Dec 22, 2014 - 1 min read

Historic Home in Kanbara, Shizuoka

Glimpse the past in the former Igarashi Dental Clinic

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

Hours of operation:  9:30 - 16:30 (until 16:00 November to February). Closed on Mondays, some national holidays, and during the New Year's break.

Pay close attention to the screens, doors, ceiling, etc. Everything was handcrafted by shokunin (artisans).

This beautiful fusuma depicts all four seasons. Also note the beautifully carved ranma above them.

A view into the garden from a first floor sitting area. The structure in the front left is a well.

The clinic/home is a wonderful mix of Japanese and Western design.

Higher ranking patients waited in a room filled with gorgeous fusuma. The room for regular patients was plain and undecorated.

The dentist worked on patients who sat in this chair. Natural light from the large Western front windows helped illuminate the room.

Patients took this staircase to the second floor waiting rooms, while the family and staff used a smaller 'hidden' staircase in the back.

Clean water was pumped to the second floor dental clinic from this well in the backyard.

The garden contains its own impressive mini shrine.

There are two lovely kura (traditional storehouses) on the property.

Patients often traveled long distances to visit the dentist. They stayed overnight in this guesthouse which is located directly behind the clinic's storehouses.

Located in Kanbara-juku, one of the original post towns along the old Tokaido Highway, the former Igarashi Dental Clinic is a 'must see' for anyone visiting the area. This beautiful historic structure and its garden are now open to the public as a museum. Admission is free.

Visitors can also tour another nearby home, the Shida Residence, for 300 yen. And, be sure to stop by the Izumiya, a cafe/shop/local weaving spot housed in a 180 year old ex-ryokan. All are a short walk from Shin-Kambara Station.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

So atmospheric place, like getting in past time. especially I like the photo 6!

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Selena Hoy

Selena Hoy 9 years ago

Funny but interesting topic for exploration! Thanks.

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