Goshoen was the guest house of a Kitamae-bune company called Furukawaya. Kitamae-bune are cargo ships that sailed the Japan Sea during the Edo period from Hokkaido south to Aomori, then Akita and Yamagata, continuing along the west side of Japan. Furukawaya set up a base in Nishizu Obama because it was the closest port to Kyoto and was often utilized by Kitamae-bune. Furukawaya became the top merchant in town and one of the richest families in Japan. Alongside Goshoen are many Furukawaya mansions and storehouses.

As you stand on the Goshoen patio and gaze out at the garden, you might notice something peculiar. The patio acts more like an extension of the garden rather than a vista point because there are no pillars to block your view. But without pillars, what’s holding up the building? There are other pillars positioned elsewhere made from the center of old Akita straight-grain cedar. The grandiose and extravagant quality of the wood is a clear sign of Furukawaya’s affluence.

Furukawaya had a strong relationship with the Sakai family, the lords of Obama Castle, even hosting them at Goshoen Garden from time to time. They say that one time Furukawaya lent the lord three of his ships for Obama Bay sightseeing as he enjoyed Inaniwana udon noodles and some sake out at sea.

Let’s keep in mind Furukawaya and the development of Nishizu as we continue our walk through town.