The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate
The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate (島田家住宅鳥居, Shimada-ke Jūtaku Torii) is a stone torii of 1937 in Tomoecho 1-chome, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on November 29, 2006; its registration number is 10-0209.
It stands on the east front of a household Inari shrine set slightly north of the centre of the courtyard (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Raised in 1937, the year the family moved here, it is the oldest of the three structures registered as the Shimada Family Residence.
A Granite Myojin Torii
The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate is a Myōjin torii of granite, 2.8 metres wide and 2.3 metres high overall. Each pillar, 6 sun (about 18 cm) across, is cut from a single stone, and they stand on octagonal base stones (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency notes that it is large for the torii of a household shrine, and values it as part of the courtyard scene.
What to Look For
The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate is broader than it is tall, 0.5 metres wider than its height. Note how the single-stone pillars meet the octagonal bases.
Standing on the east front of the Inari shrine, the torii means the shrine is approached from the east.
Visiting
The Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate stands in the courtyard of a private home, before the household Inari shrine. There is no information on visits or worship, and whether it can be seen from the street has not been confirmed. Please do not enter the lot.
Q&A
- When was the Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate built?
- In 1937 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate?
- It is granite, 2.8 metres wide and 2.3 metres high, with pillars 6 sun (about 18 cm) across (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate?
- On the east front of the Inari shrine in the courtyard of the Shimada property (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Can I visit the Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate?
- It stands in the courtyard of a private home, and no public access is offered.
- When was the Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate registered?
- On November 29, 2006 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate (島田家住宅鳥居) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1121-8 Tomoecho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/11/29 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Stone (granite), height 2.3 m, width 2.8 m |
| Owner | Unknown (not listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | No public access; stands in the courtyard inside the lot |
References
- Shimada Family Residence Torii Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006068
- Shimada Shoten and Shimada Family Residence, 7 buildings (Kiryu City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1008501.html
Last verified: 2026.11.01
