Former Kashino Family Residence

Former Kashino Family Residence: A Taisho-Era Masterpiece in Tokushima

Standing gracefully on the expansive grounds of the Kashino Club in Matsushige, Tokushima Prefecture, the Former Kashino Family Residence (旧樫野家住宅) is a magnificent example of Taisho-era residential architecture. This grand two-story wooden building, which took a full decade to construct from 1915 to 1925, reflects the prosperity of the Kashino family — prominent industrialists who built their fortune in the lime trade. Today, as a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, this architectural treasure invites visitors to step back in time and experience the refined craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of early 20th-century Japan.

Historical Background

The Former Kashino Family Residence was commissioned by Kashino Kōtarō, the second-generation head of the Kashino family. The Kashino family operated a thriving lime manufacturing and sales business based in Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture, under the company name Kashino Sekkai Kōgyō (Kashino Lime Industry). Lime was an essential industrial material in Meiji and Taisho-era Japan, used extensively in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, and the Kashino family accumulated considerable wealth through this trade.

Construction of the residence began in April 1915 and was completed in 1925, a remarkable ten-year building period that allowed for meticulous attention to detail and the procurement of the finest materials available. The home originally stood in Anan City, at the heart of the family's business operations. In the Heisei era, it was relocated to its current site in Matsushige, near Tokushima Awa Odori Airport.

In 1994, the confectionery company Hallelujah Seika (now Hallelujah Co., Ltd.) acquired the building and moved it to their "Awa no Sato" cultural theme park, where it served as a reception hall. In 1999, the residence was officially registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property. In 2004, the site was transformed into the Kashino Club, a wedding and banquet venue operated by Tokiwa Co., Ltd., giving this historic building a vibrant new life while preserving its architectural heritage.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

The Former Kashino Family Residence was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on August 23, 1999, in recognition of its outstanding architectural and historical significance. The building embodies several qualities that earned it this prestigious designation.

The residence is an exceptionally large-scale example of Taisho-era residential architecture, with a building area of 381 square meters. Its irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable) roof style, two-story wooden construction with tile roofing, and the lavish use of high-quality materials throughout the structure set it apart from ordinary dwellings of its era. The spacious reception hall on the first floor and the unusually tall proportions of the second story give the building a commanding presence that speaks to the wealth and status of its original owners.

The structure contributes significantly to the historical landscape of the region, serving as a tangible record of the economic prosperity brought by the lime industry to Tokushima Prefecture during the late Meiji and Taisho periods. Its preservation allows future generations to appreciate the architectural standards and lifestyle of Japan's industrial elite during this transformative era.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The Former Kashino Family Residence is a feast for the eyes, blending traditional Japanese architectural techniques with the refined tastes of the Taisho period. The building features a grand irimoya-zukuri roof — a hip-and-gable style that combines elegance with structural sophistication. The exterior presents a stately appearance, with the notably tall second story creating an imposing silhouette.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a spacious reception hall on the first floor, designed for formal gatherings and entertaining guests — a testament to the Kashino family's role as prominent hosts in the community. Throughout the residence, premium-grade timbers and carefully selected materials are on display, from the substantial structural beams to the finely crafted joinery and fittings.

The building also features elements characteristic of Taisho-era modernism, including stained glass windows and antique furnishings that create an atmosphere of refined elegance. The amber-hued chandeliers and hand-blown glass panels with their characteristic wavy texture add a distinctly romantic quality to the interior spaces.

The residence sits within the approximately 3,600-tsubo (roughly 11,900 square meters) grounds of the Kashino Club, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens featuring approximately 80 varieties of seasonal flowers and trees. The expansive lawn garden and carefully curated plantings provide a serene setting that complements the architectural beauty of the building.

Visitor Information

The Former Kashino Family Residence is located within the Kashino Club facility in Matsushige, Tokushima Prefecture. General visitors can view the building and gardens on Mondays and Tuesdays — advance inquiry is recommended to confirm availability. On other days, the facility primarily operates as a wedding and banquet venue.

The Kashino Club is conveniently located near Tokushima Awa Odori Airport, making it an excellent stop for travelers arriving in or departing from Tokushima by air. Taxi service from the airport takes approximately six minutes. For those traveling by highway bus, the Matsushige bus stop on the Tokushima bus airport line is about a five-minute walk away. From the Naruto Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, the venue is approximately ten minutes by car, and it is also about ten minutes from the Tokushima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.

Surrounding Attractions

The area around the Former Kashino Family Residence offers several points of interest for visitors. The Former Ōiso Family Residence, another nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property dating from the late Edo period, stands within the same Kashino Club grounds. Built between 1830 and 1843, this residence once belonged to a family that prospered through the indigo trade — another of Tokushima's signature industries.

Immediately adjacent to the Kashino Club is the Hallelujah Sweets Kitchen, a confectionery factory and shop operated by Hallelujah Co., Ltd. Visitors can enjoy free factory tours to watch the production of Tokushima's famous Kinchō Manjū sweet bean cakes, sample freshly made sweets, and even participate in cake-making workshops (advance reservation required).

The Matsushige Town History and Folk Museum and Puppet Theater Museum is also nearby, showcasing the rich tradition of Awa Ningyō Jōruri (Awa puppet theater), a traditional performing art that has deep roots in Tokushima Prefecture. Tsukimigaoka Seaside Park, a popular beach and recreation area near the airport, offers opportunities for walking along the coast and enjoying ocean views. For those with more time, the world-renowned Ōtsuka Museum of Art in nearby Naruto City and the spectacular Naruto Whirlpools are both within easy driving distance.