A Storehouse Beside the Gate
The south storehouse sits beside the estate's front gate, a two-story plastered dozo raised on a cut-stone base. It is a little larger than its northern counterpart, about 28 square meters, and reads as a plain, utilitarian building at first glance.
The estate belonged to Fujii Hikoshiro (1876-1956), an Omi merchant who made his name in thread and wool. Placed at the entrance, this storehouse would have been among the first structures a visitor passed. It dates from around 1934.
Registration and Value
Registered on 5 November 1997, as number 25-0013, it is protected as one element of the merchant compound. The listing recognizes the storehouse's part in the estate's historic appearance.
The plainness is only surface deep. On the gable ends the plaster skirt is faced with vertical boards, while the east side facing the garden carries cedar bark applied vertically around the openings. These small variations show a builder thinking about how each face would be seen.
What to Look For
Approach from the garden side to catch the cedar-bark treatment, which is easy to miss from the street. Set next to the smaller north storehouse, the pair shows how the family gave individual character to otherwise plain outbuildings rather than repeating one template.
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Q&A
- Where is the south storehouse?
- Beside the front gate of the former Fujii estate, now the museum grounds.
- How does it differ from the north storehouse?
- It is slightly larger, about 28 square meters, and its wall skirt uses vertical boards and cedar bark rather than boat planks.
- What is the cedar-bark detail?
- On the garden-facing east side, cedar bark is applied vertically around the openings as a finish over the lower wall.
- When was it registered?
- 5 November 1997, registration number 25-0013.
- Is it inside the museum?
- Yes, it stands within the museum grounds and can be viewed during opening hours.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Fujii Residence (Gokasho History and Folklore Museum), South Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 681 Miyasho-cho, Higashiomi, Shiga |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property; registered 5 Nov 1997 (no. 25-0013) |
| Structure | Two-story dozo storehouse, tiled roof, building area 28 m² |
| Date | About 1934 |
| Owner | Higashiomi City |
| Access | Within the museum grounds; open approx. 10:00-16:30, Mondays and some days closed |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, National Cultural Properties Database — Fujii Residence South Storehouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00000353
- Higashiomi Tourism Association — Fujii Hikoshiro Residence
- https://www.higashiomi.net/media/miru/a150
- Shiga Tourism Information — Gokasho Omi Merchant House
- https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/1011/
Last verified: 2026.07.04