Matsushima Family’s Kurazashiki
Takiemon Matsushima was, during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods, the 13th head of the Matsushima family. Takiemon made his fortune exporting fur and as a landowner in the Shirakawa area. Takiemon was also a man of culture:he was a successful Haiku poet and known as Kagai in Shirakawa literary.
The structures surround a garden where you can find an artificial mountain made of stones from Mt. Fuji, pine trees, trees with autumn foliage, and stone memorials embellished with carved poetry. Here, thekurazashiki and the library storehouse, the guest bathhouse and toilets are laid out in an L shape around the garden. A rice storehouse and a warehouse stand in the back. The kurazashikiwas constructed in 1896 and contains two rooms of 10 and 8 tatami mats; both of which have alcoves with staggered shelves. The alcove posts (made from rosewood, ebony and ironwood), the kumikolattice used in the shoji and the boards used for the ceiling are of excellent quality and represent the superb technique of the craftsman.
Designated as a Historically Scenic Landmark by Shirakawa City on November 11th, 2011.
Building information
Location
Asahimachi
neighboring area
Era of construction
Meiji／Taisho
Open to public
External view only