The service crossing
The Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge (平尾家住宅下の石橋) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the small stone bridge used as the service crossing, built in the late Edo period, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0325).
The Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge crosses the river about 10 metres west of the main stone bridge. It linked the waiting house and the earth-floored work area of the main house with the storehouses and the west gate on the southern bank.
Where the main bridge was the formal route, this one carried the daily traffic of work, and the river washing place lies just to its west.
Four stones
The Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge is made of 4 stones laid side by side, 3.0 metres long and 1.5 metres wide, with raised edges, spanning between the embankment walls.
At each end, steps the full width of the bridge connect it to the ground on either bank.
The everyday route
The plain lower bridge shows that the estate kept separate routes for ceremony and for work. Seen beside the main bridge, the difference in their roles is plain.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge is inside the estate, not open and not visible from the road.
The story of the estate, what can be seen from the road and directions are on the Hirao Family Residence page.
Q&A
- Where is the Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge?
- Across the Morio River inside the Hirao estate, about 10 metres west of the main stone bridge.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0325. It dates from the late Edo period.
- What was the Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge used for?
- As the service crossing between the waiting house and kitchen area and the storehouses and west gate.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge?
- Four stones, 3.0 metres long and 1.5 metres wide.
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge?
- No; it is closed and not visible from the road.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge (平尾家住宅下の石橋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0325 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone; 3.0 metres long, 1.5 metres wide |
| Owner | Private individual |
| Public Access | Not open to the public (private residence) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006901
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence Lower Stone Bridge
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/186803
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
