Honishibashi Residence
HONISIBASITEI
This house is part of Momen Kaido Community Center and is called the Honishibashi Residence. It was built around 1750 and was the home of a local landowner.
In order to widen the narrow frontage of the main house, which has a gabled roof, roofing was added on both sides, widening the frontage to five and a half bays. The namako wall on the second floor has a classic checkered pattern, and the ridge stone made of Kuraimachi stone, the family crest base under the gable, and the parent and child lattice are all impressive.
Magohachi Ishibashi (1841-1915) opened a local school in his own home in 1872, teaching the children there together with Kenzo Nagasaki, a doctor from the neighboring Nagasaki residence. At the time, there were six temple schools and private schools in Hirata, and together they formed the foundation for the first elementary school in Shimane Prefecture.
Inner room
The gardens “Sou no Niwa” (front gardens) to the east and west of the inner room and “Gyo no Niwa” (front garden) at the rear of the Shoin study harmonize with the inner room and teahouse, and convey the characteristics of gardens in this region, such as setting the garden stones slightly higher.
The large stone in the center of the garden is said to have been brought there by local fishermen as a token of their appreciation after Masahiko dug a tunnel leading to the coast, and was delighted with the convenience it provided. The names of numerous stones are inscribed on a long, narrow frame in the room that can be seen through the glass door, although their direct relationship to the garden stones is unclear.
garden
The inner room was built as a guest room for the feudal lord of Matsue during the Edo period. It is the oldest building on the Cotton Street. The ink painting on the transom between the 10-tatami main room and the 8-tatami side room bears the inscription “Heijintsuki Choensha.” The 10-tatami main room is equipped with a floor, study, and shelves, and is in the formal study style.
Details
Exterior: Izumo lattice, Namako wall
Look at the lattice outside. It is a typical Izumo lattice, with two long and two short lattices combined, and is also called a parent-child lattice. The harmony between the lattice and the white walls of the gabled plastered building represents a distinctive feature of Hirata’s townscape.
Earthen floor
When you go inside, the dirt floor continues to the kitchen in the back. In this region, dirt floors are called oshiniwa. To the right of this is the room called “mise” and is the first room. Beyond that, through the glass door, you can see the “genkan” room.
Next is the room called “Kansanda no Shita” where the Shinto altar is enshrined. Further inside the earthen floor is the room called “Agarihana no Ma” which leads to the inner room.
A book by the Japanese scholar Takamasa Okuni during the Meiji Restoration
It can be viewed from the 10 tatami mat main room.
Cedar surface board
The 10-tatami main room’s nageshi (railings) are made of cedar bark, and show the careful construction techniques of the sukiya style. The ceiling is a ridged ceiling, and the ridges and pillars are also made of cedar bark.
Edge beam
The veranda is made of beautiful natural wood. The way the dimensions are adjusted to match the natural shape of the wood is truly a master craftsman’s skill. There are many other things to see in this mansion.
| Store name | Honishibashi Residence |
| address | 834 Hiratacho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, 691-0001 |
| Opening hours | 9:00-17:00 |
| Closed Days | Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) |
| inquiry | TEL 0853-62-2631 |
