Yosan Minka Sericulture House

Located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, the Yosan Minka Sericulture House was built in 1909 by Shigematsu Matsuura. Its design mimics the sericulture houses of Matsuura’s hometown of Fukushima, and the building has unique exterior, with high eaves and a thatched roof. Inside, the seating area on the first floor is open all the way to the second. It is a full-fledged sericulture structure, and traditional devices used in order to ensure the proper light, air, and heat insulation for raising silkworms can be seen in many places around the house. Additionally, in 1973, the building was designated as a Cultural Heritage Site of Asahikawa City.