- Culture
- Fukuoka
Birthplace of Hakushu Kitahara
Hakushu Kitahara: A poet who wrote one of the finest pages in the history of Japanese modern literature in the 20th century
Hakushu Kitahara is one of the representative poets in modern Japanese literature who gave the world numerous fine pieces of poetry, tanka poems, and lyrics of children’s songs which all Japanese people know. Born in Yanagawa, Hakushu spent the most formative years of his childhood in this beautiful city. Today, his birthplace serves as a museum where you can see his writings and personal belongings.
Get a glimpse into Hakushu Kitahara’s life at his birthplace
Hakushu was born the eldest son of the Kitahara family, which was running a sake brewery in Okinohata-machi in Yanagawa City. Spending his childhood and adolescence in Yanagawa had a major influence on the style of Hakushu’s work. Although his birthplace was destroyed by a major fire, the main building of the house that survived has been restored, from which you can get a glimpse into his life at that time.
Hakushu Memorial Hall
Within the vast site of the Kitahara family stands a memorial hall that features the history of Hakushu and the folk culture of Yanagawa. The exterior of the house is made with Yanagawa’s unique Namako wall typically used for traditional storehouses. The hall exhibits materials and references related to the folk culture of the city as well as Hakushu’s poems.
Location
| Name | Birthplace of Hakushu Kitahara |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.yanagawa-net.com/eng/hakusyu.html |
| Address | 55-1 Okinohata-machi, Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka |
| Access | Take Nishitetsu Bus from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station and get off at Suitengu-iriguchi bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes Approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the Miyama-Yanagawa IC on the Kyushu Expressway |
| Business Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 |
| Closed | December 29 to January 3 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0944-72-6773 (Hakushu Kitahara Birthplace Memorial Foundation) |
| Admission | Adults: 500 yen; Students: 450 yen; Children: 250 yen |
