Established in 1993, Kitakata Kura no Sato is a base for passing down the cultural tradition of building kura (traditional warehouses) and magariya (L-shaped houses), which are valuable parts of the lifestyle heritage of the Kitakata area.
Ten traditional-style buildings stand within this 4,500 square-meter area. These include a mise-gura (a kura used as a shop), a miso-gura (kura for preserving miso paste), a kokumotsu-gura (a kura for storing grain), and a kura-zashiki (a kura used as a residence), as well as the residences of local officials (Go-gashira and Kimoiri) constructed around a courtyard.
The landscape with its old warehouses and residences induces a sense of nostalgia in the minds of Japanese people. Each of the warehouses also serves as an exhibition space for various resources on different themes: stencils for Aizu dyeing; a photo gallery exhibiting the works of Minoru Kaneda, who introduced Kitakata to outsiders as the town of kura; Iwako Uryu, a social worker during the Meiji Period; Monzo Hasunuma, the leader of a youth movement group called Shuyodan; and the Kitakata Incident, which took place in the midst of the democratic movement during the Meiji Period. Visitors can also acquire background knowledge here before going on a tour to see the many kura that are dotted around the city of Kitakata.
| Website | http://www.kitakata-kanko.jp/ (Automated translation available) |
|---|---|
| Contact |
Kitakata Tourism & Local Products Association (+81) 241-24-5200 |
| Best Season | All Year |
| Opening Hours |
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Regular holiday: Year-end and New Year |
| Parking | Spaces for 117 cars. Coaches can also park. (Kitakata Plaza Parking Lot) |
| Entrance Fee | Adults: 400 yen Kids (Up to 18 years of age): 200 yen Discount rate available for groups |
| Access | 109 Oshikiri, Kitakata City, Fukushima Pref 966-0094 View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By Car: 20 km from Aizuwakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway By Train: 20 min walk from Kitakata Station on the JR Ban-etsu West Line |
The tracks of the now-closed Nicchu Railway Line have been restored as a cycling and walking path, from which you can view 1,000 weeping cherry blossom trees along a 3 km stretch. A steam train is also displayed near the Kitakata Plaza.
This shop uses Aizu-grown peanuts in their delicious confectionery sweets. There’s a sampling corner for you to try their creations. Our top recommendation is the peanut soft-serve ice cream!
Close to Kitakata station is Yamatogawa Brewery. This brewery was built in 1790 in the Edo Era, and has been producing sake ever since. The famous sake cultivated at this brewery is made using the clear, mountain water from Mt Iide. Another important component of Yamatogawa Brewery’s sak...
Kitakata’s ramen museum – full of everything ramen – has finally been completed! A ramen shrine was built in conjunction with the museum, where information about the history and story of Kitakata Ramen is exhibited. There is even a big ramen bowl at the centre of the shrine, whe...
This hall exhibits both opposing factions of the Boshin War, with a focus on documents related to the Byakkotai, which lost the war, as well as many documents of the Seigun (Western Army) and Shinsengumi.
Aquamarine Fukushima is an ‘environmental aquarium’ that exhibits aquatic creatures in environments which closely mimic their natural habitats. As well as being an aquarium, Aquamarine Fukushima is also home to a research center and offers educational information about sustainability ...
Kitakata’s ramen museum – full of everything ramen – has finally been completed! A ramen shrine was built in conjunction with the museum, where information about the history and story of Kitakata Ramen is exhibited. There is even a big ramen bowl at the centre of the shrine, whe...
Traditional structures from northern Fukushima built between the Mid-Edo to Meiji era (1700 – 1912) – including restaurants, private houses, storehouses, and even a theater – have been relocated to Fukushima City Minka-en Open-Air Museum. At Minka-en these buildings are resto...