Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate

The estate of the Ito family, wealthy landowners of Echigo

The Northern Culture Museum is a historic institution built on the former estate of the Ito family, wealthy landowners who prospered in Echigo from the Edo period to the early Showa era. Spanning an expansive 8,800 tsubo (about 29,000 square meters), the grand residence features 65 rooms across 1,200 tsubo (about 4,000 square meters), preserving the elegance and lifestyle of Japan’s rural elite.

A space that reflects the lifestyle and aesthetic sensibilities of the time

Inside the museum, you’ll find lavishly appointed tatami rooms and guest chambers, as well as a traditional Japanese garden that showcases seasonal beauty throughout the year. These spaces offer a tangible sense of the refined lifestyle and aesthetic values of the past. Take your time and immerse yourself in this rare setting where history and culture come to life.