Guide
The Former Shinohara Family Residence is a prestigious site designated as both a National Important Cultural Property and a Utsunomiya City Tangible Cultural Property. It serves as a vital architectural record of the lifestyle of wealthy merchants during the Meiji era. The complex features distinctive earthen-walled (dozo-zukuri) structures and stone storehouses that once supported the local soy sauce brewing industry, offering a profound look into Japan's traditional architectural heritage.
Since the early 19th century, this site served as a strategic point along the Oshu Kaido highway, where the Shinohara family operated a successful soy sauce brewing and fertilizer business. The current main residence was constructed in 1895 (Meiji 28). Although much of the estate was lost to fire during World War II, the main house and three stone storehouses were preserved, continuing to tell the story of the Meiji-era merchant class. The site was designated a cultural property of Utsunomiya in 1995, and in 2000, the main house and the new storehouse were elevated to the status of National Important Cultural Property. It was also selected as one of the "Utsunomiya 100 Scenic Views."
The architecture is characterized by its two-story earthen-walled design. The site features a mix of styles from different eras, including the Bunko-kura (library storehouse) built in 1851, the stone storehouses, and the main house and new storehouse built in 1895. Inside, visitors can see traditional Japanese rooms adorned with large calligraphy scrolls (hengaku). The textures of the tatami mats, sliding paper doors (shoji), and wooden structures create an authentic atmosphere. The stone storehouses, once used to store tools for soy sauce production, serve as a powerful testament to the area's commercial history.
During the bright daylight hours, the natural light beautifully illuminates the traditional Japanese rooms, highlighting the vibrant greenery of the surrounding trees and the intricate details of the architecture. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. Please note: The site is scheduled to be closed for seismic reinforcement work until December 2026. Please check the latest status before your visit.
Visitors can visually explore the lifestyle of a traditional merchant house. You can observe the structural integrity of the earthen-walled buildings and the specialized functions of the stone and library storehouses. It is a unique opportunity to see firsthand the spatial configuration and environment in which wealthy merchants lived during the Meiji era.
The residence is located within walking distance of JR Utsunomiya Station, making it an easy addition to a city tour. The surrounding area features various historical landmarks and traditional streetscapes, allowing for a pleasant walking route through the history of Utsunomiya.
As the site contains traditional Japanese rooms with tatami flooring, you will be required to remove your shoes to enter. We recommend wearing clean socks and choosing footwear that is easy to slip on and off. To protect the historic structures, please adhere to all photography rules and signage. Important: Due to scheduled seismic reinforcement work through December 2026, please verify the opening status via the official website prior to your arrival.