What Is the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse?
The Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse (葛野常満家住宅蔵, Kuzuno Jōman-ke Jūtaku Kura) is a clay-walled storehouse in Katsuragawa Bomuracho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, built in 1873 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2001. It is a two-storey Dozo-zukuri building with a footprint of just 22 m².
It belongs to the residence of the Kuzuno Joman family, once the administrative office of the temple Myōōin. The Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse stands north of the main house with its gable end facing the temple approach, so the triangle of its gable wall is the first thing walkers see.
Why the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse Matters
It was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse as small but carefully made: a base of charred boards runs high up the walls, white plaster covers the rest, and the balance between the two gives the building a well-proportioned face that the Agency counts among the main elements of the Myōōin approach.
The main house on the same plot was valued for its plan and frame; the storehouse was valued for how it looks from the lane. The house anchors the settlement and the storehouse frames the approach.
How the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse Is Built
The Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse has its entrance on the long west side (Hirairi), where a lean-to roof (Geya) projects over the doorway to form a sheltered forecourt, the kuramae.
The roof is an Okiyane, a separate roof set over the clay body of the store. Sources differ on the roofing: the structure field in the Agency's database says metal sheet, while its commentary says sangawara tile. The storehouse of the Kuzuno Joki Family Residence across the approach is recorded as metal sheeting pressed to imitate sangawara tile, so this roof may be the same. It is one of the details worth checking on site.
On the walls, charred boards climb well up from the ground and white Shikkui plaster takes over above. The same two bands of black and white appear on the Kuzuno Joki storehouse across the lane.
Visiting the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse
The Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse stands inside the family's grounds, and no interior viewing is announced. Because its gable faces the approach, you see it simply by walking toward Myōōin. Please look from the lane without entering the plot.
Directions and bus times are on the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence page.
Q&A
- When was the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse built?
- The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse to 1873.
- When was the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse registered?
- It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on November 20, 2001, the same day as the main house, under registration number 25-0182.
- Is the roof of the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse tile or metal?
- The Agency's structure field says metal sheet while its commentary says sangawara tile, so the records disagree. The storehouse across the approach has metal sheeting shaped like tiles, which may be the case here too.
- Where can I see the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse from?
- It stands north of the main house with its gable facing the Myōōin approach, so it is visible as you walk along the approach.
- Can I go inside the Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse?
- No interior opening is listed in Agency or Otsu City materials. It is seen from the lane, and the plot is off limits.
Basic Information
| Name | Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 92 Katsuragawa Bomuracho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | 2001-11-20 (registered) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Dozo-zukuri, 2 storeys, building area 22 m² |
| Owner | Unknown (not listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | Not open to the public (exterior visible from the approach) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Storehouse (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002551
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kuzuno Joman Family Residence Main House (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002550
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kuzuno Joki Family Residence Storehouse (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002633
Last verified: 2026.10.15
