Introducing Mimage no Kadogoya

Hello travelers! This is Asukarando, writing for [Sarukuma].

Today we’re exploring Mimage no Kadogoya, a fascinating historical site located in Yomoyose-machi, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City.

Have you ever passed by ‘Mimage no Kadogoya’ along Route 3 in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City? Did you know this historic property is open for public tours?

I’d driven past it countless times without stopping, so I finally took my kids inside to learn about its history. Here’s what we discovered!

The parking lot is located behind the building when approaching from Route 3.

And here’s the entrance to Mimage no Kadogoya.

Here’s the admission pricing:

High school students and adults: 200 yen

Free for Kumamoto City residents aged 65+, elementary, and junior high school students

Free for preschool children

The restroom (simple Western-style) is located behind the reception desk.

Why Mimage no Kadogoya Is Worth Visiting

So what is this place?

An informational sign at the entrance explains the history.

This building was the residence of the Horiuchi family, who served as village headmen (shoya) during the Edo period while also operating a pawnshop and sake brewery.
It also served as a rest stop for feudal lords like the Hosokawa and Shimazu clans during sankin-kotai (the alternate residence system).

Inside, you’ll find historical records and everyday tools that span from the Edo period through the Showa era.

It’s a wonderful way to learn about Japanese history firsthand!

The site has two buildings — one of them serves as a museum displaying historical artifacts.

One artifact in the museum that completely captivated my children was something with actual bloodstains on it! I’ll leave that as a mystery for you to discover when you visit.

The pillars are remarkably sturdy considering this building is around 200 years old!
Even to a non-expert eye, the beam work is breathtaking. I hear architects and builders often visit just to study the craftsmanship!

Just inside the entrance is a traditional doma (earthen-floor area) with a kitchen.

Beyond it lies a raised tatami-mat room.

This is a rare two-story building for its era.
Note that only the first floor is open to visitors.

This area looks like it could have been the headman’s office.
There’s even an old soroban (Japanese abacus) on the central counter — straight out of a samurai-era drama!

My kids had never seen an abacus before, so they treated it like a musical instrument!

Beyond the tatami room is a separate chamber that once served as a rest area for visiting feudal lords during sankin-kotai. There’s even a mannequin dressed as the lord!

At the back of the room are two different types of traditional toilets.
Each one has a fascinating reason behind its design — discover that mystery for yourself when you visit!

The site is filled with vintage tools and household items no longer in use — making it a great place for families to learn together.

There’s even a traditional well on the property!

Since this is a historic structure, it has natural drafts and no air conditioning.
That means it gets hot in summer and chilly in winter.
We highly recommend visiting in the milder seasons of spring and autumn for a comfortable cultural day out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.