Another quirk exclusive to Masuda storage compounds are the “Tōri-doma” passageways. These were often built to connect the uchi-gura and main rooms of the compounds, as well as directly connecting the do-gura out back to the main streets and back alleys.

Neighborhood locals naturally used these spaces not only to hang out, but also to pass through on their way to different places. It’s a bit shocking to know that long ago, families would have breakfast on the tōri-doma while passersby walked on through, freely using them as shortcuts to the back alleys and the do-gura. The earthen halls were a bit unusual, sandwiched between the outside world and the family’s inner circle, acting as “way-stations” of sorts. Anecdotes about how winter snow would fall through the cracks over one’s rice highlight perfectly how these passages were as much external as they were internal.

Notice the surprisingly loud sound the inner storeroom’s sliding door makes when one opens and closes it. It’s not because it’s old or poorly constructed, but rather a feature built in from the start to announce a person’s entering or exiting from the storeroom. Think of it as an old-fashioned door chime in function, as it helped to prevent break-ins and other forms of crime.