Guest House KURA

Suzaka is famous for KURA building.
Kura means traditional Japanese storehouses.
It was constructed from earth and timber.
Almost all of KURAs in Suzaka used to be for storage of silk.
Suzaka prospered as a silk cultivation town about 100-150 years ago.

One of the main characteristics of KURA in Suzaka is Jyabara.
KURAs in Suzaka, they have three types of Jyabara, and it's rare.

Jyabara ceiling moldings are located in the area where the roof attaches to the wall.
They were created to hide the ceiling framework style called taruki,
and with their different ornamental styles they change the impression of the warehouse.

1. 3 step jyabara moldings



From the roof to the wall, the three steps of these moldings
give an impression of substance to the building.


2. Kuri jyabara moldings



The area between the roof and the wall has a thick rounded.
This was all done by hand, so you can see the skill of the craftsman here.
Although it looks simple, this is a very time consuming piece of labor.


3. Wave jyabara moldings



Ornamental waves can be seen in the area between the roof and the wall.
To a family that is storing important things in the warehouse, the most frightening thing is fire.
With the hope that a fire will not occur, the moldings are made in the shape of waves to associate the building with water.

Visit Japanese site below.
http://www.suzakamap.com/book/omoide1.html


If you have chance to come to Suzaka, please walk around Suzaka, and check each Jyabara!

Guest House KURA（ゲストハウス蔵）
cheap and budget hostel in Suzaka, Nagano
http://www.ghkura.com/