A Village Headman's House in Maizuru
The Yukinaga Family Residence (行永家住宅) is the house of a village headman at Kokura, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, built in 1825, whose main house was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 23, 1975. It is in the Kokura district of eastern Maizuru, where villages are scattered along the valley of the Kokura River (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records the main house as 18.0 metres by 9.9 metres, partly two-storeyed, hip-and-gable (Irimoya-zukuri) with eaves on all four sides, extended down on part of the west, and pantile-roofed. Around it stand the tool store, new store, miso store, rice store and woodshed; the tool store (late Edo), the new store (end of the Edo period) and the site are also designated (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Headmen of Kokura Village
According to the Agency, the Yukinaga family is thought to have settled here in the early Edo period and served for generations as headmen of Kokura village from about the Tenmei era (1781 to 1789).
The tool store and new store are two-storey earthen stores of about the same date as the main house; the miso store, rice store and woodshed are Meiji buildings, and together with the site they preserve the layout of the homestead (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Designated
The main house of the Yukinaga Family Residence was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1975. The Agency for Cultural Affairs values it as a fine late Edo house of the Tango region and a key example for tracing the development of house plans; the tool store and new store are valued for showing how a Tango homestead was laid out.
What to Look For
According to Maizuru City, the rafters are coated in clay as a fire precaution, giving a distinctive look that is both practical and handsome. Inside, six great beams of naturally curved timber are laid in alternating directions in a bold framework.
The ceiling is a mat of woven bamboo covered with straw matting, letting smoke from the hearth and stove rise through; firewood was once stored above to dry in the smoke. The stove has no chimney, so the smoke passes through the ceiling and out of the smoke vent, protecting the posts and roof from mould and insects (Maizuru City).
Visiting the Yukinaga Family Residence
According to Maizuru City, the Yukinaga Family Residence is opened to the public on certain days, for example in autumn; check the city's announcements for dates. The address is 831 Kokura, Maizuru City; enquiries to the Maizuru City history and culture section (0773-66-1063).
Q&A
- When was the Yukinaga Family Residence main house built?
- In 1825 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who were the Yukinaga family?
- Hereditary headmen of Kokura village from about the Tenmei era (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Why is the Yukinaga Family Residence an Important Cultural Property?
- It is a fine late Edo Tango house important for tracing the development of house plans (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for at the Yukinaga Family Residence?
- Clay-coated rafters, six alternating great beams and a woven bamboo ceiling (Maizuru City).
- Can you visit the Yukinaga Family Residence Main House?
- It is opened to the public on certain days, such as in autumn (Maizuru City).
Basic Information
| Name | Yukinaga Family Residence Main House (Kokura, Maizuru) (行永家住宅 主屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 831 Kokura, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1975/6/23 (Showa 50) |
| Quantity | 1 building (main house) |
| Dimensions | 18.0 metres by 9.9 metres, partly 2 storeys, irimoya roof, eaves on four sides, pantile |
| Owner | Not listed in the national record |
| Public Access | Open on public opening days |
References
- Yukinaga Family Residence Main House (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/3785
- Autumn opening of the Yukinaga Family Residence (Maizuru City)
- https://www.city.maizuru.kyoto.jp/kyouiku/0000003481.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
Cultural Treasures in the Same Area
All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.
- Yukinaga Family Residence (Kokura, Maizuru City, Kyoto Main house 0.00 km
- Yukinaga Family Residence (Kokura, Maizuru City, Kyoto New storehouse 0.02 km
- Yukinaga Family Residence (Kokura, Maizuru City, Kyoto Tool storehouse 0.02 km