Located in the OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Residence is garnering attention as a photogenic spot that combines the traditional beauty of Japanese architecture and Japanese gardens with art.
2025.01.21-
Table of Contents
- What is "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER"?
- Great location on the banks of the Kurashiki River
- Enter through the noren curtain
- Doma - Words pouring down -
- Doma - Inevitably piling up -
- The beauty of traditional townscapes
- Nakakura exhibits the Ohara family's timeline and valuable documents
- Annex room - a room for contemplation
- A Japanese garden where you can enjoy the beauty of every season
- Book Cafe (Uchi Nakakura)
- Basic information (opening hours, fees, access)
- Conclusion
What is "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER"?
The Ohara family is a distinguished family that has contributed to the commerce and culture of Kurashiki for over 300 years. The sixth generation, Koshiro, was the founder of Kurashiki Spinning (Kurabo), and the seventh generation, Magosaburo, founded the Ohara Museum of Art.
The main house of the Ohara House is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the head of the Ohara family continued to live there even after the designation. In April 2018, this historic home was opened to the public as the "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER."
The concept of "KATALYZER" and the origin of the name
The "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER" was born from the desire to "allow people to feel the Ohara family's presence." The current Ohara family members hope that "it is not just a memorial museum, but a place where people can think about the future."
The name "KATALYZER" comes from the English word "catalyze," and aims to be a place that connects people and creates new value. The "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER" was built based on this philosophy.
Great location on the banks of the Kurashiki River
The "OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER" is located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, just across the Kurashiki River that flows in front of the "Ohara Museum of Art." Swans swim gracefully on the Kurashiki River in front of you, creating a picturesque landscape.
Enter through the noren curtain
Pass through the noren curtains to enter the building. The entrance mark is inspired by the character for "person" (person) and a relay baton. It was designed by art director Goto Sato and created by Katsuyama noren artist Yoko Kano.
Doma - Words pouring down -
Once you pass through the reception area, you will find yourself in a unique space. In this space, named "Pouring Words," words spoken by successive heads of the Ohara family are hung as if they are raining down on you. The words cast shadows on the floor, creating a sense of art in the historic Japanese architectural space, are also quite charming.
Doma - Inevitably piling up -
Among the "pouring words" is the memorable passage, "Descendants exist to correct their ancestors." In this room, lighting decorated with photos of the successive heads of the Ohara family and people who were involved with them is lined up like a family tree.
The collection also includes photographs of famous people, such as conductor Herbert von Karajan and painter Yasui Sotaro, and if you look closely you will discover something new.
Bechstein piano
Here you can find a beautifully decorated piano made by Bechstein, a precious instrument with ivory keys and unique strings.
In recent years, the instrument has been restored through crowdfunding, and its beautiful tones can now be enjoyed at events and concerts.
The beauty of traditional townscapes
Once you pass through the dirt floor, you will come across a stone-paved street lined with white walls, burnt wooden boards, and storehouses. The grounds of the Oharamoto House are enveloped in an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
Nakakura exhibits the Ohara family's timeline and valuable documents
The Nakakura exhibits the Ohara family's timeline and other valuable materials. Since it is not possible to install equipment directly on the building, which is an important cultural property, the floors and walls are designed not to touch the building.
Additionally, the Nakakura storehouse has a stone engraved with the "Teachings of Two and Three," which embodies the Ohara family's spirit of "Even if you are number one, think of yourself as number two or three."
Annex room - a room for contemplation
The "Contemplation Room" is a spacious Japanese-style room where you can spend a peaceful time while looking out at the well-maintained Japanese garden. Just sitting here is a beautiful space that will calm your mind.
A Japanese garden where you can enjoy the beauty of every season
The garden seen from the tatami room is a beautiful sight of moss, stones, and pine trees. You can enjoy the different expressions of the seasons, especially the autumn leaves season. The season of fresh green leaves also offers a different feel.
Book Cafe (Uchi Nakakura)
The book cafe, which is lined with books from the 8th generation owner Soichiro, has a wide range of books on a variety of genres, from politics and economics to music and art. Soothing music plays from the speakers that Soichiro used, as he loved classical music.
Here you can enjoy coffee and sweets, and you can also bring them into the "Room for Contemplation."
Basic information (opening hours, fees, access)
Address: 1-2-1 Chuo , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays), New Year holidays
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school students and younger, free for preschoolers. Access:
Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Kurashiki IC on the Sanyo Expressway or Hayashima IC on the Setouchi Chuo Expressway
Public transportation: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station Parking: None
Conclusion
"OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER" is a beautiful place that symbolizes the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Please come and experience this special space where history and art come together!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.