A Meiji Storehouse Moved from the Family Home
The Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse (風間家旧別邸無量光苑土蔵, Dozō) is a 2-storey clay-walled storehouse of about 1897 in the southeast corner of the Muryokoen villa in Izumimachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture; it was moved here in 1955 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1 July 2003. It has a tiled roof and a building area of 33 square metres.
It began life as the uchigura, the inner storehouse, of the Kazama family home across the road to the south, the house known as Heishindo. An inner storehouse sat deep within a merchant's premises and held household valuables. In 1955 it was brought across to the villa grounds; of the six Muryokoen structures, it is the one whose original site is on record.
It measures 4 bays by 2 and a half, compact for a storehouse. It is built in the Dozo-zukuri manner, with an oki-yane, a separate roof set over the clay-covered walls.
Why It Was Registered
The Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse was registered, as number 06-0053, as a model of design.
The official description praises its sturdiness: select timber throughout, with posts set closely on both floors. The oki-yane places a timber roof over the plastered body of the building, slightly raised above it, so that rain and fire are kept off the clay walls; it is an arrangement used on storehouses in many parts of Japan.
The inside is what sets it apart. The official record notes that the interior woodwork is lacquered and that the metal fittings are carefully designed, a level of finish unusual for a working store and in keeping with a wealthy merchant's house.
What to Look For
Start where the roof meets the walls. With an oki-yane the roof does not sit directly on the walls but is framed as a separate structure, and a look under the eaves shows how the two are joined.
Then take in the proportions. At 4 bays by 2 and a half the plan is not long, and the second storey gives it height, so this small building holds its corner of the grounds with real weight.
Where the Shakado and the gates have the lightness of sukiya design, the storehouse is heavy and closed. The same lot sets a building for welcoming guests beside one for guarding wealth.
Visiting the Storehouse
The Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse stands in the southeast corner of the grounds; its exterior can be seen once you enter the villa during the open season.
The official visitor information does not say whether the lacquered interior is open. If you want to see inside, contact the villa before your visit.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Yamagata
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse
- [ Yamadera Temple & Zao Onsen Hot Springs ]
Q&A
- Where did the Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse originally stand?
- It was the inner storehouse of the family home, Heishindo, across the road to the south, and was moved to its present site in 1955.
- When was the Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse built and registered?
- It dates from about 1897 and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1 July 2003, registration number 06-0053.
- How big is the Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse?
- It is a 2-storey clay-walled storehouse with a separate protective roof, 4 bays by 2 and a half, with a building area of 33 square metres.
- Can you go inside the Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse?
- The official visitor information does not say whether the interior is open, so ask before visiting. The exterior can be seen during the open season.
- Why was the Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse registered?
- For its sturdy construction in select timber with closely set posts on both floors, and for its lacquered interior woodwork and carefully designed fittings.
Basic Information
| Name | Kazama Family Former Villa Muryokoen Storehouse (風間家旧別邸無量光苑土蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 6-20 Izumimachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003/07/01 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Dozo-zukuri, 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 33 square metres |
| Owner | Kokunensha Public Interest Foundation |
| Public Access | Inside the grounds; exterior visible during the open season, 15 April to 30 November (admission charged) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — 風間家旧別邸無量光苑土蔵
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003347
- Cultural Heritage Online — 風間家旧別邸無量光苑土蔵
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/116427
- Tsuruoka City Board of Education — List of Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (PDF)
- https://www.city.tsuruoka.lg.jp/bunka/rekishi/shitei-bunka-ichiran.files/15_registeredtangibleculturalproperties.pdf
- Heishindo (Kokunensha) — Visitor Information
- https://heishindo.jp/guide/
Last verified: 2026.09.25
