I asked curator Miyake working at Nozaki's Historical Residence!
Sitting on the engawa of the main room, I interviewed curator Miyake while looking at the garden.
I asked about the thoughts Nozaki's Historical Residence wants to convey and its recommended points.
Thoughts I want to convey to those who visit Nozaki's Historical Residence
What do you particularly want visitors to know and convey about Nozaki's Historical Residence?
Miyake
I want people to know the history and feel Japanese culture.
The building itself is very old. The oldest part was built about 190 years ago.
And the vast grounds of 3,000 tsubo and the huge building still remain today.
It is quite rare to have such a large building preserved in the same place nationwide.
Therefore, I hope people will cherish places where old things are preserved and that as many people as possible will see these magnificent structures.
To protect historical buildings
Have you ever restored Nozaki's Historical Residence?
Miyake
Of course, we do restorations.
Just like everyone’s home, it’s not just built and done.
In the harsh natural environment, buildings stand still, so wear and tear cannot be avoided.
Old Japanese houses are made of natural materials, and the longer time passes, the more they deteriorate, so we carry out repairs in various places.
We want to restore using the same materials as much as possible, so if the materials used are still usable, we will reuse them, but if they are not, we try to prepare the same materials.
By the way, at the time of the interview, we were also working on a place related to the tea room.
Since the damage was severe, this time we decided to go as far as dismantling and repairing.
We will take everything apart, but not all at once; we will dismantle it piece by piece like a puzzle and then reassemble it.
We repair whenever we find damage.
Highlights of Nozaki's Historical Residence recommended by the curator
Are there any particular recommended spots you want people to see?
Miyake
I want people to see the whole place, but I especially recommend the main room, the dark garden behind it, the middle tatami room with its 42-meter-long series of nine rooms, and the historical museum.
Also, there was an air raid shelter, right?
They were building air raid shelters during the war, but in the end, it seems they stopped digging the hole because no bombs fell.
So, it was never actually used as an air raid shelter, and the hole is very shallow.
So that's why the air raid shelter was so shallow! I understand now.
Miyake
I think many people see the air raid shelter without knowing this story, and as you felt, most people probably wonder, "How can you protect yourself in such a shallow air raid shelter?"
There are also rocks that look like turtles, and I think it would be good to consider the historical background and look at various places.
When visiting Kojima, be sure to stop by Nozaki's Historical Residence!
Unlike modern buildings, you may feel moved when you see Nozaki's Historical Residence, which stands quietly and majestically.
It feels much larger and more beautiful in person than in photos, and my heart naturally felt at ease.
The charm of Nozaki's Historical Residence is not limited to what has been introduced; there is still much more.
You will surely find aspects that attract you differently when you see it with your own eyes.
Since Nozaki's Historical Residence is located on Kojima Jeans Street, why not stop by along with Kojima's jeans?
Of course, for those living locally, I think it’s also nice to casually visit and realize, "Oh, there’s such a place near us."
Please come and visit Nozaki's Historical Residence, a famous spot in Kojima and Okayama!
Data on Nozaki's Historical Residence
| Name | Nozaki's Historical Residence |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-11-19 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-472-2001 |
| Parking | Available Free, 36 regular cars, 5 buses |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (5:00 PM closing) |
| Closed | Monday (the following weekday if a holiday), December 25 - January 1 |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Adults (including high school students) 500 yen Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen Group discount of 20% for groups of 30 or more Free for elementary, junior high, and high school students on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays |
| Payment Method |
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| Reservation | Not accepted |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style and Japanese-style toilets |
| Website | Official website of Nozaki's Historical Residence |
