A Symbol of "Storehouse Town" Kitakata, Rich in History
The Former Kai Family Storehouse Residence, located in Kitakata City, is a Taisho-era storehouse and a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. As a symbol of the "storehouse town" of Kitakata, it is a must-see for visitors.
Constructed between 1917 and 1923, the residence features a black plaster exterior that exudes a sense of gravity and presence. Inside, there is a 51-tatami-mat warehouse room, with walls adorned in gold leaf and pillars made from valuable woods such as knotless cypress and ebony.
The storehouse room is divided into upper and lower chambers, featuring a shoin-style alcove and a recessed wall. The central transom showcases a technique known as "osaranma," where a single cypress plank is intricately carved into fine latticework, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.
Additionally, the residence includes a storehouse and a soy sauce storehouse. The storehouse features a distinctive suspended staircase carved from a large zelkova tree, while the soy sauce storehouse’s brick chimney is part of Kitakata’s Modern Industrial Heritage and recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
*Currently closed for preservation and repair work, expected to reopen in 2030.
