About the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse
The Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse (奥野本家住宅米蔵, Okuno Motoke Jūtaku Komegura) is a two-story earthen storehouse in Mori, Hakuta-cho, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, built in 1923 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005. At 24 square meters it is the smallest of the five registered buildings on the estate.
It stands between the barn and the workshop. The Agency for Cultural Affairs registered the Okuno Motoke rice storehouse as a model of form, singling out the care in its construction despite its modest size.
Cut-Stone Footings and Chamfered Corners
The Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse is a two-story Dozo-zukuri building with a gabled (Kirizuma-zukuri) pantile (Sangawara-buki) roof set as a separate Okiyane roof. It sits on footings of dressed stone pierced with vents, letting air pass beneath the floor to keep the rice dry.
The walls are coated in Shikkui lime plaster, and the corners are chamfered rather than left sharp, which makes them less likely to chip and softens their shadows. High on the north wall is a window fitted with an iron shutter.
A Storehouse Joined to the Workshop
The door of the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse is on the south side, under an eave shared with the workshop next door. Seen from the workshop side, its roof and its earth-floored canopy run straight on to the storehouse.
The rice storehouse and the workshop were both built in 1923. The way the two are joined suggests rice handled in the workshop and carried straight into store, though the Agency's description does not say how they were actually used.
Visiting the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse
The Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse has no announced public opening. It sits toward the northwest of the plot behind the main house, and whether it can be seen from the road has not been confirmed.
For questions about visiting, contact the owner, Yasugi City, through the Culture Division of its Board of Education. There is no official guidance on photography. Directions are on the Okuno Motoke Residence page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Shimane
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse
- [ Izumo Taisha Shrine & Adachi Museum Gardens ]
Q&A
- Can you visit the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse?
- No public opening has been announced. Ask the owner, Yasugi City (Board of Education Culture Division), about access.
- When was the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse built?
- In 1923, the same year as the workshop beside it.
- What are the foundations of the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse made of?
- Dressed stone, with vents to let air circulate under the floor.
- Is the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse connected to the workshop?
- Yes. Its south eave continues the roof and canopy of the workshop next door.
- How big is the Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse?
- Its building area is 24 square meters, the smallest of the five registered buildings on the estate.
Basic Information
| Name | Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse (奥野本家住宅米蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 27 Mori, Hakuta-cho, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 2005 (registered) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Building area 24 square meters (two-story earthen storehouse, tiled roof) |
| Owner | Yasugi City |
| Public Access | No public opening announced |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Okuno Motoke Residence Rice Storehouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00004613
- Shimane Prefecture: List of Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (Japanese)
- https://www.pref.shimane.lg.jp/life/bunka/bunkazai/shimane/tourokubunkazai2.html
- Yasugi City: Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Yasugi (PDF, Japanese)
- https://www.city.yasugi.shimane.jp/kurashi/bunka/bunkazai/sibunkazai.data/tourokubunkazai.pdf
- Yasugi City: Cultural Properties of Yasugi (contact: Board of Education Culture Division)
- https://www.city.yasugi.shimane.jp/kurashi/bunka/bunkazai/sibunkazai.html
Last verified: 2026.10.06
