A Fine Example of Modern Japanese-style Architecture Inheriting the Tradition of Folk Houses in the Itoshima Region
The Kabashima Family Residence, located in Nijo Tanaka, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a nationally registered tangible cultural property of Japan. This registration system is designed to preserve buildings that have stood for over 50 years while continuing to use them in daily life.
Originally, the Kabashima Residence was the home of the Mitsuiki family, who were prominent landowners in Nijo Tanaka. The residence adjoins the Ikisan Choshizuka Kofun, the largest keyhole-shaped burial mound (zenpō-kōen-fun) in the Itoshima region, which is a designated National Historic Site. The Mitsuiki family regarded this ancient tomb as the grave of their ancestors and have maintained it as part of their garden.
The structures designated as registered cultural properties include the main house, a storehouse, gates, and fences—many of which date back to around 1897 (Meiji 30). Upon entering the south gate, the main house, garden gate, and fences appear directly ahead; to the left lies the burial mound, and to the right, a former barn now used as a storehouse. The east and north gates, along with additional fencing, are connected to the east wall of the storehouse. Within this well-defined layout, the main house, garden gate, and fences—together with the south gate—form a refined and harmonious landscape.
The main house is a two-story structure with a broad frontage, lacking a conventional entrance hall. It features a front garden reminiscent of traditional farming homes, retaining characteristics of folk houses from the Edo period. Throughout the residence, intricate craftsmanship can be seen in the fittings, plasterwork, and painted details, reflecting the high level of skill of artisans of the time. These elements showcase both pre-modern and modern qualities typical of affluent rural homes of the era. As such, the residence is highly regarded as an excellent example of modern Japanese-style architecture rooted in the folk house tradition of the Itoshima region.
Please note that the buildings are still used as a private residence and are not open to the public on a regular basis.