Masuda History and Folk Museum (Former Mino District Office): A Taisho-Era Treasure in Shimane
Standing gracefully along the banks of the Masuda River in Shimane Prefecture, the Masuda History and Folk Museum—originally built as the Mino District Office in 1921—is one of the finest surviving examples of Taisho-era public architecture in the San'in region. Registered as a national tangible cultural property in 1996 and recognized as a component of the Japan Heritage story "Masterpieces of Medieval Japan: Savoring Masuda," this distinguished wooden building now operates as the Masuda City Historical and Cultural Exchange Center, affectionately known as "Rekishiina." It serves as the ideal starting point for exploring Masuda's remarkable concentration of medieval cultural treasures.
A Century of History: From Government Office to Cultural Landmark
The building was constructed in 1921 (Taisho 10) as the office of the Mino District, the administrative center governing the rural communities of western Shimane. During an era when Japan was rapidly modernizing, the architects chose a distinctly Japanese aesthetic for this public building, creating an elegant single-story wooden structure with a tile roof covering a generous 340 square meters of floor space.
Over the following decades, the building served multiple civic functions. After the district office was reorganized, it housed the Masuda Police Station and later the Masuda General Affairs Office. In 1983, the city repurposed it as the Masuda History and Folk Museum, giving the building a new life as a repository of local heritage. Following a temporary closure in 2019 for seismic reinforcement and renovation work, it reopened in April 2023 as the Masuda City Historical and Cultural Exchange Center "Rekishiina," with enhanced facilities for tourism guidance, cultural exhibitions, and community activities.
Why It Is Designated: Architectural Significance
The building was registered as a national tangible cultural property (Registered Tangible Cultural Property for Buildings) in 1996, in recognition of its architectural value as a representative example of Taisho-era public office design. Several distinctive features earned it this designation.
The floor plan is characteristic of early 20th-century Japanese government architecture: a central entrance hall with a formal carriage porch (kurumayose) projects forward, flanked by symmetrical wings on both sides topped with irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable) roofs. This T-shaped configuration allowed natural light and ventilation throughout the office spaces while presenting an imposing façade to visitors.
Despite being a single-story structure, the building has notably high eaves, giving it a stately appearance that visitors sometimes mistake for a two-story building. The upper sections of the walls feature small decorative canopies (kobisashi) and ornamental transoms (ranma) that create a refined aesthetic beneath the eave line. The roof is covered with Sekishu roof tiles—the distinctive reddish-brown ceramic tiles produced in the Iwami region of Shimane—lending the building its warm, earthy character that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
Highlights and What to See
Today, "Rekishiina" is organized into three distinct areas, each offering visitors a different way to engage with Masuda's heritage.
The Information Area provides tourist guidance and introduces the Japan Heritage story of medieval Masuda, offering maps, brochures, and suggestions for exploring the surrounding cultural properties. Visitors can plan their itinerary here before setting out to discover temples, castle ruins, and gardens in the neighborhood.
The Exhibition Room features rotating displays of artworks and artifacts related to Masuda's history and culture, including items excavated from the nearby Miyake Odoi (fortified residence) site and Nanao Castle ruins. Special exhibitions focus on themes ranging from medieval warrior culture to the daily life of Iwami's residents through the ages. Admission to exhibitions is very affordable at just 200 yen for adults, with free entry for high school students and younger visitors.
The Community Exchange Room hosts workshops, cultural experience programs, and various events that bring together local residents and visitors. Check the facility's website and social media pages for the latest event schedules.
Of course, the building itself is one of the main attractions. Walking through its high-ceilinged rooms with their traditional wooden framework, visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtful design of Taisho-era public architecture—a rare opportunity in a region where many such buildings have been lost to time.
Gateway to Medieval Masuda: Japan Heritage Sites Nearby
"Rekishiina" is strategically located in the heart of Masuda's medieval heritage district, making it the perfect base for exploring the city's remarkable concentration of cultural properties. The following sites are all within easy walking distance.
Manpuku-ji Temple, just a short walk east along the Masuda River, houses a main hall designated as a national Important Cultural Property built in the Kamakura architectural style. Its garden, designed by the legendary ink-wash painter Sesshu in 1479, is designated as a national Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple also preserves the "Nika Byakudo-zu" (Two Rivers and White Path painting), a Kamakura-era Important Cultural Property depicting a Buddhist parable.
Iko-ji Temple, located approximately 500 meters from Manpuku-ji, features another magnificent garden by Sesshu. Its main gate, a massive warrior-style structure, was originally the main gate of Nanao Castle and was relocated here after the Sengoku period. The garden employs a crane-and-turtle motif, with a pond shaped like a crane spreading its wings.
The Miyake Odoi Ruins, a prefecturally designated historic site directly adjacent to "Rekishiina," preserve the earthen ramparts of the fortified residence used by the Masuda clan lords from the medieval period until 1601. The substantial earthworks—with walls reaching up to 5 meters in height—offer a tangible reminder of the warrior class that once dominated this region.
Nanao Castle Ruins, perched on a hilltop at 118 meters elevation, served as the Masuda clan's mountaintop fortress for centuries. The summit provides panoramic views over the Masuda Plain and the Sea of Japan, rewarding the short hike with one of the area's finest vistas.
Surrounding Area and Practical Tips
The area around "Rekishiina" offers pleasant walking along tree-lined riverside paths. The Masuda River, which flows beside the museum, creates a peaceful atmosphere that complements the historical setting. The neighborhood retains echoes of its castle-town origins, with quiet residential streets where traditional houses and temples coexist.
For a broader exploration of Masuda, visitors should consider the Shimane Arts Center "Grand Toit," an award-winning cultural complex featuring the Iwami Art Museum and a concert hall, clad in over 250,000 locally produced Sekishu roof tiles. The Sesshu Memorial Museum, dedicated to the great ink-wash painter who spent his final years in Masuda, is also worth a visit.
The Takatsugawa River, celebrated as one of the cleanest rivers in Japan, offers opportunities for kayaking and other water activities in warmer months. Visitors looking for natural beauty can explore Hikimi Gorge in the mountainous interior of Masuda or relax at Mito Onsen hot springs.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Shimane
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Masuda City History and Folklore Museum (former Mino County
- [ Izumo Taisha Shrine & Adachi Museum Gardens ]
Q＆A
- Is English information available at "Rekishiina"?
- While the main exhibition texts are in Japanese, the facility provides some English-language brochures and maps. As a Japan Heritage visitor center, it is gradually expanding multilingual support. Free Wi-Fi is available on site, which can be helpful for using translation apps during your visit.
- How do I get to the museum from Masuda Station?
- By car, it is about a 10-minute drive from JR Masuda Station. By bus, take the city bus line and get off at the "Orito" stop (approximately 9 minutes), then walk about 1 minute. Rental bicycles are also available at the Masuda Station tourist information center, making it easy to cycle to the museum and then continue on to nearby temples and gardens.
- Can I visit the Sesshu gardens and the museum in the same trip?
- Absolutely. "Rekishiina" is ideally positioned as a starting point for visiting both Manpuku-ji Temple and Iko-ji Temple, which are within easy walking distance. Allow about half a day to comfortably visit the museum and both temple gardens. The museum staff can provide guidance on the best walking routes.
- What is the best season to visit?
- Each season has its charm. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the riverside paths, while the Sesshu gardens are especially beautiful with fresh green leaves. Autumn foliage creates stunning backdrops at the temples. Winter is quieter but offers a contemplative atmosphere. Special exhibitions at "Rekishiina" change throughout the year, so check the schedule in advance.
- Is the building accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
- Yes, the renovated facility includes wheelchair-accessible ramps and an accessible restroom, improvements made during the 2019–2023 renovation. The single-story layout of the building makes it relatively easy to navigate.
Basic Information
| Official Name (Cultural Property) | Masuda Municipal History and Folk Museum (Former Mino District Office) |
|---|---|
| Current Facility Name | Masuda City Historical and Cultural Exchange Center "Rekishiina" |
| Construction Year | 1921 (Taisho 10) |
| Structure | Single-story wooden building, tile roof, building area approximately 340 m² |
| Cultural Property Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building), registered 1996 |
| Japan Heritage | Component of "Masterpieces of Medieval Japan: Savoring Masuda" (Story #100) |
| Address | 6-8 Honmachi, Masuda, Shimane 698-0005, Japan |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Information & Exhibition areas) |
| Closed | Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday), Year-end / New Year (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3) |
| Admission | Exhibition Room: Adults 200 yen, Groups (20+) 160 yen, High school students and under free; Information Area: Free |
| Access | Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Masuda Station; or city bus to "Orito" stop (9 min.) + 1 min. walk |
| Parking | Available (approximately 5 spaces, plus temporary overflow parking) |
| Facilities | Restrooms, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair-accessible ramp and restroom |
| Owner | Masuda City |
| Contact | 0856-23-2635 |
| Website | https://masuda-rekishibunka-rekishieena.com/ |
References
- 益田市立歴史民俗資料館（旧美濃郡役所） - Masuda Japan Heritage
- https://masuda-rekitabi.com/heritages/masuda_history_and_folk_museum/
- 益田市立歴史民俗資料館（旧美濃郡役所）｜日本遺産ポータルサイト
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/5360/
- 益田市立歴史文化交流館れきしーな｜島根県益田市観光公式サイト
- https://masudashi.com/kankouspot/kankouspot-718/
- 歴史・文化｜益田市
- https://www.city.masuda.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/kyoikuiinkai/bunkazaika/3/3149.html
- 益田市立歴史文化交流館「れきしーな」｜しまね観光ナビ
- https://www.kankou-shimane.com/destination/21797
- Masuda History and Folk Museum - Masuda Japan Heritage (English)
- https://masuda-rekitabi.com/en/heritages/masuda_history_and_folk_museum/
- 益田市立歴史文化交流館「れきしーな」｜益田市
- https://www.city.masuda.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/sangyokeizaibu/kankokoryuka/rekisibunnkakouryuukan/8105.html
- 益田市立歴史民俗資料館（旧美濃郡役所）文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/165392
Last verified: 2026.03.09