A Valuable Historic Building Preserving the Atmosphere of the Taisho Era
The building was constructed in 1921 during the Taisho era as the Mino District Government Office. It is a substantial single-story wooden structure with a traditional tiled roof, preserving many of the architectural features characteristic of government buildings of the period.
A covered carriage entrance stands at the front, while wing buildings with irimoya-style roofs extend on both sides. The combination gives the building a distinctive and dignified appearance that reflects the architecture of early 20th-century Japan.
The upper sections of the exterior walls are finished with traditional plaster, while the lower sections are covered with cedar boards. Together with the roof made from Sekishu red tiles, a traditional roofing material from the Iwami region, these elements create a calm and elegant appearance.
After serving as the district government office, the building was used as a police station and later as a local government office. In 1983, it opened as the Masuda City Museum of History and Folklore. Although its function has changed over the years, the exterior still retains much of its original appearance, making it a valuable reminder of the modernization of the region.
Cultural Heritage and the Story of Its Preservation
The building is highly regarded as a representative example of a district government office building in the San’in region. In 1996, it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Its importance extends beyond its architectural value. The building also represents the history of local administration and the development of Masuda as a regional community.
Over the years, the building faced challenges including damage caused by heavy rain, deterioration due to age, and concerns regarding earthquake resistance. Renovation work was carried out to preserve its historic character while adapting the building for contemporary use.
This balance between preserving historical heritage and creating a functional modern cultural facility is one of Rekishina’s most appealing features.
Three Areas for Discovering History and Culture
Inside, Rekishina is broadly divided into three areas: the Information Area, Exhibition Room, and Community Activity Room. Each has a different purpose, offering visitors several ways to experience the history and culture of Masuda.
Information Area
The Information Area introduces sightseeing information about Masuda as well as the city’s history connected with the Japan Heritage designation “Medieval Masuda”.
One of the highlights is a large-scale visual exhibition featuring projection mapping. Visitors can operate a specially designed hourglass-shaped device to bring historical sites such as the remains of Nanao Castle to life on the screen. Audio guidance provides additional explanations, making the history easy to understand.
The combination of moving images and sound creates an interactive experience that allows visitors to encounter Masuda’s medieval history in a more engaging way than through conventional displays alone.
Exhibition Room
The Exhibition Room presents artworks, historical materials, and other items related to the history and culture of Masuda. The content changes according to the special exhibitions being held, so visitors may discover something new each time they return.
The exhibits also provide an opportunity to learn more about the historic sites, cultural properties, and traditions associated with the Masuda area.
Community Activity Room
The Community Activity Room is a flexible space available for use by local residents and organizations. It hosts workshops, events, cultural activities, and other community programs.
It can also serve as a place where visitors and local residents encounter one another. In this sense, Rekishina is more than a museum or exhibition facility—it is a place where people connect through history and culture.
A Starting Point for Exploring Medieval Masuda
Rekishina is located in an area where numerous medieval historic sites and temples can be found, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding attractions.
The center also provides guidance on historic sites connected with the Japan Heritage story of medieval Masuda, including the remains of Nanao Castle and the remains of the Miyake Odoi residence and fortification. Visitors can begin their historical walking tour here and then explore these sites in the surrounding area.
Learning about Masuda’s history and culture at Rekishina before visiting the surrounding sites can provide valuable context and make the rest of a sightseeing trip more meaningful.
Convenient Access from Masuda Station
Rekishina is conveniently located close to the center of Masuda. From JR Masuda Station, take a bus for approximately 8 minutes and get off at the Orito Bus Stop. The facility is just a short walk from the stop, making it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary.
A Place Connecting the Past with the Future
The Masuda City History and Cultural Exchange Center “Rekishina” brings together the charm of a historic building and the possibilities of modern exhibition technology. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Masuda’s long history while experiencing the city’s contemporary approach to cultural exchange.
Within the building’s quiet, historic atmosphere, the story of Masuda’s past continues to connect with new forms of cultural communication. For travelers interested in the history of the Iwami region, Rekishina is a useful place to begin discovering the medieval heritage, architecture, and local culture of Masuda.