About the Seishikan Middle Storehouse
The Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Middle Storehouse (静思館（旧冨田家住宅）中蔵, Seishikan Nakagura) is a two-story plastered storehouse built in 1934 in Ueno, Inagawa Town, Hyogo Prefecture, and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2004.
It stands on the north side of Tomita Kumasaku's estate, between the Northwest Storehouse and the Clothing Storehouse. It measures 2.5 by 2 ken (a ken is about 1.8 m), with a building area of 19 m², under a gabled pantile roof. The Water Tower stands between it and the Main House to the south.
Why the Seishikan Middle Storehouse was registered
The Agency for Cultural Affairs registered the Seishikan Middle Storehouse for its contribution to the historic landscape. It is the middle of three storehouses on the north side, and the town leaflet describes it as built much like the Northwest Storehouse.
It also serves as the backdrop to the Water Tower. Seen from behind the Main House, the white walls and tiled roof of the Middle Storehouse rise behind the tower, closing off the back yard.
What to look for at the Seishikan Middle Storehouse
The thing to notice is the base. The Agency describes the Seishikan Middle Storehouse as standing on a high plinth of cut stone with vents beneath the floor, lifting its contents well clear of ground damp.
The door is centered in the south wall, and a tiled canopy runs the full length of that side. The walls are white Shikkui plaster above vertical boards, and the window hoods rest on brackets. The Clothing Storehouse next door was designed to match, so the two side by side show the same type in two sizes.
Visiting the Seishikan Middle Storehouse
The town does not say whether the Seishikan Middle Storehouse can be entered; ask the caretaker on the day. Through the Service Gate and into the back yard, you will find it just north of the Water Tower.
Opening days and access are on the Seishikan page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Hyogo
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Middle Storehouse
- [ Himeji Castle & Kobe Night View Cruise ]
Q&A
- Where is the Seishikan Middle Storehouse?
- On the north side of the estate, between the Northwest and Clothing Storehouses, with the Water Tower between it and the Main House.
- How big is the Seishikan Middle Storehouse?
- It is a two-story storehouse 2.5 by 2 ken, with a building area of 19 m².
- What is special about the base of the Seishikan Middle Storehouse?
- It stands on a high cut-stone plinth with vents under the floor, keeping the contents away from damp.
- Why is the Seishikan Middle Storehouse a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- It was registered in 2004 for its contribution to the historic landscape, as one of the row of storehouses on the north side.
- Can I see inside the Seishikan Middle Storehouse?
- The town does not state whether it is open. The exterior can be seen from the back yard; ask the caretaker on the day.
Basic Information
| Name | Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Middle Storehouse (静思館（旧冨田家住宅）中蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 22 Ueno Machimawari, Inagawa Town, Kawabe District, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Registered in 2004 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 2.5 × 2 ken (ketayuki × harima), building area 19 m² |
| Owner | Inagawa Town |
| Public Access | Open to the public as Seishikan (free; closed Mondays) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: 静思館（旧冨田家住宅）中蔵
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00004160
- Inagawa Town: Inagawa Town Seishikan
- https://www.town.inagawa.lg.jp/soshiki/1036/gyomu/1/seishikan/6710.html
- Inagawa Town: Seishikan leaflet (PDF)
- https://www.town.inagawa.lg.jp/material/files/group/37/seishikan2.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.01
