旧篠原家住宅, Traditional merchant house in Utsunomiya, Japan
The Shinohara residence is a traditional merchant house with black plaster walls, a tiled roof, and two-story architecture spanning approximately 172 square meters. The structure contains distinct sections for living quarters and commercial operations, reflecting the integrated lifestyle of the era.
Built in 1895 by a prosperous merchant family, the house survived World War II air raids while surrounding structures were destroyed by fire. This survival makes it a rare example of early Meiji-period architecture in the region.
The house reveals how prosperous merchants lived and worked during the Meiji period, with spaces dedicated to soy sauce production and storage integrated into daily life. The layout shows how residential and business areas functioned as a single household unit.
The house is located a short five-minute walk from JR Utsunomiya Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. Visiting is possible most days, with entry typically available through mid-afternoon hours.
The exterior walls incorporate Oya stone, a local volcanic rock arranged in a distinctive pattern that provides fire protection to the structure. This material is rarely used in modern construction, making the house a testament to traditional craftsmanship.
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