 Most viewed - Northern Culture Museum 北方文化博物館 |
Entrance to Northern Culture Museum, formerly the Japanese-style mansion of the Ito farming family who were a wealthy landowner from the 18th century.271 views
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When Wright found out that Bunkichi was a fellow University of Pennsylvania graduate, he fully supported the preservation of the property. They saved the property by converting it into a museum. 189 viewsA foundation was established and the property was donated to it. Pictured is Ralph Wright and Itoh Bunkichi VIII (1927- ), the son of Bunkichi VII (1896-1958).
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Inside the Shukokan rice warehouse, now an antique exhibition room. 集古館182 views
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Museum office177 views
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Monument for Itoh Bunkichi VII (1896-1958) and Lt. Ralph E. Wright (from Peoria, Illinois). Right after WWII in 1945, they saved the property from being demolished due to the Land Reform Act.167 views
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It was Japan's first private museum to receive governmental approval. During the years following, it took several years to rebuild the garden and buildings. This is the museum office next to the entrance.143 views
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Inside Sanraku-tei with unusually shaped tatami mats to fit the triangular floor. It has three rooms, one was a study and another was a tea ceremony room.136 views
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Entrance foyer (unused). I had the pleasure of meeting Itoh Bunkichi VIII who explained about how the property was saved by Lt. Wright. He was the one who built the monument for his father and Lt. Wright.131 views
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Built in 1891, Sanraku-tei, a highly unusual triangular tea house. 三楽亭131 views
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The museum is within a spacious, garden-like grounds. It includes the main house, tea houses, storehouse, and a few shops and restaurants.130 views
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Acting on reports that the Itoh property was storing hidden materials for the old Imperial Army, Lt. Ralph E. Wright from the American Occupation forces conducted a search and met Itoh Bunkichi VII, the owner. Photo: Grave of Ralph E. Wright-Peterson.130 views
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The first room you see is this Cha-no-ma living room where the head of the household greeted guests. Built in 1885-1887, the house has more than 60 rooms, with a floor space of about 4,000 sq. meters. 茶の間128 views
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Cha-no-ma living room126 views
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Room with a view: This is the centerpiece of the former home, a large drawing room (Ohiroma) used for large gatherings. It gives a marvelous view of the garden. 大広間126 views
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Irori hearth next to the kitchen. 囲炉裏125 views
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Corridor facing the courtyard.122 views
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120 views
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2nd floor exhibition room displays various artifacts of the Itoh family. The room formerly served as a storeroom and workroom for making futon and rags. 考古資料館118 views
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Display of stuffed toki or crested ibis, an endangered species. Official bird of Niigata and raised on Sado island.115 views
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115 views
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Courtyard garden as seen from the 2nd floor.114 views
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Garden facing the drawing rooms. 庭園110 views
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The rear drawing room was where guests would wait until they were welcomed into the Ohiroma main drawing room.110 views
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Veranda109 views
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Ohiroma drawing room108 views
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Ohiroma drawing room was used only a few times a year for wedding and funeral receptions, etc.108 views
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Courtyard garden108 views
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Hearth in the kitchen. A bale of rice (60 kg) was cooked every day. Over 50 maids, cooks, and other servants worked in the house.107 views
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Corridor107 views
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Veranda along the courtyard garden107 views
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With 100 tatami mats, the Ohiroma drawing room is the most impressive room in the house.107 views
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Corner of rear drawing room (urazashiki)107 views
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106 views
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Courtyard garden 中庭104 views
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Impressive garden views from the rear drawing room (urazashiki)104 views
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Rear drawing room (Urazashiki) adjacent to the Ohiroma main drawing room.103 views
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Plate102 views
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Veranda of Ohiroma drawing room101 views
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Lacquerware on display100 views
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Ohiroma drawing room and adjacent garden in autumn.100 views
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92 views
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