Facing the road from the west
The Hirao Family Residence West Gate (平尾家住宅西の門) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the service gate at the western end of the southern grounds, built in the mid-Meiji era and repaired in the later Showa era, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0335).
The Hirao Family Residence West Gate marks the western end of the grounds south of the Morio River and served as the everyday service entrance. The outer wall from the lower storehouse runs up to it.
It stands square at the end of the road approaching from the west, so it is the first part of the estate that comes into view from that direction.
A bracketed gate
The Hirao Family Residence West Gate is a gabled, pantiled gate with its eaves carried on projecting brackets, 3.2 metres wide and 2.5 metres to the ridge. About half a bay at each end is plastered above a clapboard skirting, and a pair of sliding doors fills the centre.
Small but memorable
The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it small but striking. Set at the end of the road, it does far more than its size suggests as the western face of the estate.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence West Gate faces the road at the western end of the estate and can be seen from outside, but the grounds beyond are private.
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 West Gate?
- At the western end of the Hirao estate, south of the Morio River.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence West Gate registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0335. It dates from the mid-Meiji era, repaired in the later Showa era.
- What was the Hirao Family Residence West Gate used for?
- As the everyday service entrance to the estate.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence West Gate?
- A bracketed gate 3.2 metres wide and 2.5 metres to the ridge.
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence West Gate?
- You can see it from the road but cannot go through it.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence West Gate (平尾家住宅西の門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0335 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof; 3.2 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 West Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006911
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence West Gate
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/186813
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
