The front of the estate
The Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate (平尾家住宅長屋門) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the long gatehouse at the front of the estate, built in the late Edo period and remodelled in the early Showa era, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0327).
The Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate is the main entrance to the estate, a long gatehouse facing south a little back from the street. Through the gateway lie the Morio River and the stone bridge, with the main house beyond.
The tool storehouse joins it at a right angle on the west, continuing into the lower storehouse, and the rice storehouse stands to the southeast, so white-walled storehouses flank the gate on both sides.
A gate with rooms on either side
The Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate is a single-storey gabled building 13 metres by 3.9 metres, roofed in pantiles, with a building area of 50 m². The gateway in the middle has double doors and a wicket door; a storeroom occupies the west side and a boarded room the east.
The walls are white lime plaster above a clapboard skirting.
A composed frontage
The Agency for Cultural Affairs praises its size and the composed frontage it creates. A nagayamon combined a gateway with storerooms or servants' quarters, and on a headman's or landowner's estate it was also a statement of standing.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate faces the street and can be seen from outside, but the grounds beyond are private and may not be entered. Please do not linger at the gate.
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 Nagayamon Gate?
- On the south side of the Hirao estate, set a little back from the street and facing south.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0327. It dates from the late Edo period, remodelled in the early Showa era.
- What is inside the Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate?
- A storeroom on the west and a boarded room on the east, either side of the gateway.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate?
- A single-storey building of 13 metres by 3.9 metres, with a building area of 50 m².
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate?
- You can see it from the street, but you cannot go through it.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate (平尾家住宅長屋門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0327 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, tiled roof; building area 50 m² |
| 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 Nagayamon Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006903
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence Nagayamon Gate
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/153505
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
