Former Shinohara Residence

Overview

The Former Shinohara Residence is a wealthy merchant's mansion representing Utsunomiya, with a history stretching back to the Edo period. The Shinohara family, originating from Shukugō Village, Kawachi District, Shimotsuke Province (present-day Shukugō, Utsunomiya City), was established when the third son of the fourth head of the Shinohara family in the late Edo period started a soy sauce brewery in Hakurōchō (present location) under the city's castle. Their business name was "Sakaiya," and their family crest was "Maru ni Yokogi Koku." In the Meiji period, they expanded into the fertilizer business and, after World War II, warehousing, becoming one of Utsunomiya's leading merchant families. By 1924 (Taishō 13), they owned 111 chobu (approximately 110 hectares) of farmland and employed 150 tenant farmers. During the Utsunomiya air raid on July 12, 1945 (Shōwa 20), it was the only building left standing amidst the destruction. The next day, soldiers used it to distribute onigiri (rice balls) to citizens in front of the house. However, the Shinohara family also lost many of their buildings, including their soy sauce brewery and rice storehouses. The main storehouse and new storehouse, built in 1895 (Meiji 28), are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan as precious structures offering a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants of that time. Their characteristic architectural style is unique to this region, featuring black plaster exterior walls and Ōya stone cladding on the first floor. Although not heavily ornamented, the building materials are lavish, reflecting the lifestyle of wealthy merchants at the time. The main storehouse and new storehouse have been restored to reflect their original appearance and are open to the public. Tourist volunteer guides are also available to provide explanations. The Former Shinohara Residence is a precious site that conveys the history and culture of Utsunomiya. We encourage you to visit and experience the lifestyle of wealthy merchants of that era.