About the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall
The Kawanishi City Local Museum (Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall) (川西市郷土館（旧平安家住宅屋根塀）) is a tile-roofed board fence of 1918 to 1919 in Gezaicho, Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on May 7, 1997. It runs for 48.2 m in total.
It encloses the southwest part of the Hirayasu estate, running from the left-hand side of the approach to the entrance as far as the southwest corner of the reception rooms. That a wall, not a building, holds a registration of its own says much about the part it plays.
Boards Below, Tiles Above
The Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall is a timber board fence topped by a small tiled roof. It is lighter than an earthen or plastered wall, but the roof keeps rain off the boards and draws a shadowed line along the top.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a plain but dignified and imposing board fence. Over 48.2 m the same height and the same line of tiles carry on unbroken, and that length gives it a weight a short stretch would not have.
Framing the Front of the Estate
The roofed wall encloses the southwest, the public face of the estate that guests saw on their way to the door. Walking the approach, visitors had this wall on their left as they headed for the entrance gate.
It ends at the southwest corner of the reception rooms, tying the front of the estate together. Stand at the start of the approach and follow the wall with your eyes: it is placed to draw a visitor's gaze toward the entrance.
Why It Was Registered
The Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall was registered as a structure that serves as a model of design, under number 28-0019, on May 7, 1997, together with 13 other Hirayasu structures.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it a fine example of a wall enclosing the front of a large Taisho-era residence. Of the 14 Hirayasu structures numbered 28-0006 to 28-0019, it carries the last number.
Visiting the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall
The Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall is at the southwest of the Hirayasu house at the Kawanishi City Local Museum and can be seen from the approach to the entrance (checked October 2026).
To take in its full length, walk from the start of the approach to the entrance gate and follow the line of tiles on your left. Ask at reception about photography. Opening days, admission and directions are on the Kawanishi City Local Museum page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Hyogo
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kawanishi City Local Museum (Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall)
- [ Himeji Castle & Kobe Night View Cruise ]
Q&A
- What is the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall?
- A board fence with a tiled roof, 48.2 m long in total.
- Where is the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall?
- In the southwest of the estate, from the left side of the approach to the entrance as far as the southwest corner of the reception rooms.
- Why is the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall valued?
- As a plain but dignified board fence and a fine example of a wall enclosing the front of a large Taisho-era residence.
- When was the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall registered?
- On May 7, 1997, under registration number 28-0019.
- Can I see the Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall?
- Yes, from the approach to the entrance at the Kawanishi City Local Museum (checked October 2026).
Basic Information
| Name | Kawanishi City Local Museum (Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall) |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-1 Gezaicho, Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 1997 (registered) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | 48.2 m long (tiled roof) |
| Owner | Kawanishi City |
| Public Access | Open (Kawanishi City Local Museum, admission 300 yen) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: 川西市郷土館（旧平安家住宅屋根塀）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00000155
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Hirayasu Family Residence Roofed Wall
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/146765
- Kawanishi City: Guide to the Kyodokan Facilities
- https://www.city.kawanishi.hyogo.jp/shiseijoho/shokai/kankouannai/1003058/kyodokan_syosai.html
- Kawanishi City: Kyodokan (Local Museum)
- https://www.city.kawanishi.hyogo.jp/shiseijoho/shokai/kankouannai/1003058/kankou_kyodo.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
