The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse
The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse (小泉家住宅文庫蔵, Koizumi-ke Jūtaku Bunkogura) is a two-storey plastered storehouse built in 1909 at the center of the north edge of the Koizumi estate in Gokasho Yamamoto-cho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2015.
It measures six bays by two and a half, with a building area of 72 square meters, under a north-south gabled roof of pantiles. An open-sided lean-to shelters the southern half of the east face, and a wall is registered with it.
Why the Bunko Storehouse Was Registered
The Agency for Cultural Affairs values the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse because its date is certain and because it marks the estate at its height. The main buildings were moved onto the site in 1907; two years later the family could afford a storehouse of this size.
A bunkogura is usually a storehouse for documents, account books and valuables. For a merchant house the ledgers were the business itself, and the building sits accordingly at the middle of the north side.
What to Look For at the Bunko Storehouse
The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse rewards a close look at its workmanship. Its openings have heavy double doors, and the Agency notes that the interior finishes are equally careful.
The walls are white lime plaster, thickened into a hachimaki band at the top, and the base is clad in boat planks. The open lean-to on the east side gave a dry place to load and unload, a sign that this was a working store as much as a strongroom.
Seeing the Bunko Storehouse
The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse is on private property and not open. It stands on the north edge of the estate, but we could not confirm how much can be seen from the road. Visiting notes are on the Koizumi Family Residence page.
Q&A
- When was the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse built?
- The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse was built in 1909, and its firm date is part of its value.
- When was the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse registered?
- The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 4, 2015 (registration number 25-0367).
- What is the hachimaki on the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse?
- It is the thick band of plaster run around the top of the storehouse wall just under the eaves.
- How big is the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse?
- Six bays by two and a half, two storeys, with a building area of 72 square meters.
- Can I visit the Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse?
- No. The Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse is on private property and not open. We found no public-opening notice as of September 2026.
Basic Information
| Name | Koizumi Family Residence Bunko Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 270 Gokasho Yamamoto-cho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered August 4, 2015 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-storey plastered storehouse, tiled roof, building area 72 square meters, with wall |
| Owner | Koizumi Shoten Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | Not open to the public (private property; no entry to the grounds) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: 小泉家住宅文庫蔵 (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010633
Last verified: 2026.09.27
