The wall in front of the inner storehouses
The Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall (古梅園内蔵北塀, Kōbaien Uchigura Kitabei) in Tsubaicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, is the roofed wall on the north lane that encloses the inner storehouses at Kobaien, the sumi ink maker founded in 1577; it was built in the Taishō era (1912 to 1925) and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1998/01/16 (number 29-0029). The Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall is a tall roofed wall with thick plastered construction, facing the lane on the north side of the property. It runs from the detached parlor to the polishing workshop, with the middle inner storehouse set into its line.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates it to the Taishō era: timber framed, tiled, 14.3 metres long.
A storehouse cornice and two lines of eaves
Boarding is carried nearly up to the eaves, and the roof sits on a nokijabara, the stepped plaster cornice used on storehouses. Using storehouse techniques on a wall lets it stand comfortably alongside the storehouses around it.
From the lane, the eaves of the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall and those of the west inner storehouse behind it appear as two lines, one above the other. The Agency names this view as one that sets off the townscape.
Seeing it
The Kobaien property is a private home and a working factory and cannot be entered, but the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall faces the lane to the north and can be seen from outside. Above the wall's own eaves, the eaves of the west inner storehouse show as a second line.
Shop hours, how to book a factory visit and directions from the station are on the Kobaien page.
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Q&A
- Where is the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall?
- Along the lane on the north side of the property, from the detached parlor to the polishing workshop.
- How long is the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall?
- 14.3 metres.
- What should you look for at the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall?
- The plaster cornice and, from the lane, the two lines of eaves formed by the wall and the west inner storehouse.
- Can visitors see the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall?
- The grounds are not open, but it can be seen from the lane to the north.
- When was the Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall registered as a cultural property?
- On 1998/01/16, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 29-0029.
Basic Information
| Name | Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall (古梅園内蔵北塀) |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 Tsubakiicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 29-0029 |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/01/16 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber framed, tiled coping; 14.3 metres long |
| Owner | Kobaien Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | Grounds not open; visible from the lane to the north |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000477
- Cultural Heritage Online — Kobaien Inner Storehouse North Wall
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/113557
- Kobaien Co., Ltd. — Company profile and opening hours
- https://kobaien.jp/profile.html
Last verified: 2026.10.02
