What Is the Gyokusendo Storehouse?
The Gyokusendo Storehouse (玉川堂土蔵, Gyokusendō Dozō) is a 2-storey Dozo-zukuri clay-walled storehouse of the Taisho period in Tsubame Aza Nishigo, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 8, 2008.
The national database dates it to the Taisho period (1912 to 1925). With a building area of 20 square meters, the Gyokusendo Storehouse has the smallest footprint of the four registered buildings, yet it rises 2 storeys, and its white walls stand out among the timber structures around it.
The Gyokusendo Storehouse sits southwest of the store, turned off the store's axis so that it faces north. A covered forecourt in front of the doors links it with the store and the main house.
Why the Gyokusendo Storehouse Was Registered
The Gyokusendo Storehouse was listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property for its contribution to the historic landscape. Tsubame City names its detached-roof construction as one of the defining features of the Gyokusendo complex.
On a merchant's lot, a fire-resistant storehouse was where valuables were kept safe. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that the Gyokusendo Storehouse holds fixtures and utensils.
Construction Details of the Gyokusendo Storehouse
The Gyokusendo Storehouse measures 5.5 meters by 3.6 meters. Its gabled Kirizuma-zukuri roof, finished with Sangawara-buki tiles, is an okiyane, a separate roof frame set on top of the clay-coated body of the store rather than built into it.
The walls are finished in white Shikkui plaster. The entrance and windows have kakego-nuri doors, whose edges and frames are plastered in matching steps so that they lock together tightly when shut, a traditional defence against fire and smoke.
Inside, the walls are lined with boards, which likely serve to keep stored goods away from the clay.
When you look at the building, focus on the line where roof meets wall. With a detached roof, the junction between the clay body and the roof set on top of it is a detail worth examining.
Visiting the Gyokusendo Storehouse
Gyokusendo's website makes no mention of public access to the interior of the Gyokusendo Storehouse (checked September 2026), and the workshop tour description does not include it.
The Gyokusendo Storehouse stands at the back of a working business, linked to the store and main house. Ask staff on the day what you may view and whether photos are allowed. Visiting conditions for the store and workshop are on the Gyokusendo page.
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Q&A
- Is the interior of the Gyokusendo Storehouse open to the public?
- Gyokusendo's website gives no information on opening the Gyokusendo Storehouse interior (checked September 2026). Please ask staff when you visit.
- How old is the Gyokusendo Storehouse?
- The national database dates the Gyokusendo Storehouse to the Taisho period (1912 to 1925). It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 8, 2008.
- What is the detached roof on the Gyokusendo Storehouse?
- It is a roof built as a separate frame and set on top of the clay-walled body. The Gyokusendo Storehouse has a gabled, tiled roof of this kind.
- Where on the site is the Gyokusendo Storehouse?
- The Gyokusendo Storehouse stands southwest of the store, angled away from it and facing north. A forecourt connects it to the store and the main house.
- What is kept in the Gyokusendo Storehouse?
- According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Gyokusendo Storehouse has board-lined walls and is used to store fixtures and utensils.
Basic Information
| Name | Gyokusendo Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 3064-1 and others, Tsubame Aza Nishigo, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | 2008 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Clay-walled storehouse, 2 storeys, tiled roof; building area 20 square meters (5.5 meters by 3.6 meters) |
| Owner | Gyokusendo |
| Public Access | No public interior viewing announced (checked 2026) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: Gyokusendo Storehouse (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00007203
- Cultural Heritage Online: Gyokusendo Storehouse (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/153805
- Cultural Properties of Tsubame City (Tsubame City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.tsubame.niigata.jp/soshiki/kyoiku/3/10564/15/966.html
- Gyokusendo, 4 Properties: Summary (Tsubame City, Japanese PDF)
- https://www.city.tsubame.niigata.jp/material/files/group/29/100890585.pdf
- Open Factory (Gyokusendo)
- https://www.gyokusendo.com/en/openfactory
Last verified: 2026.09.17
