Imanishi Shoin

Imanishi Shoin is a residential building from the Edo period featuring wooden beams, tatami mat rooms, and sliding doors that reflect traditional Japanese design principles. The structure includes small alcoves and carefully proportioned rooms designed for both daily living and receiving visitors.

The building began as the residence of a Buddhist monk from Kofuku-ji Temple and passed to the Imanishi merchant family in 1924. It was later designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, preserving its historical significance.

The house reflects how a prosperous merchant family lived and entertained, with distinct spaces for receiving guests that show the social expectations of that era.

The residence is best visited on foot or by local transport from nearby train stations in the area. It is advisable to spend time slowly walking through each room to appreciate the craftsmanship and design details that might otherwise be overlooked.

The garden surrounding the house reveals different seasonal appearances, from flowering cherry trees in spring to other plants that shift throughout the year. This changing landscape makes repeated visits offer new visual experiences each time.

Location: Fukuchiinchō

Architectural style: shoin-zukuri

Address: 24 Fukuchiin-chō, Nara, Nara pref. 630-8381

Website: http://harushika.com/study

GPS coordinates: 34.67697,135.83404

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47