What Is the Gankaen Kojitei (Former Outer Storehouse)?
The Gankaen Kojitei (Former Outer Storehouse) (巖華園好時亭（旧外蔵）, Gankaen Kojitei) is a late Edo-period earthen storehouse built between 1830 and 1867 at the southeast corner of the Gankaen estate in Tsukiya-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, converted into tatami guest rooms and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005.
The two-story storehouse measures 4 by 2.5 bays, with its ridge running north to south under a set-on gabled roof of pan tiles. The walls are Shikkui plaster, except that the east side, facing the front gate, has a skirting of Shitami-itabari clapboard. It covers 51 square meters, and at its north gable end a small vestibule called a kuramae shelters the door.
According to the inn, the name Kojitei comes from a phrase of the Chinese Zen master Wumen Huikai, "a good season in the human world." His verse lists spring flowers and the autumn moon, then says that if nothing weighs on your mind, any time is the good season.
Why the Gankaen Kojitei Was Registered
The Gankaen Kojitei was registered on the criterion that it contributes to the historic landscape of the country. As its old name says, it was built as an outer storehouse, placed on the outside edge of the compound next to the gate, where it helps form the eastern outline of the compound along with the gate, wall and stable.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that the interior is now tatami-floored guest rooms. Two windows each open on both floors of the west side and on the upper floor of the east side.
The inn's own site says the novelist Dan Kazuo wrote in the storehouse rooms and a detached room nearby, and that these were named Kojitei and are now used for guests. A storehouse turned study, then guest room, all within the same late Edo shell: that sequence is the building's story.
What to Look For at the Gankaen Kojitei
The Clapboard East Side
Only the east face of the Gankaen Kojitei has a wooden skirting; the other sides are plaster to the ground. East is also the side that visitors entering through the gate see first.
The Kuramae and the Stable
At the north gable, the kuramae vestibule projects, and from it the former stable building continues north. Walk left along the wall after entering the gate to see where the earthen storehouse and the timber building meet.
How the Windows Are Placed
On the east, windows appear only upstairs; on the west, on both floors. The ground floor facing the boundary wall stays closed, and the side facing into the compound opens up.
Visiting the Gankaen Kojitei
The Gankaen Kojitei is used as guest rooms, so seeing the interior generally means staying there. Ask by phone whether the Kojitei rooms can be requested.
The exterior is just to your left inside the front gate, at the southeast corner of the grounds. Check with the inn in advance about sightseeing-only visits and photography.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Tochigi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Gankaen Kojitei (Former Outer Storehouse)
- [ Nikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Falls Day Trip ]
Q&A
- How old is the Gankaen Kojitei?
- It is a late Edo storehouse dated between 1830 and 1867, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005.
- What does the name Gankaen Kojitei mean?
- The inn says it comes from the Zen master Wumen Huikai's phrase "a good season in the human world."
- Can I stay in the Gankaen Kojitei?
- The interior is used as tatami guest rooms. Ask by phone when booking whether you can request them.
- Which writer is associated with the Gankaen Kojitei?
- The inn states that the novelist Dan Kazuo wrote in these storehouse rooms, which were later named Kojitei.
- What should I look for on the outside of the Gankaen Kojitei?
- The clapboard skirting on the east side only, the kuramae vestibule at the north gable, and the joint with the former stable.
Basic Information
| Name | Gankaen Kojitei (Former Outer Storehouse) (巖華園好時亭（旧外蔵）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 8 Tsukiya-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered in 2005 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen storehouse, 2 stories, tiled roof, building area 51 square meters |
| Owner | Private (Nakajima family) |
| Public Access | In use as guest rooms; call ahead about visits |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Gankaen Kojitei (Former Outer Storehouse)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00004518
- Cultural Heritage Online: Gankaen Kojitei
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/140288
- Gankaen: Facilities (Japanese)
- https://gankaen.com/instit.html
- Ashikaga City: Gankaen buildings (Japanese)
- https://www.city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp/education/000029/000169/000627/p000814.html
Last verified: 2026.09.25
