The retirement house behind the main house
The Hirao Family Residence Retirement House (平尾家住宅隠居屋) in Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the dwelling for retired members of the family, built in the late Meiji era and renovated in 2004, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 7, 2008 (number 28-0307).
The Hirao Family Residence Retirement House is a single-storey building on an east-west ridge north of the main house. The new storehouse adjoins it on the south and the salt and miso storehouse on the west, while a wall and gate run from its east side and, with the treasure storehouse partition, enclose a garden of its own.
It was built for members of the family who had handed over the headship, close to the main house yet with its own garden and entrance.
One storey with lean-tos on three sides
The Hirao Family Residence Retirement House is gabled and pantiled, with lean-tos on the south, east and north and a lower double-pitched extension on the west, giving a building area of 94 m².
The principal room, with an alcove and a built-in desk, is at the east end; 2 rooms of 6 tatami each sit in the middle, and an earth-floored entrance and a boarded room occupy the west end.
Quiet and settled
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes its calm, graceful character. Placing the best room at the east end, toward the garden, suits a house meant for later life.
Visiting
The Hirao Family Residence Retirement House is deep 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 Retirement House?
- North of the Morio River, behind (north of) the main house.
- When was the Hirao Family Residence Retirement House registered as a cultural property?
- On March 7, 2008, as Registered Tangible Cultural Property number 28-0307. It dates from the late Meiji era, renovated in 2004.
- What is the layout of the Hirao Family Residence Retirement House?
- A principal room with an alcove at the east end, 2 rooms of 6 tatami in the middle, and an entrance and boarded room at the west.
- How big is the Hirao Family Residence Retirement House?
- A single-storey timber building of 94 m².
- Can visitors see the Hirao Family Residence Retirement House?
- No; it is closed and not visible from the road.
Basic Information
| Name | Hirao Family Residence Retirement House (平尾家住宅隠居屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 958 Ando, Morio, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 28-0307 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/03/07 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, tiled roof; building area 94 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 Retirement House
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006884
- Cultural Heritage Online — Hirao Family Residence Retirement House
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/183096
- Tajima Encyclopedia (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund) — Hirao Family Residence
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/568
Last verified: 2026.10.02
