Interview with Michiko Fujiwara and Natsumi Tada, who work at Ohashi House
We interviewed head staff member Michiko Fujiwara and Natsumi Tada.
This interview was conducted during our initial visit in February 2019.
A home where you can experience life in a traditional Japanese house and relax
What do you like about Ohashi House?
Fujiwara
It lets you experience life in a traditional Japanese house from before the Meiji era. It is more than just a place to look at architectural styles; I think of it as a living home, as if people were still living here.
We arrange flowers, recreate a dining table, and set out beanbags, so we hope you’ll enjoy letting your imagination wander.
Tada
It feels like a space separate from the outside world, where time seems to pass slowly. You can sit and relax while looking out at the garden.
It makes us happy when visitors tell us, “I was able to relax” or “I feel at ease.”
What kinds of comments do you hear most often from visitors?
Fujiwara
Many people say, “It brings back memories.” For younger visitors, on the other hand, it seems fresh and new. Some people don’t often get the chance to see a tatami room in their everyday lives.
Tada
For example, if three generations of a family visit together, they might get talking about things like, “We used to have a kiln like this at our house.” It would be nice if the house could spark conversations among family members. I hope something here will catch their interest.
It must not be a museum
How has the house changed since it was designated an Important Cultural Property?
Fujiwara
For a while after it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1978, visitors could only peer into the rooms from the doma earthen-floored area. After restoration work was completed in 1994, people were able to go inside.
But back then, it still didn’t feel lived in. It was after the ninth-generation head took office that the house began to feel as lived-in as it does today.
Tada
The head often says, “It must not be a museum,” and “It only has value when people can see it and use it.”
That’s wonderful. Speaking of using the house, you hold all kinds of events here, too.
Fujiwara
We’ve lit lots of candles here. We’ve also hosted the Takahashi River Marché, Kurashiki Jazz Street, and Indian music performances. The house is also used for weddings.
Tada
We’ve had Western-style weddings, too. They were so lovely! It makes us happy when visitors find new ways to use the house.
Fujiwara
There’s no one “right way” to do things. The head often says, “It sounds interesting, so why not give it a try?”
That’s wonderful. I went to the candle and glass exhibition, too. Lighting a fire inside a cultural property is something you don’t often get to do.
Fujiwara
Visitors were surprised at the time. It was well received.
The impact of the July 2018 heavy rains and the preservation of cultural properties
I heard that the earthen wall collapsed during the July 2018 heavy rains.
Fujiwara
First and foremost, we were relieved that no one was injured when the earthen wall collapsed.
Restoration work will begin this month (February 2019). The weather is different from what it was in the past, so the original structure may not always be suitable today. I’m keenly aware of how difficult it is to preserve the house in its original form.
Is there anything you take care to do to preserve it?
Tada
We make a point of regularly checking the details. We need to be able to notice changes, such as cracks.
Favorite places
Finally, could you tell us your favorite places?
(Both pause to think)
Fujiwara
I especially like the study. I also think the light streaming in through the windows in the new parlor and the smoke-vent windows is beautiful.
Tada
From the garden, you can see the whole place—the lower room, small parlor, garden, and study. I like this angle. I also share the things I like on Instagram.
After the interview
From the things they said throughout our conversation, it was clear that they genuinely think about “how they can make visitors happy” and “what kind of hospitality they can offer,” and put those thoughts into practice.
That spirit of hospitality must be the secret to making visitors feel so comfortable.
I’ve visited Ohashi House many times, and every time I think, “How lovely, how comfortable.” It’s easy to see why so many people come back.
Ohashi House is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that still feels lived in. Be sure to visit.
Ohashi House details
| Name | Ohashi House |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-21-31 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0007 |
| Parking | None Several paid parking lots nearby |
| Opening hours | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Closed Fridays in December, January, and February (open every day from March to November) Closed December 28–January 3 |
| Admission (tax included) | 【General admission】 Adults: ¥550 Seniors (65 and over): ¥350 Elementary and junior high school students: ¥350 Visitors with disabilities: Free ※Group rates available for groups of 30 or more |
| Payment methods |
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| Reservations | Not available |
| Smoking | Entirely smoke-free |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets |
| Families with children | No nursing room or similar facilities. Ask a staff member, and they can show you to a waiting room or similar space. |
| Website | Official website of Ohashi House, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property |
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