The oldest building, called the new storehouse
The Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse (平尾家住宅新蔵) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the storehouse behind the main house, built in 1790, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0308).
The Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse stands against the north side of the main house, touching the retirement house, with a pair of doors opening toward the main house's earth-floored area. Despite its name, at 1790 it is the oldest dated building on the estate.
It was already standing when the main house was rebuilt in 1896, so the new main house was fitted around it.
A floating roof raised on posts
The Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse is a 2-storey earthen-walled storehouse of 3 bays by 2 on an east-west ridge, gabled and pantiled with a pent roof on the west, and a building area of 24 m². The walls are finished in white lime plaster, with double-leaf windows on the east side.
Its roof is a detached "floating" roof, set on short posts well above the clay body of the building. The gap between the two gives it a silhouette unlike any other storehouse on the estate.
An eighteenth-century survivor
The floating roof protects the clay walls from rain and fire, and on this storehouse it has become the defining feature. Its continued use behind a much later main house shows how far back the estate reaches.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse is behind the main house, closed, 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 New Storehouse?
- North of the Morio River, against the back of the main house next to the retirement house.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0308. It dates from 1790.
- Why is the Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse the oldest building?
- The origin of the name is not recorded, but at 1790 it is the earliest dated building on the estate.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse?
- A 2-storey storehouse of 3 bays by 2, with a building area of 24 m².
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse?
- No; it is closed and not visible from the road.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse (平尾家住宅新蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0308 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen-walled storehouse, 2 storeys, tiled roof; building area 24 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 New Storehouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006885
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence New Storehouse
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/119957
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
