Tour a historic merchant house's hidden warehouse free of charge, and gather maps and local information here
About this spot
A tourism and local products center utilizing the main building and hidden warehouse of the former Ishida Hardware Store. Masuda developed as a commercial town at the confluence of the Naruase and Kaiseigawa Rivers, thriving as a distribution hub for leaf tobacco and raw silk. The wealthy merchants who prospered here competed to build lavish 'Ura-Kura' (hidden warehouses) within the interiors of their main residences. What appears from the street as an ordinary townhouse conceals an elegant, plaster-finished warehouse beyond the shop curtain—and you can experience this surprise free of charge here first. Inside, you'll find information and maps of publicly accessible hidden warehouses, as well as local products for sale. Stopping here before your town walk will deepen your appreciation of Masuda considerably.
Tips
Admission is free. Located along Nakashichini-machi Street, within easy walking distance of nearby tourist parking areas. Since public access to hidden warehouses varies by facility (some free, some paid), check the latest information here before setting out for efficient sightseeing. Since many facilities are small, it's advisable to bring cash.
Best time to visit
Plan for about 30 minutes. Stop here first when beginning your town walk to gather information.
Access & map
103 Nakamacho, Masuda-machi, Yokote City, Akita 019-0701
Model course featuring this spot
Exploring the Kura (Warehouse) Town of Masuda and the Manga Museum
Akita
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.