About the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed

The Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed (蘆田家住宅物置, Ashida-ke Jūtaku Monooki) is a two-storey wooden storage building of the late Edo period in Higashiashida, Aogakicho, Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture, registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006.

It stands south of the main house, attached to the south side of the small study that projects from the main house's southeast corner. It measures 3.5 by 2 bays (ken), with a building area of 30 m², under a gabled roof of interlocking pan tiles.

Why the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed was registered

The Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed was registered, under number 28-0242, as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the nation.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it a building that farm work could not do without, and notes that together with the main house it forms the front of the estate. Set shoulder to shoulder with the thatched house, the tiled two-storey shed stretches the west-facing frontage of the Ashida estate.

What to look for at the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed

The east side of the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed is the part to notice. On both floors it has no wall at all; the building is simply open to the east. On the other three sides, north, west and south, lean-to roofs sweep down from the main roof.

The open east face was very likely meant for moving tools and harvested crops in and out easily. Because the upper floor is open in the same way, it probably served for storage or drying as well.

An outdoor toilet is attached to the west side. A separately registered toilet stands north of the main house, so the estate had two outdoor toilets in different places.

Visiting the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed

There is no announcement of the interior of the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed being open to the public. Since it stands with the main house on the front of the estate, you can see its exterior when you visit the café in the main house.

The open east side faces into the property. The shed and its outdoor toilet belong to a private home, so stay out of areas that are not signposted for visitors. Directions are on the Ashida Family Residence page.

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Q&A

QWhen was the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed built?
AIn the late Edo period. The Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006.
QWhere is the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed located on the estate?
ASouth of the main house, attached to the south side of the study at the main house's southeast corner.
QWhat is unusual about the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed?
AIt is a two-storey gabled building with a tiled roof whose east side has no wall on either floor. Lean-to roofs run down on the north, west and south.
QDoes the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed have a toilet?
AYes, an outdoor toilet is attached to its west side. It is separate from the registered toilet north of the main house.
QCan you go inside the Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed?
ANo public opening of the interior has been announced. You can see the exterior when visiting the café in the main house.

Basic Information

NameAshida Family Residence Storage Shed
Location981 Higashiashida, Aogakicho, Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture
DesignationRegistered Tangible Cultural Property (Building)
Year Designated2006 (registered)
Quantity1 building
DimensionsBuilding area 30 m²
OwnerPrivate owner
Public AccessExterior only; no public opening of the interior announced

References

Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: 蘆田家住宅物置 (Ashida Family Residence Storage Shed)
https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005332
Tamba City: National Designated, Selected and Registered Cultural Properties
https://www.city.tamba.lg.jp/soshiki/shakaikyoikubunkazaika/gyomuannai/7/1/1650.html

Last verified: 2026.10.01