Masuda’s Historic Conservatory District is unique among the 120 historic districts of Japan in that its old buildings are still in use today in daily life. And it’s not rare to see the current heads of some historic families providing tours of their homes. Compared to modern homes with their anti-cold and anti-humidity features, they may seem inconvenient, but Masuda appears to take pride in preserving its ancestors’ storehouses for posterity. Living in Masuda, one can still sense the pulse of history flowing.

Masuda town has over fifty confirmed uchi-kara storehouses, and over 100 do-kura storehouses which one can visit. The reason why storehouses that are over 200 years old remain so healthy is in the “sheath configuration” unique to regions that see heavy snowfall, as well as the high level of craftsmanship and business acumen found in the workers and traders of the era.

But by far the most unique characteristic of these storehouses is the fact that they are still used every day. A town where heads of family provide guided tours of their ancient storehouses and regale visitors with anecdotes of their family history is an extremely rare jewel. Each storehouse is like an album of its family’s life, brimming with memories. Their tales are full of color, and give vivid breath to that history. A nostalgic mood stole over us as we explored these magnificent storehouses. Surely it was because the town’s, and it’s people’s, memories overlapped our own.

Storehouses with “Open” placards are open to the public. We invite you to lend ear to these families’ stories, imagine the olden days, and breathe deep the scent of historic Masuda town.