A Meiji Teahouse-Style Inn in Iga-Ueno
The Ito Ryokan Main Building (いとう旅館本館) is a two-storey timber inn of the late Meiji period (1898 to 1912), extended in 1958, at Ueno-kuwamachi in the castle town of Ueno, Iga City, Mie Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 28, 2011 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as two storeys of timber with a tiled roof and a building area of 279 square metres; registration number 24-0117.
Wings around a Courtyard
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the building stands set back a little from the street, with east, west and north wings arranged around a central courtyard.
The Agency says it conveys the character of fine chaya (teahouse) architecture, buildings centred on reception rooms for entertaining guests and finished with elaborate detail.
Why It Was Registered
The Ito Ryokan Main Building was registered as a building that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs values it as conveying the character of fine teahouse architecture.
What to Look For
The ten-mat principal room of the Ito Ryokan Main Building has decorative alcoves and a coffered ceiling (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The ribs of the coffered ceiling are black-lacquered, and its panels are painted in rich colours with phoenixes and other motifs (Agency for Cultural Affairs). With its wings around a courtyard, the building shows the refinement of Meiji reception rooms in the Ueno castle town.
Visiting
We could not confirm any public opening or current operation of the Ito Ryokan Main Building from official sources. The address is 1481 Ueno-kuwamachi and others, Iga City; please be considerate of residents when viewing the exterior (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Mie Prefecture).
Q&A
- When was the Ito Ryokan Main Building built?
- In the late Meiji period (1898 to 1912); it was extended in 1958 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the Ito Ryokan Main Building laid out?
- East, west and north wings surround a central courtyard (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for in the principal room?
- Decorative alcoves and a coffered ceiling with black-lacquered ribs and panels painted with phoenixes (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the building assessed?
- As conveying the character of fine teahouse architecture (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Ito Ryokan Main Building registered?
- On October 28, 2011.
Basic Information
| Name | Ito Ryokan Main Building (いとう旅館本館) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1481 Ueno-kuwamachi and others, Iga City, Mie Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2011/10/28 (Heisei 23) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 279 square metres |
| Owner | Not listed (Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | No public opening or operation announced |
References
- Ito Ryokan Main Building (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00009027
- Registered cultural properties (Mie Prefecture)
- https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/bunkazai/49833039806.htm
Last verified: 2026.10.10