Kesendaiku So-kan Denshokan (Kesendaiku Plasterer's Tradition Hall)

Kesen Daiku Sakan Denshokan

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A precious facility where you can see the traditional techniques of Kesendaiku carpenters up close!

Overview

The Kesendaiku So-kan Denshokan is a facility in Otomo-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, dedicated to preserving the traditional architectural techniques of Kesendaiku carpenters. Originating in Otomo-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Kesendaiku carpenters formed a unique skilled group from the Edo period. Initially, farmers took up construction work to supplement their income, eventually developing high-level skills encompassing the construction of shrines and temples, joinery, and even carving, earning them nationwide recognition. The Kesendaiku So-kan Denshokan is built to represent a private house in the Kesennuma area from the early Meiji period, faithfully recreating the architecture, materials, and lifestyle of the time. The main house is a single-story, thatched-roof wooden structure. Thick timber is used for the main pillar (daikobashira) and the supporting beam (ushiomochi-bari), resulting in a heavy, substantial framework and spacious layout. The building showcases joinery and carvings demonstrating the skill of Kesendaiku carpenters, offering impressive detail. Furthermore, the enthusiastic explanations provided by the caretaker offer a deeper understanding of the history and techniques of Kesendaiku carpenters and daily life during that era. The Kesendaiku So-kan Denshokan is a valuable place to not only learn about the traditional techniques of Kesendaiku carpenters but also to experience the lifestyle of the past. Listen to old tales from the caretaker by the irori (traditional sunken hearth), enjoy the seasonal flowers, and simply relax and savor the moment. Located in a naturally abundant area of Rikuzentakata City, the Kesendaiku So-kan Denshokan is surrounded by numerous tourist spots, including Takata Matsubara and Hyoshan. When visiting, be sure to explore the surrounding attractions.

Historic Sites
Cultural Assets

Basic Information

Address: 1-237 Myoga, Otomo-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: By Car (Set your destination as the address or Iwaizaki) Please note the destination settings. Setting your navigation to "Kesennuma Koyo High School" or the "phone number" may lead you to the former temporary school building or a different location. Please verify the address. From Sendai: Take the Sanriku Coastal Road to the Otani Coast IC, then head north on National Route 45. Turn right at the Iwaizaki entrance sign and it's about 2 minutes. *You cannot get on or off the highway at Iwaizaki IC from the Sendai direction. From Iwate: Head south on National Route 45 and turn left at the Iwaizaki entrance sign. It's about 2 minutes. *Free parking available ・Parking Lot 1: 56 standard cars, 2 handicapped spaces ・Parking Lot 2: 17 medium/large buses, 55 standard cars By Public Transportation (BRT, etc.): From Sendai: If using the highway bus, take the Kesennuma-bound bus from platform 40 at Miyako Bus Sendai Highway Bus Center and get off at the Haginoshicominkan-mae stop. It's about a 25-minute walk. If using a taxi, walk straight for 3 minutes to JR Rikuzen-Hagino Station. It's about a 3-minute taxi ride. From Ichinoseki: If using the highway bus, take the Kesennuma City Hall-bound or Ofunato-bound bus from platform 5 at Iwate Kotsu Ichinoseki Station and get off at Kesennuma Station. If using the JR line, take the Kesennuma-bound train from platform 3 of Ichinoseki Station on the Ofunato Line and get off at Kesennuma Station. From Kesennuma Station, take the BRT to JR Rikuzen-Hagino Station (approx. 20 min walk, 3 min taxi ride) for both highway bus and JR routes. Show route