A washing place at the water's edge
The Hirao Family Residence River Well House (平尾家住宅川井戸屋) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the roofed washing place stepping down to the Morio River, built at the end of the Edo period, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0326).
The Hirao Family Residence River Well House is a washing place on the right bank of the Morio River, west of the main stone bridge, with a light roof over it. Riverside washing steps of this kind are known locally as kawaito, and the household once rinsed vegetables and did the laundry here.
It exists only because the river runs through the estate, and the Tajima Encyclopedia singles it out as a fine roofed example.
Steps cut into the embankment
At the Hirao Family Residence River Well House, the embankment is cut back for about 2.5 metres, a stone pavement is laid at the water's edge and 5 stone steps lead down to it. Over the steps stands a shelter 3.9 metres by 1.4 metres with an asymmetrical pantiled roof, covering 5.5 m².
The frame is braced only by sills and tie beams across its width, which gives it a light, open look.
A light touch on the river
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes how its light design varies the scene along the river. Among the heavy embankments, this one roofed opening shows how closely daily life was tied to the water.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence River Well House 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 River Well House?
- On the right bank of the Morio River inside the Hirao estate, west of the main stone bridge.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence River Well House registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0326. It dates from the end of the Edo period.
- What was the Hirao Family Residence River Well House used for?
- Washing vegetables, utensils and laundry at the river's edge.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence River Well House?
- The shelter is 3.9 metres by 1.4 metres, covering 5.5 m², over 5 stone steps.
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence River Well House?
- No; it is closed and not visible from the road.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence River Well House (平尾家住宅川井戸屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0326 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof; area 5.5 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 River Well House
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006902
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence River Well House
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/119774
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
