Northern Culture Museum

The "Northern Culture Museum," a manor house of a wealthy farming family, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. The term "wealthy farmer" (gōnō) refers to an upper-class farmer who possessed vast tracts of land and property, as well as a certain degree of power, and many of them served as landowners.

A hot topic as a sacred place for “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”

Niigata Prefecture has many tourist attractions, including nature-rich scenery and historic buildings, but among them, the "Northern Culture Museum" has been attracting particular attention in recent years.

The roughly 100-tatami-mat grand hall has become a topic of conversation because it resembles a place that appears in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." Its atmosphere overlaps with that of the Ubuyashiki residence (the Master’s mansion), where some of the most powerful characters in the story gather to hold the Hashira Meeting.

In addition, the Japanese garden on the grounds features wisteria flowers, which are said to be hated by demons. The great wisteria, over 150 years old, usually reaches its best viewing time in early May each year.

The first private museum established after the war

After World War II, land reform was carried out in Japan, and landowners lost their vast tracts of land. The residence of the Itō family, which became the basis for the "Northern Culture Museum," was also scheduled to be demolished. However, Lieutenant Ralph Wright, who visited to conduct a survey, turned out to be a senior at the same university as the head of the family. Through this connection, they deepened their relationship, and he decided to provide support.

Thanks to the support and efforts of many other people as well, a foundation was established to preserve the buildings, gardens, and artworks. The "Northern Culture Museum" houses items such as "Sekison Yūbai Bokuseki (Baikashi)," an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the "Former Shibata Domain Ashigaru Row House," and the main building and Niigata branch, which are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan, conveying history and culture to visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Many highlights within the vast grounds

Architectural highlights such as the approximately 100-tatami-mat shoin-style grand hall building, the triangular teahouse "Sanrakutei," and the main residence building, a large modern Japanese-style mansion built in the Meiji period, as well as seasonal plants and gardens including cherry blossoms, the great wisteria, lotus flowers, and autumn foliage, continue to captivate visitors.

In addition, artworks collected by the Itō family are on display, allowing visitors to view ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, mainly from Japan and other parts of Asia. Furthermore, in the kitchen area, a kamado (traditional stove) and some of the cooking utensils are exhibited, providing insight into traditional Japanese cooking scenes.

Meals while gazing at a beautiful garden

Within the spacious facility, there is the reservation-only restaurant "Miso-gura" and "Dairyoan," the souvenir shop "Sanraku," the soba restaurant "Ihanoie," and the tearoom "Idogoya."

At "Miso-gura," you can enjoy Japanese set meals made with ingredients from Niigata, and depending on the menu, you can eat freshly cooked rice prepared using a traditional pot. At "Dairyoan," you can enjoy dishes that are perfect for celebrations and Buddhist memorial services.