Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop

A Sawmill Shed for the Mansion

The Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop (北方文化博物館旧作業場, Kyūsagyōba) in Somi, Konan Ward, Niigata City, is a single-storey timber work building of 1883, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 28 April 2000.

The Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop is a long building north of the main house, covering 240 square metres. The Agency for Cultural Affairs says it was built to saw and prepare timber for the construction of the main house, the year after the fifth head began work in 1882.

A Long, Warehouse-Like Frame

The Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. It runs 18 metres north to south under a gabled (Kirizuma-zukuri) pantile roof (Sangawara-buki), with an open-sided lean-to along the south.

The agency describes its structure as essentially that of a warehouse. Sheds built for big construction projects usually disappear once the work is done; this one preserves a stage in the making of the estate.

With the carpenters' workshop of the same year and the Shop Storehouse of 1885, it forms a cluster of construction buildings on the north side of the estate.

Open Eaves, Long Frame

On the Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop, look at the open lean-to along the south side. Eaves left open rather than walled in suited work with long timbers.

Inside, look up at the warehouse-like frame that spans the 18-metre length.

Visiting the Former Workshop

The Northern Culture Museum Former Workshop now houses the museum shop, which sells sweets and crafts connected with Niigata and local sake, and holds tastings mainly at weekends in spring and autumn. Hours may be shortened in some seasons.

The museum notes that the shop stayed open during the evening autumn illumination. Keep photos and posts to personal use.