Higashiyo Stone Mason Museum

Overview

The Higashiyo Stone Mason Museum, located in Higashiyo-cho, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a facility where you can learn about the history of stone bridges and stone masons. The group of stone masons known as the Taneyama Ishoku are said to have resided in Taneyama-te Naga (present-day Higashiyo Village, Yatsushiro City) during the late Edo period. Their descendants and disciples built numerous meganebashi (eyeglass bridges) throughout Kumamoto Prefecture and beyond from the late Edo period to the Meiji and Taisho eras. The Higashiyo Stone Mason Museum exhibits the techniques and history of the Taneyama Ishoku, offering a glimpse into their exceptional skills and the circumstances surrounding the construction of the stone bridges. You can also gain a deeper understanding of the structure of stone bridges and the work of stone masons. A visit to the Higashiyo Stone Mason Museum will enhance your understanding of stone bridges and provide a deeper appreciation for Kumamoto's history and culture.