A storehouse that stands alone
The Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse (古梅園中内蔵, Kōbaien Naka-uchigura) in Tsubaicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, is a small free-standing storehouse west of the detached parlor 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 29-0010). The Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse is a small 2-storey storehouse to the west of the detached parlor, built to hold household goods. No corridor or roof links it to its neighbours; it stands entirely on its own.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates it to the Taishō era: earthen-walled dozō construction, 2 storeys, tiled, with a building area of 26 square metres, the smallest of the Kobaien storehouses.
Boarded walls and two tiers of windows
The north face of the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse fronts the lane along the north of the property. Plaster shows only around the stepped cornice; the rest of the wall is covered in boards that protect the white earthen wall from rain and dirt and give the lane side a quieter look.
The upper-floor openings are arranged in two tiers, one above the other, which the Agency picks out as the defining feature of the exterior. On either side, the tall inner storehouse north wall continues along the lane.
Seeing it
The Kobaien property is a private home and a working factory, and the interior of the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse is not open. Its exterior can be seen from the lane along the north side of the plot. Look for the boarded north face and the two tiers of upper windows.
Shop hours, how to book a factory visit and directions from the station are on the Kobaien page.
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Q&A
- What is the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse?
- A small 2-storey storehouse west of the detached parlor, built for household goods.
- What does the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse look like?
- Its north face on the lane is boarded over, with upper windows set in two tiers.
- How large is the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse?
- A 2-storey storehouse with a building area of 26 square metres.
- Can visitors see the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse?
- The interior is not open, but the exterior can be seen from the lane to the north.
- When was the Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse registered as a cultural property?
- On 1998/01/16, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 29-0010.
Basic Information
| Name | Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse (古梅園中内蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 Tsubakiicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 29-0010 |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/01/16 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen-walled storehouse, 2 storeys, tiled roof; building area 26 square metres |
| Owner | Kobaien Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | Interior not open; exterior visible from the lane to the north |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000458
- Cultural Heritage Online — Kobaien Middle Inner Storehouse
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/136228
- Kobaien Co., Ltd. — Company profile and opening hours
- https://kobaien.jp/profile.html
Last verified: 2026.10.02
