From the storehouses to the gates
The Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall (平尾家住宅外塀) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the wall enclosing the street side of the estate, built in the mid-Meiji era, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0336).
The Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall runs in two sections, from the tool storehouse beside the gatehouse to the west gate, and from the rice storehouse to the east gate, 58 metres in total. Joined to the gatehouse, the storehouses and the two gates, it defines the street frontage on the south side of the estate.
Plaster outside, clay inside
The Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall has square posts every 1.0 metres on a cut-stone base, with brackets projecting to carry the eaves; it stands 2.0 metres to the ridge and is roofed in pantiles.
The lower part is boarded. Above, the wall is finished in lime plaster on the street side and left in the intermediate clay coat on the inside, the best finish reserved for the face the public sees.
A traditional streetscape
The Agency for Cultural Affairs credits it with forming a traditional streetscape. The run of gatehouse, white storehouses and tile-topped wall is the most complete view of the estate available from outside.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall faces the street and can be seen from the road. The grounds behind it are private, so please look in passing rather than peering over.
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 Outer Wall?
- Along the street on the south side of the Hirao estate, from the tool storehouse to the west gate and from the rice storehouse to the east gate.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0336. It dates from the mid-Meiji era.
- How is the Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall finished?
- Boarded below, with lime plaster on the street side above and a plain clay coat on the inside.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall?
- 58 metres long in total, 2.0 metres to the ridge.
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall?
- Yes, from the street; the grounds behind it are private.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall (平尾家住宅外塀) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0336 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled; 58 metres long |
| 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 Outer Wall
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006912
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence Outer Wall
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/119784
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
