Yoshiya Nobuko Memorial House (吉屋信子記念館)
Discover the Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan (吉屋信子記念館)
From the late 19th century onward, Kamakura’s rich natural and historical setting attracted many writers. Among them was Nobuko Yoshiya (吉屋信子), known alongside literary figures such as Natsume Soseki (夏目漱石), Kawabata Yasunari (川端康成), Osaragi Jiro (大佛次郎), and Kobayashi Hideo (小林秀雄). The Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan, her former residence, now serves as a rare space to engage with Kamakura’s literary legacy.
Where Architecture and Garden Reflect Literary Aesthetics
Built in 1962, the house was designed by Yoshida Isoya (吉田五十八), a renowned sukiya-style architect. Following Yoshiya’s request for a design “like a nun’s temple in Nara,” the residence reflects minimalist elegance. The house showcases carefully designed spaces: Western and Japanese parlors with deliberate sightlines, a study facing a wisteria trellis, and a calming bedroom—all infused with Yoshiya’s sensibility.
Literary Significance and Cultural Value
Born in 1896, Nobuko Yoshiya pioneered the genre of girls’ fiction with her serialized work Hana Monogatari. She later gained acclaim for historical novels such as Tokugawa no Fujintachi and Nyonin Heike. She wrote openly about women’s lives and sexuality, and shared her life with her partner Chiyo Monma (門馬千代). The Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan offers insight into her literary achievements and personal convictions.
Experience the Atmosphere and Personal Artifacts
Visitors can view original furnishings and décor from Yoshiya’s life. Stepping into the parlor and study feels like entering mid-Showa Japan. The seasonal beauty of the garden enhances the contemplative atmosphere.
How to Get There from Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス)
From Yuigahama Station (由比ヶ浜駅) on the Enoden Line, it’s about a 7-minute walk. Alternatively, take a bus from Kamakura Station (鎌倉駅) and get off at “Hase Higashimachi” (長谷東町); from there, it’s a 2–3-minute walk. The Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan is open only in spring (April–June) and autumn (October–November), from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No reservation is needed, and admission is free. However, entry may be restricted during busy periods. There is no parking, so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (wisteria season) and autumn (colorful foliage) are particularly scenic. Early morning visits offer a quiet environment for viewing the interiors. Guests staying at Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス) can enjoy flexible schedules and make use of free time for a peaceful visit.
Nearby Spots: A Literary and Historical Walking Route
Within walking distance are cultural and historical highlights such as the Kamakura Bungakukan (鎌倉文学館, closed until March 2027), Kotoku-in Temple (高徳院) with its Great Buddha, and Hase-dera Temple (長谷寺), known for seasonal blooms. The Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan makes an ideal stop along a thoughtful cultural walk.
Who Should Visit? For Those Seeking Quiet and Culture
This is the perfect destination for anyone interested in literature, architecture, or Japanese garden aesthetics. If you’re staying at a self-service hotel like Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス), it’s easy to fit a visit into your morning or midday break for a quiet, enriching experience.
Wrap-Up: A Special Encounter with Kamakura’s Literary Heritage
Yoshiya Nobuko Kinenkan is a refined space where the spirit and aesthetics of Nobuko Yoshiya (吉屋信子) still reside. With its elegant design and quiet garden, it invites visitors into a slower pace of cultural appreciation. Staying at Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス) allows you to explore this literary gem freely and on your own schedule.