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This house stands in the former Kurume Domain on Enokizu Honmachi Suji Street. Sometime during the 17th century to 19th century, a kōsatsuba *1 was established, indicating that the house was located in the center of the town. Since the first generation, who died in 1841, the shop was called Gotōya, and until the end of World War II, it was dealing in household sundries. Since the postwar period, mid-20th century, it has been operating as a paper speciality store for shōji screen paper, fusuma paper, washi paper and more. The roof was restored in February 2024, and the building’s stately history can be envisioned from the gargoyle tiles on the roof. Visitors who take a guided walking tour of the town can see the actual daifukuchō sales records, old coins, a magnificent Sekigahara battle scroll, and other family treasures that have been handed down from generation to generation.
*1 Kōsatsuba
During the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), wooden tags known as kōsatsu containing the basic laws and ordinances of the shogunate and lords were posted in these facilities. They were placed in the center of villages and towns where people could see them.
The current main building is an irimoya-style townhouse built around 1883. The original latticework and windows on the second floor remain. The most notable feature is the roof, which was restored between 2023 and February 2024. The roof tiles were handmade one by one by artisans who work on cultural properties in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, using as much of the original roof tiles, building materials and documents as possible. The tiles are said to protect the house.
Address: 491 Enokizu Honmachi, Ōkawa City
Telephone: 0944-87-2274
Opening hours: 9:00–18:00
Closed: Weekends and public holidays
Parking: Free parking available
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