The Only Surviving Unjoya Trading Post
The Former Shimoyoichi Unjoya (旧下ヨイチ運上家) is a Matsumae-domain trading post (unjoya) of 1853 in Irifunecho, Yoichi Town, Yoichi District, Hokkaido, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on December 28, 1971 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a building 34.0 by 14.7 metres, partly two-storeyed, under a gabled board roof, with a main and a lesser entrance on the north side; designation number 01818.
An Unjoya of the Matsumae Domain
The Matsumae domain set up about eighty unjoya across Hokkaido, trading posts whose dues it granted to retainers in place of fiefs (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Former Shimoyoichi Unjoya dates from 1853: a building 34.0 by 14.7 metres, partly two-storeyed, under a gabled board roof, with a main and a lesser entrance on the north (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Though altered in 1891, it keeps its original form. Two pictorial plans are designated with it.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
It is the only unjoya that survives and, as one of the few early modern buildings in Hokkaido, of high historical value (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It was designated an Important Cultural Property on December 28, 1971.
What to Look For
Look for the long 34-metre building and its two entrances on the north side (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Yoichi Town. No official information on opening days, hours or admission was found.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1853 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What was an unjoya?
- A Matsumae-domain trading post whose dues went to retainers.
- Why is it valuable?
- It is the only unjoya that survives.
- What is designated with it?
- Two pictorial plans.
- When was the Former Shimoyoichi Unjoya designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On December 28, 1971 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Former Shimoyoichi Unjoya (旧下ヨイチ運上家) |
|---|---|
| Location | 10 Irifunecho, Yoichi Town, Yoichi District, Hokkaido |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1971/12/28 (Showa 46) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 34.0 by 14.7 m, partly two storeys, gabled board roof; with 2 pictorial plans |
| Owner | Yoichi Town |
| Public Access | Opening not confirmed |
References
- Former Shimoyoichi Unjoya (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/38
Last verified: 2026.10.18