Located in the OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , a popular tourist destination in Okayama Prefecture , the Kataraiza Oharamoto Residence is garnering attention as a photogenic spot that combines the traditional beauty of Japanese architecture and 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
- Earthen Floor - Words pouring down
- Earthen floor - Inevitably piled up -
- The beauty of traditional townscapes
- Nakakura exhibits the Ohara family's timeline and valuable documents
- Detached room - a room for contemplation
- A Japanese garden where you can enjoy the beauty of each season
- Book Cafe (Uchinakakura)
- 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(Kurabo), and the seventh generation, Magosaburo, founded the Ohara Museum of Art 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." The current Ohara family members hope that "it will not just be 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 that flows in front of the Ohara Museum of Art . Swans swim gracefully in the Kurashiki right in front of you, creating a picturesque landscape.
Enter through the noren curtain
Enter through the noren curtains. The entrance mark, which is inspired by the character for "person" (人) and a relay baton, was designed by art director Goto Sato and created by Katsuyama noren curtain artist Yoko Kano.
Earthen Floor - Words pouring down
Once you pass through the reception area, you'll find yourself in a unique space. In this space, named "Words Falling Down," words spoken by successive heads of the Ohara family are hung as if they were raining down. The words cast shadows on the floor, like art, in the historic Japanese architectural space, are also charming.
Earthen floor - Inevitably piled up -
One memorable passage from "Words Falling Down" is, "Descendants exist to correct their ancestors." In this room, lighting fixtures decorated with photographs of the successive heads of the Ohara family and people who were involved with them are lined up like a family tree.
The collection also includes photographs of famous people, such as conductor Karajan and painter Yasui Sotaro, and if you look closely you will discover something new.
Bechstein piano
Here you will find a beautifully decorated Bechstein piano, a precious instrument with ivory keys and a unique stringing system.
In recent years, restoration work has been carried out through crowdfunding, and now its beautiful sounds can 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 wood, and storehouses. The Oharamoto Residence grounds 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 displays the Ohara family's timeline and other valuable documents. As the building is an Important Cultural Property, it is not possible to install equipment directly on it, so the floors and walls are designed to not come into contact with the building.
Additionally, in the Nakakura there is a stone engraved with the "Teachings of Two and Three," which embodies the Ohara family spirit: "Even if you are number one, think of yourself as number two or three."
Detached 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 each season
The garden seen from the tatami room is a beautiful sight, made up of moss, stones, and pine trees. You can enjoy the different expressions of the seasons, and the autumn leaves are particularly spectacular. The season of fresh green leaves also offers a different charm.
Book Cafe (Uchinakakura)
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 were once used by Soichiro, who loved classical music.
Here you can enjoy coffee and sweets, and you can also bring them into the "Contemplation Room."
Basic information (opening hours, fees, access)
Address: 1-2-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture Chuo
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays), New Year's holidays
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school students and younger, free for preschoolers. Access:
By car: Approximately 20 minutes from Kurashiki IC on the Sanyo Expressway or Hayashima IC on the Seto Chuo Expressway
Public transportation: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station Parking: None
Conclusion
The OHARA HOUSE KATALYZER is a beautiful place that symbolizes the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Be sure to visit and experience this special space where history and art come together!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.