One of the major attractions of Kurashiki tourism is the white-walled buildings.
You can enjoy the beauty of Kurashiki's houses and storehouses, as well as the Japanese garden, at "Ohara House Katalyzer (former Ohara House)."
The buildings and land designated as important cultural properties by the national government are condensed with the beauty characteristic of Kurashiki.
You can take photos anywhere inside the residence, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts!
If you want a quick look, you can get around in about 30 minutes, so it's reassuring even if your sightseeing time is limited.
Introducing Ohara House Katalyzer, which was opened to the public in April 2018.
What is Ohara House Katalyzer (former Ohara House)?
"Ohara House Katalyzer" is a cultural facility of Kurashiki's townhouses.
As a representative townhouse of Kurashiki, it is designated as an important cultural property of the country, "former Ohara House."
The people of the "Ohara family," who contributed to the development of Kurashiki, lived here from 1795 (Kan'ei 7) in the late Edo period until very recently.
Since it was a residence, it was not open to the public, but it has been open to the public as the exhibition and exchange facility "Ohara House Katalyzer" since April 1, 2018.
Highlights of "Ohara House Katalyzer"
Here are the highlights of Ohara House Katalyzer.
A beautiful building built in the late Edo period
The building of "Ohara House Katalyzer," the former Ohara House, is a representative form of Kurashiki's townhouses.
On a site of 660 tsubo, the main house, storehouses, and detached guesthouses are lined up, with 10 buildings designated as important cultural properties by the national government.
The main house, built in the late Edo period, features unique designs called "Kurashiki windows" and "Kurashiki lattice," which can only be seen in Kurashiki.
The storehouses have walls called "namako walls," which are covered with tiles on the lower part and have the joints raised with white plaster.
You can see architecture that is "characteristic of Kurashiki" when you hear "Kurashiki."
Detached guesthouse and lush garden
You can enjoy a panoramic view of the garden from the detached guesthouse.
It's a very beautiful and wonderful space!
Despite being in a prime location in the Bikan Historical Area, it is quiet, making you forget the passage of time. You can also sit and relax freely, which is a nice touch.
In this detached guesthouse, you can enjoy a set of matcha and sweets for 800 yen (tax included). Buy a ticket at the book café.
There are many maple trees, so it is said that during the autumn foliage season, they turn bright red.
Additionally, because it was built opposite the main residence of the Ohara family (Ohara House Katalyzer), it was called "Mukaiyashiki" at the time of construction. You can also enjoy a wonderful garden at "Shinkei-en Garden."
Fun installations to learn about the Ohara family
The Ohara family is a clan that has had an immeasurable impact on Kurashiki.
You can learn about the Ohara family in a fun way through the installation in the earthen floor.
An installation is an art experience that treats the entire space as a work.
It is not just a collection of texts and photos.
In one of the installations, "Words Pouring Down," the words of the successive heads of the Ohara family are suspended as if they are falling from the ceiling.
For example, the phrase, "If seven or eight out of ten people agree, it's better not to do it,"
I felt the weight of the words from a businessman with foresight.
You may find other moving words as well. Words are also projected on the walls, so please take a look at them too.
A calm book café
The book café features a part of the collection of the eighth head of the Ohara family, Ohara Soichiro.
There are many books on philosophy, management, art, and birds, and since there are many books not found in the café, he must have been quite studious.
Since there are many valuable books, you cannot take them in your hands, but you can enjoy just looking at the spines.
At the book café, you can enjoy a hot coffee of original blend.
The coffee cups are made in Sakatsu, Kurashiki City.
The glass containing water is "IGUSA GLASS," which is made by burning and turning the "igusa" (rush) used for tatami mats into ash and melting it into glass to create color.
Both are made by local artisans from Kurashiki.
The coasters are made from "Kurashiki canvas," which is a first-class canvas made by twisting together 100% cotton raw yarn.
You can feel the craftsmanship of Kurashiki.
| Menu | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Original blend coffee (hot) | 500 yen |
| Original blend coffee with sweets | 800 yen |
"Ohara House Katalyzer" filled with the charm of Kurashiki
The more I learn about the Ohara family, the more I realize they were people who greatly contributed to the development of Kurashiki's culture and industry.
Filled with the charm of Kurashiki, "Ohara House Katalyzer." Why not gaze at the beautiful architecture and garden and reflect on the history of Kurashiki?
In the latter part of the article, I spoke with the deputy director, "Fujitani Tomohiro," about the establishment of "Ohara House Katalyzer" and the highlights of the exhibits.
Data on Ohara House Katalyzer
| Name | Ohara House Katalyzer |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-2-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-434-6277 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM * Last admission is until 4:30 PM * Café is open until 4:30 PM * Matcha is available from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Closed | Monday Closed during the New Year holidays * Open on public holidays and substitute holidays |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | [General] Adults: 500 yen High school students and below: 400 yen * Group rates available for 20 or more people Free for preschool children |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Available |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets |
| Website | Ohara House Katalyzer |
