Experience Life in a Washi Paper Wholesaler's Merchant House and Listen to the Suikinkutsu
About this spot
One of the finest merchant houses in the Udatsu town, this former washi paper wholesaler operated from the Edo period onward. Its impressive structure, crowned with some of the town's oldest udatsu, reveals the affluent lifestyle of the paper merchant trade through its successive earthen-floored passages, accounting rooms, and chambers. The house's suikinkutsu water fountain is celebrated as one of Japan's "100 Soundscapes," and the pristine tones created by water droplets falling into a buried earthenware vessel below convey a luxury in simply listening. Combined with the adjoining Mino Historical Museum, this is a place to deeply savor the town's heritage.
Tips
Remove your shoes before entering the house; wear easy-to-remove footwear for smooth transitions. The suikinkutsu operates by pouring water using a ladle; take turns and listen quietly to enjoy it fully. Located midway along the merchant street, it is just a few minutes' walk to other nearby sites.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. Morning hours are quietest, and the suikinkutsu's tones are most clearly audible.
Access & map
1883 Izumi-cho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture 501-3729
Model course featuring this spot
Mino: Strolling Through the Udatsu Merchant Town and Experiencing Washi Paper Lantern Art
Gifu
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.