What is the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate?
The Sugihara Shoten Front Gate (杉原商店表門, Sugihara Shōten Omotemon) is the main gate of the Sugihara Shoten washi wholesaler in Oizu-cho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, built in the late Taisho period (between about 1919 and 1926) and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on February 27, 2023.
The gate faces north onto the street. Step through it and a forecourt opens up, with the main house straight ahead. The opening is 2.3 meters wide, and short screen walls (Sodobei) flank it.
How the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate is built
The Sugihara Shoten Front Gate is a Yakuimon, a gate type with a gabled tile roof set slightly behind the main posts. A crossbeam (Kabuki) spans the main posts; above it, beams resting on bracket arms carry short struts that hold up the ridge. The eaves use a single layer of closely spaced rafters (Taruki).
Double-leaf board doors hang in the opening. The national listing describes board fences on both sides and a small wicket door (Kugurido) on the west, so people could come and go while the big doors stayed shut, a practical arrangement for a busy merchant house.
Why the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate was registered
The Sugihara Shoten Front Gate was registered for its contribution to the historic townscape. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes its careful workmanship and the way it gives the paper merchant's house a proper street frontage.
For anyone walking the Goka valley road, this gate is the first view of Sugihara Shoten. It is built to announce the standing of the house behind it, even before the main house and storehouses come into sight.
Seeing the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate
Because the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate stands on the street, its exterior can be seen from the road. Look up at the roof framing above the crossbeam: bracket arms, beams, struts and ridge are all made of slender members. From below the eaves, the tight rhythm of the rafters is easy to follow.
Beyond the gate is a private residence. If you have booked a visit to the Washiya gallery, follow the staff's directions when entering.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Fukui
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Sugihara Shoten Front Gate
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Q&A
- When was the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate built?
- It dates from the late Taisho period; the national database gives a range of 1919 to 1926.
- What type of gate is the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate?
- It is a yakuimon with a gabled tile roof, 2.3 meters wide, flanked by screen walls and fitted with a wicket door.
- Why is the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- It was registered on February 27, 2023, for its contribution to the historic townscape, as the street front of a washi merchant's house.
- Can I see the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate without a reservation?
- Yes, the exterior is visible from the street. The grounds behind it are a private home and are not open.
- Where is the wicket door of the Sugihara Shoten Front Gate?
- The national database places it on the west side. Fukui Prefecture's description mentions wicket doors on both sides, so the two sources differ.
Basic Information
| Name | Sugihara Shoten Front Gate |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-3 Higashimachi, 17 Oizu-cho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | Registered February 27, 2023 (Reiwa 5) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof, opening 2.3 m wide, with screen walls |
| Owner | Private |
| Public Access | Exterior visible from the street |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Sugihara Shoten Front Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00014480
- Fukui Prefecture Cultural Properties: Sugihara Shoten Front Gate
- https://bunkazai.pref.fukui.lg.jp/search_category/content?detail_id=952-0
Last verified: 2026.10.01
