Kōriyama-shuku Honjin, Honjin in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Kōriyama-shuku Honjin is a surviving Edo-period honjin complex in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture, on the old Saigoku Kaidō. Facing south on the highway, it consists of two main buildings with tiled roofs, three kura storehouses, a barn, and a tea ceremony room. The present structures date from 1718, when the honjin was rebuilt after a fire.
The site was founded in 1696 and operated as an official lodging for traveling daimyo for about 175 years. As Japan modernized and the custom of mandatory journeys ended in 1872, the building transitioned to private residence status.
The guesthouse reflects social divisions of the Edo period through separate areas for nobility and common travelers. Visitors can observe how space was organized to maintain hierarchy and proper conduct during official journeys.
The site is normally open by prior arrangement only, except during two annual public opening days. Visitors should check ahead since hours are limited and advance notice helps accommodate group visits.
The honjin's nickname, Tsubaki Honjin (Camellia Honjin), comes from a large Camellia japonica growing beside the main gate. The building itself is not named after the tree; the tree gave the whole compound its popular name.
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