The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse
The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse (小泉家住宅米蔵, Koizumi-ke Jūtaku Komegura) is a two-storey plastered storehouse of the late Edo period (1830 to 1868) in the northwest corner of the Koizumi estate in Gokasho Yamamoto-cho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture; renovated in about 1938, it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2015.
Three bays by two, with a building area of 23 square meters, it is the smallest registered storehouse on the estate. Its gabled oki-yane roof sits as a separate layer over the plastered body, and a wall is registered with it.
Why the Rice Storehouse Was Registered
The Agency for Cultural Affairs credits the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse with shaping the northwest corner of the estate, which it closes off together with the large storehouse next door.
The outside follows the local pattern of white plaster above and boat planks below. Inside, though, posts and walls are left at the middle coat of plaster, with no finishing coat. For a store that held rice, the plain interior fits the job.
What to Look For at the Rice Storehouse
The detail to find on the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse is copper. The hood over the double doors on the south side and those over each small window are roofed in copper sheet. Weathered copper often turns green, which sets it off against the white walls.
Small as it is, the building still has the full oki-yane arrangement, the same fire protection given to much larger storehouses.
Seeing the Rice Storehouse
The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse is on private property and not open. It stands in the northwest corner 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 Rice Storehouse built?
- The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse dates from the late Edo period (1830 to 1868) and was renovated in about 1938.
- When was the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse registered?
- The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 4, 2015 (registration number 25-0369).
- What are the hoods on the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse made of?
- The hoods over the double doors on the south side and over each small window are roofed with copper sheet.
- How is the interior of the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse finished?
- Posts and walls inside are left at the middle coat of plaster (nakanuri), without a finishing coat.
- Can I visit the Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse?
- No. The Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse is on private property and not open. We found no public-opening notice as of September 2026.
Basic Information
| Name | Koizumi Family Residence Rice Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 266 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 23 square meters, with wall |
| Owner | Unknown (not listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | Not open to the public (private property; no entry to the grounds) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: 小泉家住宅米蔵 (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010635
Last verified: 2026.09.27
