Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki

Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki

Many storehouses have been built in Kitakata City over the years, with various architectural styles represented across the city. The Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki (Former Residence of the Kai Family) is among the storehouses that are often visited by tourists. The outer walls have been coated with black laquer. The interior has been constructed lavishly with precious wood, giving the building a dignified appearance.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www.kitakata-kanko.jp/category/detail.php?id=3(Automated translation available)
Contact

(+81) 241-22-0001

Best SeasonAll Year
Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entrance at 4:30 PM)

Open all year

ParkingUp to 20 cars
Entrance FeeFree
Access Details
AccessAza 1-4611, Kitakata City, Fukushima Pref. 966-0819
View directions
Getting there

By Train: 25 min walk from Kitakata Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line)

Related trips

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
Local Foods

Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura

Suehiro Sake Brewery was founded at the end of the Edo Period, in the mid 19th century. The Kaeigura (the building where the sake is brewed) has been designated as an important historical building by Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Here, visitors can take a guided tour of the sake-brewing process, as well as of old Japanese-style rooms which were built during the Meiji Period. The brewing process takes place from October to March every year. During this time, visitors can see the process and conditions inside the fermentation tanks. Visitors may try between six and ten different kinds of sake for free year-round. Suehiro sake and other Aizu products are available for sale on-site. On the left side after entering the gate stands a café called Kissa Ann. The architecture of Kissa Ann was remodelled from the Kaeigura's oldest storehouse. Here, you can enjoy coffee made with water prepared especially for making sake, and cake made using high-quality sake.

The World Glassware Hall
Historical Sites

Former Takizawa Honjin

This honjin served as a rest house used by daimyo lords when they traveled to Edo (Tokyo) as part of the Sankin-kōtai system of alternate attendance, or when they conducted inspection tours. During the Boshin War, Domain Lord Matsudaira Katamori took command and the Byakkotai defended their city. The building still has sword marks and bullet holes from the war. The Former Takizawa Honjin is recognized as a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property.

You might also like

Sazaedo Temple
Historical Sites

Sazaedo Temple

<p>Sazaedo is a Buddhist temple built in 1796. Its architecture is similar in shape similar to the shell of a horned turban (&lsquo;sazae&rsquo; in Japanese) hence its name &lsquo;Sazaedo&rsquo;. The inside of the temple consists of a double-helix slope, meaning that visitors who come to pray won&rsquo;t meet anybody coming from the opposite direction. This one-way system makes Sazaedo extremely unique.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/2%283%29.jpg" /></p><p>In 1995, it was appointed as a National Important Cultural Property, and in 2018 it was showcased in Michelin Green Guide (1 star, interesting place to visit).</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/7%283%29.jpg" /></p>

The Warehouses of Kitakata
Historical Sites

The Warehouses of Kitakata

In the Meiji and Taisho eras, Kitakata City experienced a boom in the construction of kura (traditional Japanese storehouses). There are approximately 4,200 still left in the city today. While these were used both as storehouses for businesses in the brewing and lacquerware industries, the building of a kura has traditionally been considered among Kitakata locals as a great symbol of status, and a source of pride. In the Mitsuya District, the rows of brick storehouses are reminiscent of rural Europe, whereas in the Sugiyama district, they have roofs that take the appearance of helmets. Visitors can see a range of kura and other traditional buildings at Kitakata Kura-no-Sato museum, or enjoy exploring the kura of the city on foot or by bike. See here for a 1 day itinerary for visiting Kitakata City.

Tsurugajo Castle
Historical Sites

Tsurugajo Castle

<p>Tsurugajo Castle allows visitors the opportunity to experience history, nature, and tradition with all five senses.</p><p>Despite being mostly reconstructed, the surrounding park&#39;s stone walls remain in their original state. In 2010, for the first time since it was refurbished in 1965, the castle underwent a cosmetic restoration. Following completion in 2011, the same red-tile roofs seen by the <a href="http://fukushima.travel/destination/the-19-graves-of-the-byakkotai-samurai-brigade/244">Byakkotai</a>&nbsp;(during the Boshin War and finals days of the Tokugawa shogunate) are now displayed for all to see.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/22-01_DSC2548.jpg" /></p><p>This castle is one of the final strongholds of samurai that remained loyal to the shogunate and today stands as a symbol of courage and faithfulness.</p><p>Within the castle tower&#39;s museum, the swords and armor of the castle&rsquo;s successive lords are on display. Visitors can watch a CG-enhanced theatrical video reflecting on the great history of Aizu.</p><p>In addition to the historical atmosphere surrounding Tsurugajo, visitors can sense the changes that have occurred throughout history, thanks to the engaging and informative museum within the castle walls. It&rsquo;s fun to gaze across Aizu from the fifth floor, like a feudal lord admiring his domain&mdash;the viewing platform up here provides panoramic views taking in <a href="https://fukushima.travel/destination/mt-bandai/12">Mt. Bandai</a> and <a href="https://fukushima.travel/destination/mt-iimoriyama/4">Mt. Iimoriyama</a>.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/04_MG_3635.jpg" /></p><p>The castle is also a must-see in the springtime when approximately 1,000 cherry trees offer a magnificent display within the castle&#39;s grounds.</p><p>When you&rsquo;re in the mood for a rest, visit the <a href="https://fukushima.travel/destination/relaxing-tea-ceremony-at-tsurugajo-castle/89">Rinkaku Tea Rooms</a> for some freshly-prepared matcha green tea. This tea house on the grounds of Tsurugajo was vital in the spread of this traditional art&mdash;and had it been destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, tea ceremony as it is known in Japan might have vanished.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/11_MG_9141.jpg" /></p><p>Tsurugajo Castle is truly a place where the modern visitor can slip into the past and become immersed in history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Top