What Is the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1?
The Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 (中西家住宅土蔵一, Nakanishi-ke Jūtaku Dozō Ichi) is a two-storey late Edo-period (1751–1829) storehouse in Kishibe-naka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1 July 2003. It is the western of the two storehouses behind the main house on the north side of the estate.
It is an earthen-walled Dozo-zukuri building with a tiled roof and a building area of 58 square metres, somewhat larger than its neighbour, Storehouse No. 2, at 47 square metres.
Why It Was Registered, and How It Moved
The Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape, and its history shows most clearly when an old estate plan is set beside the grounds today.
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Tenpō-era plan of the 1830s draws this storehouse touching the main house. In the Meiji era it was hauled bodily to the north, a technique called hikiya in which a building is jacked up and moved without being taken apart, even one with thick earthen walls, and it was extended on its west side at the same time.
Later a new dwelling was built in the gap between the main house and the storehouse, and Storehouse No. 1 now works with that dwelling as a set of reception rooms. A storeroom attached to an Edo house became, after its Meiji move, a room for receiving people.
What to Look For
Look for the extension on the west side and for the distance between the storehouse and the main house. Where the 1830s plan shows the two touching, a dwelling now stands between them; the layout itself records the Meiji move and enlargement.
That a storehouse now serves as a reception room shows how it was drawn into the living space of the family.
Visiting the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1
The Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 stands at the back of the estate behind the main house and cannot be seen from the street. Suita City's visitor information does not list it among the buildings on view, and because it is used together with a dwelling, it could not be confirmed that you can approach it even on opening days.
If you hope to see it, ask the Former Nakanishi Residence when you book, and check on photography at the same time. Booking details and directions are on the Nakanishi Family Residence page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Osaka
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1
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Q&A
- Where is the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1?
- It is the western of two storehouses standing behind the main house on the north side of the estate.
- Has the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 always stood where it is now?
- No. An 1830s estate plan shows it touching the main house; it was moved north in the Meiji era and extended to the west.
- How is the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 used today?
- Together with a dwelling built between it and the main house, it serves as reception rooms.
- When was the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 registered?
- On 1 July 2003, as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property contributing to the historic landscape.
- Can I visit the Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1?
- It is not listed among the buildings on view, and access on opening days could not be confirmed. Ask when you book.
Basic Information
| Name | Nakanishi Family Residence Storehouse No. 1 |
|---|---|
| Location | 823-1 Kishibe-naka 4-chome, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, and others |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1 July 2003 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen-walled storehouse, 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 58 square metres |
| Owner | Suita City and a private owner (breakdown by building not published) |
| Public Access | Not listed as open to visitors (ask when booking) |
References
- 中西家住宅土蔵一 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003448
- 中西家住宅土蔵一 (Cultural Heritage Online)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/139218
- 旧中西家住宅 概要 (Suita City)
- https://www.city.suita.osaka.jp/kyunakanishike/1031141.html
Last verified: 2026.09.30
