The eastern end of the frontage
The Hirao Family Residence East Gate (平尾家住宅東の門) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the gate at the eastern end of the southern grounds, built in the mid-Meiji era and remodelled in the early Showa era, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0334).
The Hirao Family Residence East Gate stands at the eastern end of the grounds south of the Morio River. The outer wall from the rice storehouse runs up to it, closing off the east end of the frontage.
It began as a simple firewood shed: the northern half is still a storeroom, while the southern half was made into the gateway.
Half storeroom, half gateway
The Hirao Family Residence East Gate is gabled and pantiled, 5.3 metres by 0.9 metres, with the roof carried down at the back, and has a building area of 4.8 m².
The southern half has an opening 2.7 metres wide with a pair of hinged doors. The northern storeroom is clad in clapboard, with 4 sliding doors at the back.
A converted building
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a simple building that was originally a firewood shed. Turning a shed into a gate as needs changed is typical of an estate reshaped generation by generation.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence East Gate is at the eastern end of the street frontage and can be seen from outside, but the grounds beyond are private and may not be entered.
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 East Gate?
- At the eastern end of the Hirao estate, south of the Morio River.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence East Gate registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0334. It dates from the mid-Meiji era, remodelled in the early Showa era.
- What was the Hirao Family Residence East Gate originally?
- A simple firewood shed, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs; its northern half is still a storeroom.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence East Gate?
- 5.3 metres by 0.9 metres (4.8 m²), with a gateway 2.7 metres wide.
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence East Gate?
- You can see it from the street but cannot go through it.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence East Gate (平尾家住宅東の門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0334 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, tiled roof; building area 4.8 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 East Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006910
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence East Gate
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/172212
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
