Guide
The Kobataya Residence (Yakumo Honjin) is a designated Important Cultural Property located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. This historic estate served as a 'Honjin' (a high-class inn for VIPs) for the Matsue Clan lords during their inspections of the domain. Its prestige is further highlighted by the visits of the Emperor Taisho, Emperor Showa, and renowned Japanese authors such as Yasunari Kawabata and Seicho Matsumoto. The interior offers a fascinating window into the past, featuring Edo-period firefighting equipment and exquisite sliding door paintings, such as the 'Tiger Painting' by the Tottori-based artist Inei Dobata, showcasing the lifestyle and artistry of the era.
The residence is deeply intertwined with the history of the Matsue Clan. It functioned as a vital facility for receiving the clan lords. During the Meiji era, the site continued to play a role in modern Japanese history, including the construction of the 'Hiun-kaku' to coincide with the visits of the Emperor. The architecture also includes elements like the 'Asahi Tanba no Ma,' which was relocated from the former residence of Asahi Tanba, a high-ranking official of the Matsue Clan, connecting the site to the influential figures of the region.
The building showcases a diverse range of architectural styles and fine art. Upon entering the main entrance, you are greeted by a high-ceilinged 'doma' (earthen floor) area featuring thick beams and windows decorated with traditional wave patterns. The walls display authentic firefighting tools from the Edo period. In the 'Shoin' (study room), you can admire the magnificent 'Tiger Painting' on the sliding doors by Inei Dobata. Additionally, the rooms are adorned with hanging scrolls, folding screens, and tea ceremony utensils passed down through the Kobataya family, allowing visitors to observe the refined culture of the time. The view of the Izumo-style garden from within the house provides a tranquil and picturesque setting.
The facility is generally open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While there are no specific seasonal events mentioned, the bright daylight hours are ideal for appreciating the intricate details of the high-ceilinged structure, the seasonal beauty of the garden, and the fine textures of the historical artifacts and firefighting tools on display.
The Kobataya Residence is located in an area rich with history. It is within walking distance of JR Shinjicho Station, making it an easy stop on a local sightseeing itinerary. It is also conveniently located for travelers planning to visit other major cultural sites in the prefecture, such as the Shimane Art Museum, the Adachi Museum of Art, or Matsue Castle.
As this is a historic building with traditional features like earthen floors, wooden corridors, and tatami-matted rooms, please handle the environment with care. Because you will be required to remove your shoes to enter certain areas, we recommend wearing easy-to-remove footwear and clean socks. Please note that the facility is currently closed for renovation work (scheduled to reopen in March 2030); please check the latest status before your visit.