Fujita Family Residence Storehouse

What Is the Fujita Family Residence Storehouse in Nishijin?

The Fujita Family Residence Storehouse (藤田家住宅土蔵, Fujita-ke Jūtaku Dozō) is a two-story fireproof storehouse of Dozo-zukuri construction, built in the early Meiji period (1868 to 1882) on the grounds of the Fujita Family Residence in Yamana-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, and it was entered on the register of Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2015.

The storehouse stands at the very back of the rear garden behind the main house, facing south, right beside Tea Room Yoshin. It is small and almost square, 3.4 meters on each side, with a building area of 14 square meters.

A word on names: another registered "Fujita Family Residence Storehouse" exists in Yokooji, Fushimi Ward. That one was built in 1876, registered in 1998, and belongs to a different family. This storehouse belongs to the weaving family's townhouse in Nishijin.

Why It Was Registered

The Fujita Family Residence Storehouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 26, 2015 (registration number 26-0468), for its contribution to the historic landscape of the country.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs singles out what the building does for the garden: it lends character to the view within a townhouse property. In other words, this is a storeroom that also works as scenery, closing off the far end of the garden that the reception rooms look out on.

According to the national record, the storehouse dates from the same early Meiji period as the older part of the main house, while the tea room beside it was built around 1935. A Meiji storehouse and a Showa tea room sharing one garden is a neat summary of how this household grew over time.

Highlights

A Gable-End Front

The Fujita Family Residence Storehouse has a gabled Kirizuma-zukuri roof, and it turns its triangular gable end toward the front, an arrangement called Tsumairi. The roof is laid in the heavier, traditional Hongawarabuki style of round and flat tiles. The doorway opens on the south front, sheltered by a Geya lean-to. Because the building shows its tall gable to the garden, it reads as larger than its 14 square meters.

White Walls, Black Accents

The walls are finished in white Shikkui lime plaster, with a thick plaster band called a Hachimaki running under the eaves. Only the key points, such as the frames around the doors, are done in black plaster. The black takes up very little of the wall, yet it is the first thing your eye goes to when you face the building.

Polished black plaster takes on a soft sheen. When the light comes in at a low angle, the difference in texture against the matte white is easy to see.

Seeing the Storehouse

The Fujita Family Residence Storehouse sits at the back of the rear garden and cannot be seen from the street. To see its exterior you need to join the reserved tour of the Fujita Family Residence. The official website gives no indication that the storehouse interior is shown, so ask about it when you book.

The best view is from the tatami rooms looking out over the garden, where Tea Room Yoshin and the storehouse appear side by side. That is the garden scene the national record had in mind.