Highlights along the Kurashiki River
What are some noteworthy features and highlights of the historic buildings that remain along the Kurashiki River?
Among their many distinctive features, Toshihiko Shibuya points to four: “Kurashiki latticework,” “Kurashiki windows,” “dozo-zukuri,” and “namako walls.”
Shibuya also says visitors should be sure to see Higashimachi, at the easternmost end of the streetscape along the Kurashiki River.
Kurashiki latticework
What is Kurashiki latticework?
Shibuya
Kurashiki latticework is commonly found in Kurashiki townhouses, including the Former Ohara House (a National Important Cultural Property).
Kurashiki latticework is generally called “oyadoshi kirikogoshi” and is not unique to Kurashiki.
However, it was widely incorporated into the townhouses along the Kurashiki River and can be considered a design feature representative of Kurashiki architecture.
It is mainly found on the first floor of townhouses. Its distinctive feature is several short, thin vertical bars set between thick vertical bars.
The thick bars are called main bars, and the thin, short ones are called secondary bars.
The short secondary bars make it difficult to see inside from outside. Because they are short, there is an open space above them. Sunlight enters through this space, brightening the interior.
Kurashiki latticework is a truly functional design that combines privacy with natural light indoors.
The number of secondary bars varies from house to house, but there are often three. Some houses have five, for example. The thickness of the bars also varies.
Most vertical bars are nailed in place. In some houses, they are secured by passing a horizontal crosspiece through them.
I find the distinctive “rhythm” created by the repeating pattern of a main bar followed by several secondary bars extremely pleasing. I also sense a kind of artistry in Kurashiki latticework, and it is awe-inspiring to look at.
It is also interesting that each house’s Kurashiki latticework has subtle differences, offering a glimpse of the owner’s preferences and living environment.
When strolling along the Kurashiki River, be sure to take a close look at the Kurashiki latticework.
Kurashiki windows
What are the distinctive features of Kurashiki windows?
Shibuya
Kurashiki windows are a design feature unique to Kurashiki, found on the second floors of townhouses along the Kurashiki River.
They are characterized by the wood at the corners of the window frame protruding slightly toward the wall, as well as three to five unpainted vertical bars.
The walls are coated with plaster, and normally the window frames and vertical bars would also be plastered. But with Kurashiki windows, the window frames are left unpainted.
This is thought to be related to fires. Coating the walls with plaster served as fire protection. However, Kurashiki has a history of not experiencing any major fires.
As a result, people may have had a different attitude toward fire prevention than in other regions. This is said to be reflected in Kurashiki windows.
Inoue House, the oldest surviving townhouse along the Kurashiki River, is located on Honmachi Street and is designated a National Important Cultural Property. It has Kurashiki windows with shutters, dating from a time when people were highly vigilant about fires.
Be sure to take a look.
Dozo-zukuri
Tell us about dozo-zukuri.
Shibuya
Dozo-zukuri is a style in which the wooden structure of a building is covered with a thick layer of earth and finished with white plaster.
Dozo-zukuri can be found throughout Japan, but when people hear “Bikan Historical Area,” they may immediately picture buildings in this style.
Along the Kurashiki River, this style can be seen in most storehouses. The purpose of applying earth plaster and white plaster is to improve fire resistance.
Because the walls are thick, a fire may damage their outer surfaces, but the interiors are more likely to be protected.
Namako walls
What are the characteristics of namako walls?
Shibuya
Namako walls are a type of exterior wall finish. Their formal name is “namako-meji kawarabori.”
Square tiles are attached to the wall, and plaster is applied to the joints between the tiles so that it bulges outward. The raised plaster is said to resemble a sea cucumber, which is the origin of the name.
It takes considerable skill to apply the plaster in the distinctive namako pattern. The number of plasterers (sakan/shakan) who can create namako walls has dwindled considerably.
Kurashiki’s namako walls include “imo-bari,” where the plaster sections intersect in a cross pattern; “uma-bari,” where the vertical lines are offset; and “shihan-bari,” where the lines intersect diagonally.
In Kurashiki, uma-bari and shihan-bari patterns are especially common.
Namako walls can be found throughout Japan, but they are one of the first things that come to mind when people hear “Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.”
The Streetscape of Higashimachi
What does Shibuya recommend about Higashimachi?
Shibuya
Higashimachi is a town extending east from Honmachi-dori, which runs east to west along the south side of Mt. Tsurugata. This area was added to the Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1998.
Many former homes of wealthy merchants remain here, with an impressive sense of solidity and character. The area is also home to Kusudo House (Hashimaya), a Kurashiki City-designated Important Cultural Property.
It has not been heavily commercialized, and its quiet streets retain the atmosphere of traditional everyday life. It is one of my favorite places.
It preserves the character of old Kurashiki to this day, making it very valuable and appealing.
A townscape along the Kurashiki River that evokes history dating back to the Edo period
The townscape along the Kurashiki River is one of Kurashiki’s signature views and a popular tourist destination visited by many people. I think it is also appealing to stroll around and enjoy the scenery, or visit the shops and facilities.
In addition, taking a closer look at features such as Kurashiki latticework, Kurashiki windows, and namako walls may reveal another kind of charm.
I also recommend walking through the town along the Kurashiki River while looking for the distinctive character of each building.
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
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