Keeping history alive for the next 100 years

The Shirafuji estate is an overnight accomodation limited to one group per night. So that we may continue to preserve these 100-year-old buildings

for the next 100 years and beyond, the buildings have been restored to their former grandiosity, providing our guests with the thoroughly unique experience of how the affluent lived in ancient Japan in an atmosphere of splendor, perfect for soothing the soul.

The refined and unadorned Suzaka culture and traditions are here for you to enjoy to your heart's content at Shirafuji.

Shinshu SUZAKA

In this small town that prospered during the Meiji era from the silk industry, there are numerous storehouses, or "kura," still standing from that time and scattered throughout the city.

Shirafuji stands close to the center of town, and it is said that the Urano family, who held an important position within the Suzaka feudal domain, built it in the late Edo/early Meiji period. It conveys the appearance of a samurai residence from that era, making it a valuable structure.

Late in the Meiji era, a doctor, Dr. Maruta took over the building and added a Western-style annex where he saw patients.

The remaining estate is a truly unique space with the main Japanese-style house and Western-style building displaying the sophistication of Meiji culture on the same site.

In a serene space surrounded by a traditional roofed-clay wall watch the sunlight as it moves across the landscape, enjoy the greenery of the garden, listen to the birds chirping and feel the memories that rest in the hallways and floorboards of the building while you enjoy your stay.

The story is in the details

Suzaka-grown, sun-dried rice

Fresh fruit from one of Nagano Prefecture's leading fruit-growing areas, Suzaka

Ume (plum) cider made from ume grown in Shirafuji's garden

Pottery created by Suzaka-born ceramists, Michikazu Sakai and his wife

Suzaka miso from five miso storehouses that have been making miso for 100 - 300 years.

La CASTA products manufactured in the abudant natural scenery of Nagano.

Your time belongs to you here in this nationally registered cultural property Experience this space that has been passed down for neary 100 years and the abundant lifestyle that once existed in Shinshu Suzaka with all five senses.

Fresh-picked, seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in Suzaka along with local wines and sake are all here for your enjoyment.

While staying at Shirafuji, we hope you feel the stories that live and breathe throughout the town of Suzaka.