About the Murao Family Residence Barn
The Murao Family Residence Barn (村尾家住宅納屋, Murao-ke Jūtaku Naya) is a single-story timber farm building put up around 1897 in Nishiueta-chō, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2003.
It stands southeast of the Murao main house, built on as a continuation of the South Storehouse to its south. The ridge runs north and south under a Kirizuma-zukuri gable roof of Sangawara-buki pantiles, and the building area is 36 square meters.
Why the Murao Barn was registered
The Murao Barn was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it an indispensable facility for a farming household on this scale. A naya is a working building for tools and produce, and here it stood alongside the house and storehouses as part of the farm's daily operation.
The other reason is its place in the scene. The Murao Family Residence Barn rises from the stone edge along the east side of the estate, and the Agency says it helps give the estate its settled appearance.
What to look for in the Murao Barn
The west side of the Murao Barn has a large opening, built for getting things in and out easily.
Most of the walls are Shinkabe, with the timber posts left visible, but the east side alone is sheathed in vertical boards. The east face, standing above the stone edge, is boarded over, while the other faces show the frame.
The South Storehouse next door has heavy hongawarabuki tiles, and the Murao Family Residence Barn has lighter pantiles. Two buildings joined end to end thus carry different roofs, a small signal of storehouse rank against working shed.
Visiting the Murao Family Residence Barn
The Murao Family Residence Barn is an outbuilding of a private home, and we found no notice that it is open. Please stay off the property and look only from outside. No photography policy is published. Directions to the estate and notes on visiting are on the Murao Family Residence page.
Q&A
- Where is the Murao Family Residence Barn?
- Southeast of the main house, built on to the north end of the South Storehouse, on the stone edge along the east side of the estate.
- What kind of roof does the Murao Barn have?
- A gable roof with its ridge running north and south, covered in pantiles.
- What are the walls of the Murao Barn like?
- Exposed-post shinkabe walls, except on the east side, which is sheathed in vertical boards. The west side has a large opening.
- Why is the Murao Barn a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- It was registered on March 18, 2003, for its contribution to the historic landscape, as an essential part of a large farm that also helps shape the look of the estate.
- Can I visit the Murao Family Residence Barn?
- It is an outbuilding of a private home, and we found no notice of opening. Please do not enter the property.
Basic Information
| Name | Murao Family Residence Barn (村尾家住宅納屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3186 Seijo, Nishiueta-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003-03-18 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Building area 36 square meters |
| Owner | Private |
| Public Access | No notice of public opening (private residence) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Murao Family Residence Barn
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003319
- Cultural Heritage Online: Murao Family Residence Barn
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/194319
- Kagawa Prefecture: Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Kagawa
- https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/kenkyoui/shogaigakushu/bunkazai/culturalassets/culturalassets_16.html
Last verified: 2026.10.14
