Former Arikabe-juku Honjin

The Former Arikabe-juku Honjin is an 18th-century manor house in Kurihara that once served as an official inn for high-ranking guests. The two-story wooden structure has a large entrance gate and displays typical architectural features of that era.

The building was erected in 1744 and served as a lodging place for feudal lords during their mandatory journeys to Edo. It was a stopping point for high-ranking guests from several regions who supported trade and administrative functions.

The building displays the spatial arrangement of a samurai-era manor, with raised floor sections and traditional elements that reflected the social rank of visitors.

The site is easily accessible by car but lies outside the main area and requires a short drive from the nearest interchange. A visit works best during daytime hours when the doors are open and interior spaces benefit from natural light.

The building houses original documents such as guest registers and administrative papers that have survived for over two centuries without fire or water damage. These records offer rare insights into daily routines and visitors during the early modern period.