kake from Hiroshima City?
- From Hiroshima Bus Center, take the Hiroden Bus bound for Sandankyo (Route 74 via Kabe or Route 75 via expressway). The expressway route takes approximately 75 minutes to Kake. By car, take the Chugoku Expressway and exit at Kake Bus Stop Smart IC (ETC vehicles only, Hiroshima direction).
- What is the best season to visit the Kake area?
- Each season has its appeal. Late October to mid-November offers spectacular autumn foliage at nearby Sandankyo Gorge and Yoshimizuen Garden. Early June coincides with the spring opening of Yoshimizuen and the spawning season of the Moriao tree frog. Spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery along the Ota River are also beautiful.
- What does "Registered Tangible Cultural Property" mean?
- It is a national registration system established in 1996 to protect buildings typically over 50 years old that have historical or architectural significance. Unlike the stricter "designated" cultural properties, registered properties allow owners more flexibility in use and renovation while ensuring their preservation.
- Are there English-language signs or guides available in the area?
- English-language signage in the Kake area is limited. However, Sandankyo Gorge has some multilingual information available. It is recommended to research the area beforehand or use a translation app when visiting. The Akiota Town Tourism Association can provide assistance.
Basic Information
| Name | Nisshin Forestry Co., Ltd. Kake Branch Office (株式会社日新林業加計出張所) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Category | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Date | December 24, 2013 |
| Year Built | 1921 (Taisho 10) / Renovated 1966 |
| Structure | Single-story wooden building with tile roof, building area 61 m² |
| Original Use | Bank branch |
| Address | 3340 Kanda, Kake, Akiota Town, Yamagata District, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 75 minutes by Hiroden Bus from Hiroshima Bus Center (Route 75 expressway service), alight at Kake Chuo stop |
References
- 株式会社日新林業加計出張所 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/230438
- 文化財について紹介します — 安芸太田町公式サイト
- https://www.akiota.jp/site/kyoiku/1394.html
- 登録有形文化財（建造物）— 文化庁
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/toroku_yukei.html
- 特別名勝 三段峡 — Dive! Hiroshima
- https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/46/
- 吉水園 — 安芸太田ナビ
- http://www.akioota-navi.jp/html/kankou_spot_yoshimizuen.html
- 加計本通り商店街の旅 — あきおおたから
- https://cs-akiota.or.jp/special/kakesanpo001/
Last verified: 2026.03.24