Kami no Ie | A Literary Spot in Yugashima Inspired by Yasushi Inoue’s Landscapes

Yugashima, in Izu City, is where author Yasushi Inoue spent his childhood and the setting for his semi-autobiographical novel Shirobanba. One of the locations featured in the novel, Kami no Ie (Upper House), was his mother’s family home, believed to have been built around 1872–1873 (Meiji 5–6). Over time, the house had deteriorated due to weathering, but thanks to efforts by local volunteers and tourism advocates, preservation activities began. Through initiatives such as crowdfunding, careful restoration has returned the house to its former charm.

Today, Kami no Ie (Upper House) is open for interior tours on the first and third Saturdays and Sundays of each month. Guides, led by members of the Kami no Ie (Upper House) Asunaro Association, provide explanations about the building and stories related to Yasushi Inoue.

The interior has been maintained to reflect its historical atmosphere, with exhibits and materials related to Yasushi Inoue, creating a space reminiscent of a small literary museum. Visitors should note that the stairs to the second floor are steep, so caution is advised.

The surrounding area features locations from the novel, such as the Asunaro tree and the remains of a traditional storehouse. Stroll through the quiet village of Yugashima while imagining scenes from Shirobanba, and experience the landscapes that inspired Yasushi Inoue—a timeless view of Izu’s countryside still alive today.