Fukui Brewery Kominka: A 19th-Century Soy Sauce Brewery Residence in Niigata

This distinctive property, the Fukui Brewery Kominka, is a 19th-century traditional house located on a corner along the historic route connecting Niigata and Nagano. Built in 1882, it stands out with its steel exterior and a rare integrated structure where the residence and soy sauce workshop are combined into one building. Essential renovations were completed in January 2025, including kitchen and bathroom coating, roof repair, exterior and interior painting, partial wallpaper and floor replacement, some new tatami mats, and interior repairs to the warehouse, making it ready for immediate living.

The residence area is refined, reflecting the status of its former owners, while the former brewery workshop impresses with bold timber framing and a spacious earthen floor. A particularly rare design feature is found on the second floor, where a corridor connects the living area directly to the workshop, offering many possibilities for future use. The property sits on a 506.76 sqm plot in Niigata City's Nishi-Kan Ward, an area said to embody the essence of Niigata. It offers a quiet yet practical location, bordered by public roads on the north and east sides, and includes parking for up to four cars. Utilities include public water, a septic tank, propane gas, and available electricity.