Inabake Shimoyashiki
Oita Prefecture · Japan
First visit to a former residence of the Inaba family, the former feudal lord of Usuki Domain. Built in 1902, it was constructed as a place for the family to return to after relocating to Tokyo following the abolition of the han system. The residence showcases the elegant architecture of a high-ranking samurai family, featuring a formal entrance with a raised platform, a traditional Japanese-style living room, and high-quality materials such as cedar and cypress.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Inabake Shimoyashiki, a premier historical landmark in the castle town of Usuki. This site was the 'Shimoyashiki,' or lower residence, of the Inaba clan, who served as the hereditary lords of the Usuki domain for over…
Listen in the app2The Main Entrance and Samurai Status
As you approach the main entrance, notice the imposing gate and the architectural cues that signaled the resident's high status. In feudal Japan, the size and style of one's gate were strictly regulated by rank. …
Listen in the app3The Grand Tatami Suite — Spatial Philosophy
Moving into the heart of the residence, you find yourself in a series of interconnected tatami rooms. This is a classic example of Japanese spatial philosophy, where rooms can be expanded or contracted using 'fusuma'—sliding…
Listen in the app4The Lord's Inner Sanctum — The Tokonoma
Within the most prestigious room of the suite, you will find the 'tokonoma,' a decorative alcove that is the spiritual and aesthetic center of the Japanese home. The tokonoma is where a hanging scroll, a floral arrangement…
Listen in the app5The Inner Garden — Nature in Miniature
The sliding outer doors of the residence open directly onto a stunning inner garden. This is a 'Chisen-shoyu-teien' or pond-stroll garden, though here it is designed primarily to be viewed from the veranda. …
Listen in the app6The Private Quarters and Daily Life
As we move into the rear sections of the residence, the architecture becomes slightly more utilitarian, reflecting the daily lives of the family and their staff. This area includes the kitchen, storage rooms, and smaller private…
Listen in the app7The Storehouses — Wealth and Preservation
On the edge of the property stand several 'kura' or traditional storehouses. These thick-walled, white-plastered buildings were essential for protecting the family's valuables from fire and theft. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As you conclude your tour of Inabake Shimoyashiki, reflect on the transition it represents. This residence was built when the age of the samurai was ending, yet it breathes with the values of that era: discipline, aesthetic…
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What is Inabake Shimoyashiki?
Inabake Shimoyashiki is a place in Oita Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Oita Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 33.1233, 131.7987 |
| Last updated |
