The Front Gate of Kura no Yakata Sankakutei
The Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Former Sakai Family Residence) East Gate (倉の館三角邸（旧堺家住宅）東門) is the front gate of a merchant's estate of the early Showa era in Utazu Town, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a timber gate roofed in tile, 2.0 metres wide, with wing walls on both sides; registration number 37-0315.
A Bracket-Arm Gate
The Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate opens near the southern end of the east side of the plot, directly in front of the entrance porch of the main house (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Short wing walls on either side link it to the boundary wall.
It is a bracket-arm gate about 2.0 m wide (6 shaku), braced by rear posts on the inside and covered by a gabled roof of interlocking pantiles (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it as a contribution to the historic landscape, noting that its careful workmanship sets the tone for the front of the estate.
Openwork Carving
Above the head beam sits an openwork carved transom, and the upper parts of the double plank doors are also filled with pierced carved boards (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The carving gives a modest gate the dressed-up look expected at the entrance to a house built for guests.
What to Look For
Stand in front of the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate and compare the carved transom above the head beam with the pierced boards in the upper doors. The Agency notes that the gate and the porch of the main house face each other.
Visiting
The Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate is on the east side of the plot and can be seen from outside. For entry to the grounds or the buildings, contact the Utazu Town Board of Education (tel. 0877-49-8007).
Q&A
- What type of gate is the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate?
- A bracket-arm gate about 2.0 m wide with rear posts and a gabled pantile roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for at the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate?
- The openwork carved transom above the head beam and the pierced boards in the upper doors (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate?
- Near the southern end of the east side of the plot, facing the porch of the main house (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Can I see the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei East Gate from outside?
- Yes, it can be seen from outside the grounds. For entry, contact the Utazu Town Board of Education (tel. 0877-49-8007).
- When was the Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Former Sakai Family Residence) East Gate registered?
- On October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Former Sakai Family Residence) East Gate (倉の館三角邸（旧堺家住宅）東門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2147-3 Utazucho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered October 2, 2007 (Heisei 19) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, tile roof, 2.0 m wide, with wing walls on both sides |
| Owner | Utazu Town |
| Public Access | Exterior visible from outside the grounds; ask the Utazu Town Board of Education about the interior |
References
- Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Former Sakai Family Residence) East Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006493
- Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Former Sakai Family Residence) East Gate (Cultural Heritage Online, Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/182706
- Kura no Yakata Sankakutei (Utazu Sanpomichi, Utazu Town official visitor site, Japanese)
- https://sanpomichi.town.utazu.lg.jp/spot/entry/old/007491/
Last verified: 2026.11.03
