Mitaka City Yamamoto Yuzo Memorial Museum

In short

The ​Mitaka City Yamamoto Yuzo Memorial Museum​ is the house where writer Yamamoto Yuzo lived with his family from 1936 to 1946. Built in the late Taisho period, this authentic Western-style building has been designated a tangible cultural property by Mitaka City. Today, it serves as a memorial museum introducing Yamamoto's life and works.

• ​The house where "Robo no Ishi" was written​​: In this house, Yamamoto wrote his masterwork novel "Robo no Ishi" (A Stone by the Wayside) and the play "Kome Hyappyo" (One Hundred Sacks of Rice). From 1942 to 1944, he opened his personal library in the reception room to local children.
• ​Three fireplaces​​: Highlights include the three uniquely designed fireplaces and the chimney that looks as if natural stones were stacked up.
• ​Yuzo Memorial Park​​: A garden situated on the south side of the building featuring an open lawn, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and greenery.

History and Highlights

The ​Mitaka City Yamamoto Yuzo Memorial Museum​ is the residence where writer Yamamoto Yuzo lived with his family from 1936 to 1946. Born in Tochigi in 1887, Yamamoto began his career as a playwright in the mid-Taisho period and later wrote novels such as "Onna no Issho" (A Woman's Life) and "Robo no Ishi". He was awarded the Order of Culture in 1965.

Seeking a natural setting suitable for creative writing, Yamamoto moved to this house, which was surrounded by wooded groves at the time. Here, he wrote "Robo no Ishi" and the play "Kome Hyappyo". From 1942 to 1944, he set up the "Mitaka Shokokumin Bunko" (Mitaka Children's Library) in the first-floor reception room, opening his collection of books to local children.

After World War II, the house was requisitioned by the Occupation forces, and Yamamoto was forced to relocate. Even so, he commented that "Mitaka is an unforgettable place for me." After the requisition was lifted, the building was used as a research institute and a library before opening as a memorial museum in 1996. During this conversion, paint applied during the Occupation era was stripped away, the parquet floors were polished, and the fireplaces were restored. Exhibition facilities were also prepared to display approximately 1,400 items and documents donated by the bereaved family.

The building is an authentic Western-style structure built in the late Taisho period. Incorporating the trends of its time, various architectural styles blend harmoniously. Recognized as a rare architectural work, it was designated as a cultural property of Mitaka City in 1994.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Three fireplaces and chimney​​: Highlights include the chimney, designed to look as though natural stones were piled up, and three uniquely styled fireplaces. On the first floor, there is also an "inglenook," a cozy space combining a fireplace and adjoining seating area.
• ​Window designs​​: Stained-glass windows are found in the former reception room and on the staircase. The former Western-style study on the second floor features an octagonal window, and a Japanese-style study has also been restored.
• ​Yuzo Memorial Park​​: A garden extending to the south of the building. It features an expanse of lawn along with bamboo plants, which Yamamoto loved. Visitors can enjoy flowers and greenery across all four seasons.

Strolling Tips

From the South Exit of JR Mitaka Station, walk along the Kaze-no-Sanpomichi Path beside the Tamagawa Aqueduct, and the museum will appear on your right. It is about a 12-minute walk from the station. At the entrance remains a stone that Yamamoto is said to have found by the roadside and had carried here while writing "Robo no Ishi." Try looking for it before entering the building. Inokashira Onshi Park is about 260 meters to the east of the museum, and the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is about 450 meters to the southeast. It is also pleasant to take a walk visiting places associated with writers in Mitaka, including the Dazai Osamu Literary Salon located about 490 meters to the west.