土蔵(どぞう)

どぞう
noun
earthen storehouse; kura
buildingculture
1. earthen storehouse; kura; fireproof warehouse
A traditional Japanese storehouse with thick earthen walls designed to be fireproof and protect valuables, foodstuffs, and heirlooms. A distinctive feature of traditional Japanese architecture.
この町(まち)には古(ふる)い土蔵(どぞう)が残(のこ)っている。
Old earthen storehouses remain in this town.
土蔵(どぞう)の中(なか)から江戸(えど)時代(じだい)の絵(え)が見(み)つかった。
A painting from the Edo period was found inside the storehouse.
土蔵(どぞう)の厚(あつ)い壁(かべ)は火事(かじ)から中(なか)の品物(しなもの)を守(まも)る役割(やくわり)を果(は)たした。
The thick walls of the earthen storehouse served to protect the goods inside from fire.

Usage

土蔵(どぞう) refers specifically to a storehouse with thick walls made of earth and plaster. They are typically white-walled and can still be seen in historic towns and merchant districts across Japan. Many have been converted into cafes, galleries, or shops.

Common collocations

  • 土蔵(どぞう)造(づく)り (storehouse-style construction)
  • 白壁(しろかべ)の土蔵(どぞう) (white-walled storehouse)
  • 土蔵(どぞう)を改装(かいそう)する (to renovate a storehouse)

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 蔵(くら) (general term)
Compare: 倉庫(そうこ) (warehouse)
general
Added 2026.3.7 22:43 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15500/15634_dozou