The Kina Saffron Liqueur Brewery, built by founder Nitaro Yoshizawa as his life’s dream, features a luxurious residence, storehouses, and a garden that still captivate visitors today.
Kina Saffron Liqueur and Nitaro Yoshizawa
Nitaro Yoshizawa (1863), the second son of a farming family near Settaya, began selling homemade medicinal liquor in bamboo tubes at age 21. He created "Kina Saffron Liqueur" using saffron, honey, cloves, cinnamon, and licorice, tirelessly promoting it.
吉澤仁太郎
In 1894, at 31, Nitaro Yoshizawa moved to Settaya and set up a store and production facility. With the motto "Seizing initiative is key to success," his Saffron Liqueur gained nationwide fame, rivaling "Yomeishu," and expanded as far as Hawaii by the early Showa period.
The Tycoon’s Mansion in the Brewing Town
Around the age of 50, Nitaro Yoshizawa poured his wealth into constructing unique buildings. He first created an elaborate wooden sign with carvings of dragons and warriors as the store’s emblem. During the Taisho era, he expanded the main house, built a The Kote-e Storehouse (Kote-e-gura) and in 1931, completed a lavish annex, the "Detached Tatami Room," with a scenic strolling garden.
Nitaro Yoshizawa passed away in 1941 (Showa 16) at the age of 78. After the war, as the Saffron Liqueur business declined, maintaining the aging mansion and garden became increasingly difficult over the years.
手の込んだ装飾の 大看板贅を尽くした「離れ座敷」
A Cultural Heritage Preserved by the Community
The Kina Saffron Liqueur Brewery, built by Nitaro Yoshizawa over 20 years, is a valuable cultural heritage site that reflects the history of Settaya, a district known for its brewing traditions.
In 2009, a local community group began recruiting volunteers to clean the neglected garden and restore the interior. Since then, dedicated citizens have continued preservation efforts for the garden and buildings, ensuring the protection of this historic site.
Today, the property is owned by Nagaoka City and is being developed as a hub for tourism and community exchange.
Highlights
Enjoy the whimsical and extraordinary world of Nitaro Yoshizawa.
Kote-e-gura鏝絵蔵 こてえぐら
The Vividly Colorful Storehouse
Built in 1926, this storehouse showcases kote-e plaster art on its doors and walls, serving as both decoration and advertisement for the business. It originally housed the shop and office.
The second floor now serves as an exhibition room, displaying Taisho-era ads, promotional materials, and tools for making medicinal liqueur.
The Main House (Omoya)主屋 おもや
A Grand Mansion of Majestic Presence
The entrance, built in the mid-Meiji period, was expanded in 1913 with a grand two-story wooden addition, used as a shop and residence.
Flanked by the Ishogura (1916) and Kote-e Storehouse (1926), both featuring plaster reliefs, the building creates a striking front view.
The Kote-e Storehouse Once Used as a Shop and OfficeThe Ishogura That Once Held ValuablesThe Main House on a Snowy Day
The Annex (Hanare-zashiki) & The Garden離れ座敷・庭園
A Luxurious Guest Residence
The Annex, completed in 1931 (Showa 6), features a wide zelkova plank hallway supported by an 18-meter cedar log and a paulownia ceiling. Rare woods like rosewood, cherry, and ebony were used for the pillars and transoms, reflecting its luxurious design for hosting distinguished guests.
The unique garden, partially restored, includes lava from Mount Asama, famed stones, and stone lanterns crafted by Nitaro. Visitors can enjoy its seasonal beauty and historical charm.
The Annex and the garden are closed during the snowfall season from December to March.
A Hallway Made from a Single Zelkova PlankA Hill Made from Mount Asama's LavaA Mountain Lantern Crafted from Natural Stones
Discover
There are more hidden gems to discover. Find the spot that excites you most!
Dragons were cherished.
It is filled with dragon motifs, from kote-e plaster art and onigawara roof tiles to garden statues. Reflecting Nitaro's taste, even the guest cushions found in the house featured dragon patterns.
Take a look up as well!
The roof decorations are equally lavish. The main house, Costume Storehouse, Kote-e Storehouse, and Detached Tatami Room are all topped with ridges featuring interlocking circular tile patterns, creating a cohesive design.
Check the back as well!
The back of the Kote-e Storehouse, adorned with a diagonal lattice pattern, exudes a monochrome yet luxurious charm. Its namako walls, where flat tiles are attached and the joints are raised into sea cucumber-shaped plaster, showcase a unique evolution of traditional plastering techniques.
Don’t forget to check your feet too!
The paw prints left on the earthen floor are said to have been made by a dog after the Kote-e Storehouse was completed. It was the work of a dog kept at the time, and, according to tradition, Nitaro chose to leave them as they were.
Perfect for a weekend stroll!！
Guided Tours Showcasing Deep Insights
Local guides from a community group, experienced in preserving the Saffron Liqueur Brewery, will take you through the main buildings and garden. Enjoy fascinating stories about the site's history and its bold founder, Nitaro Yoshizawa, in a fun and engaging tour!
