Kurara (Former Miyauchi Cocoon Market Warehouse) Building No. 3: A Monument to Yamagata's Silk Heritage
Standing quietly in the town of Miyauchi in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, Kurara Building No. 3 — formally known as the Former Miyauchi Cocoon Market Cocoon Warehouse — is a striking testament to the once-thriving sericulture industry of the Okitama region. Built in 1927 during the early Showa period, this reinforced concrete warehouse was originally used to store silkworm cocoons gathered from farms across the area. Today, it has been thoughtfully renovated as a community cultural hub, while retaining the architectural character that earned it registration as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 2016.
A Brief History of the Miyauchi Cocoon Market
The Okitama region of southern Yamagata Prefecture was a major center of sericulture — the cultivation of silkworms for raw silk production — from the late 19th century through the early decades of the 20th century. Silkworm rearing and cocoon trading were vital sources of income for farming communities throughout the area, and cocoon markets were established to facilitate the sale and storage of harvested cocoons before they were sent to silk-reeling factories.
The Miyauchi Cocoon Market in what is now Nanyo City was one such important trading hub. Its site originally housed three large warehouse buildings for storing cocoons. Building No. 1, the oldest of the three, dates to around 1922 (Taisho era) and is a traditional-style three-story earthen storehouse. Building No. 3, the largest of the group, was constructed in 1927 using modern reinforced concrete — a reflection of the growing prosperity and modernization of the local silk industry during that era. All three warehouses were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties on November 29, 2016, recognizing their collective significance in preserving the region's industrial heritage.
Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
Building No. 3 was registered under Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Act as a structure of historical and architectural value. The registration recognized several key qualities of the building.
First, the warehouse is the largest of the three surviving cocoon storage buildings on the site, measuring approximately 38 meters along the ridge and 15 meters across the span, with a total building footprint of 581 square meters. Its reinforced concrete construction was notably modern for a rural warehouse of the 1920s, reflecting the economic importance of the sericulture trade that justified such an investment.
Second, the building features a queen post truss roof structure — an engineering technique originally developed for bridge construction and later adapted for large-span roofing. This structural system allowed for a wide, column-free interior space ideally suited for storing and sorting large quantities of cocoons.
Third, the building stands as a tangible record of the sericulture industry that once defined the economic and social fabric of the Okitama region. Together with the adjacent Buildings No. 1 and No. 2, it forms a rare surviving complex of cocoon market warehouses that tells the story of Japan's modern silk heritage.
Architectural Highlights and Features
Building No. 3 is a two-story reinforced concrete structure topped with a gable (kirizuma) roof covered in iron plate. The building is oriented on a north-south axis with its main entrance on the long eastern side — a layout known as "hira-iri" in Japanese architectural terminology. Numerous tall windows line the eastern facade, originally designed to allow ample natural light and ventilation for the cocoons stored inside.
The interior is characterized by a spacious, open layout made possible by the queen post truss roof system overhead. Unlike a king post truss with a single central vertical post, the queen post truss uses two vertical posts, enabling a wider unsupported span. This structural elegance is still visible in the interior and adds a dramatic sense of scale to the space.
The exterior retains the honest, utilitarian aesthetic of early Showa-period industrial architecture — unadorned concrete walls, rhythmic rows of windows, and clean geometric lines that speak to function rather than decoration. A renovation completed in 2003 adapted the building for its current use as a multipurpose hall while preserving these essential architectural features.
Kurara Today: A Community Cultural Hub
Since its renovation, the former cocoon warehouse complex has been reborn as the Nanyo City Community Plaza "Kurara" — a name that playfully echoes the Japanese word "kura" (storehouse). The complex serves as a center for community activities, cultural exchange, and local revitalization in the Miyauchi district.
Building No. 3 now functions as a multipurpose hall used for concerts, art exhibitions, cultural events, and community gatherings. Its expansive interior and impressive ceiling height — a legacy of its warehouse origins — make it a uniquely atmospheric venue. Building No. 2 houses meeting rooms, a Japanese-style tatami room, exhibition spaces, and administrative offices. Building No. 1 has been preserved for its exterior appearance. A covered walkway connects Buildings No. 2 and No. 3, and an open multipurpose plaza between the structures provides additional event space.
The ground floors of Buildings No. 2 and No. 3 are barrier-free, allowing wheelchair access throughout. Wheelchair loans are also available upon request.
Exploring the Surroundings
Kurara is located in the Miyauchi district of Nanyo City, an area rich in history and natural beauty. Just a short walk from the warehouse complex, visitors can explore several notable attractions.
Kumano Taisha Shrine, known as the "Ise of Tohoku," is one of Japan's Three Great Kumano Shrines and a renowned power spot for matchmaking and romance. The shrine is famous for its "three hidden rabbits" carved into the main hall — legend has it that finding all three will bring success in love. From June through September, hundreds of wind chimes are hung in the precinct, creating a magical soundscape.
Akayu Onsen, a hot spring resort with over 930 years of history, lies nearby and offers a wonderful complement to a cultural heritage visit. The town is also celebrated for its spicy miso ramen — particularly the iconic Ryushanhai restaurant — and its local wineries. The Eboshiyama Park area is famed for its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring.
The Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line, a charming local railway, connects the area and is an attraction in its own right. Miyauchi Station, the nearest stop to Kurara, is notable for its station master — a rabbit named "Mocchi."
For visitors interested in more of the region's silk heritage, the nearby Yuzuru no Sato Museum (Former Tasemaru-ta Silk-Reeling Factory Cocoon Warehouse) is another registered cultural property in Nanyo City that tells the story of the local textile tradition, and is also connected to the beloved folktale of "Tsuru no Ongaeshi" (The Crane's Return of a Favor).
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Yamagata
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- [ Yamadera Temple & Zao Onsen Hot Springs ]
Q＆A
- Is Kurara Building No. 3 open to the public for viewing?
- Yes. Building No. 3 functions as a multipurpose hall and can be visited when events are being held or by arrangement. Buildings No. 2 and No. 3 can also be rented for private use. For availability and current schedules, contact the Nanyo City Commerce and Tourism Division at 0238-40-3211.
- How do I get to Kurara from Tokyo?
- Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Akayu Station (approximately 2.5 hours). Transfer to the Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line and ride one stop to Miyauchi Station. From there, Kurara is about a 3-minute walk.
- Is there an admission fee to enter Kurara?
- There is no general admission fee for the Kurara complex. However, rental fees apply when reserving rooms or the multipurpose hall for private events. Visitors can view the exteriors freely at any time.
- Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
- Yes. The ground floors of Buildings No. 2 and No. 3 are barrier-free with no steps, and a ramp with handrails is provided at the entrance. Wheelchairs are available for loan upon request.
- What is the best season to visit Nanyo City and Kurara?
- Each season offers something special. Spring (April) brings cherry blossoms at Eboshiyama Park, early summer features cherry picking and roses, summer offers the wind chime festival at Kumano Taisha, autumn is the season for grapes, wine, and the famous Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival, and winter brings a tranquil snowy landscape. The area's many hot springs are enjoyable year-round.
Basic Information
| Name | Kurara (Former Miyauchi Cocoon Market Cocoon Warehouse) Building No. 3 |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 蔵楽（旧宮内繭市場繭蔵）三号館 |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) — Registered November 29, 2016 |
| Year Built | 1927 (Showa 2) / Renovated 2003 |
| Structure | Reinforced concrete, 2-story, iron-plate gable roof, building area 581 m² |
| Dimensions | Approximately 38 m (ridge length) × 15 m (span) |
| Roof Truss | Queen post truss |
| Owner | Nanyo City |
| Address | 1004-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0472, Japan |
| Access | Approximately 3-minute walk from Miyauchi Station on the Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line. Akayu Station (Yamagata Shinkansen) is one stop away. |
| Parking | Available (approximately 100 spaces; availability may vary during events) |
| Contact | Nanyo City Commerce and Tourism Division — Tel: 0238-40-3211 |
References
- 蔵楽（旧宮内繭市場繭蔵）三号館 — Cultural Heritage Online (文化遺産オンライン)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/243858
- 国指定文化財等データベース — Agency for Cultural Affairs (文化庁)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011241
- 南陽市交流プラザ「蔵楽」について — Nanyo City Official Website
- http://www.city.nanyo.yamagata.jp/siyoukorouse/111
- 施設詳細 | 南陽市交流プラザ 蔵楽（くらら） — Yamagata Barrier-Free MAP
- https://trip-yamagata-japan.com/barrier-free/detail/index/505
- 交流プラザ 蔵楽(くらら) — Yamagata Landscape Award (景観賞)
- http://yamagata-doyukai.jp/keikan/交流プラザ 蔵楽くらら-南陽市/
- 熊野大社 — Yamagata Tourism Official Website (やまがたへの旅)
- https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_1414.html
- 赤湯温泉 — Yamagata Tourism Official Website (やまがたへの旅)
- https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_2875.html
Last verified: 2026.03.25