A 1935 Kimono Shop in Mitoyo
The Shimotakase Postal Agency (former Maruoka Kimono Shop) (下高瀬簡易郵便局（旧丸岡呉服店）) is a two-storey timber former kimono shop of 1935 at Shimotakase, Mino-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on June 7, 1999. It now serves as a small postal agency (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a two-storey timber building with a tiled roof and a building area of 225 square metres; registration number 37-0019, with no owner listed. It also appears on Mitoyo City's list of registered cultural properties (Mitoyo City).
Modelled on Modern Kyoto Architecture
According to the Agency, it was built as the shop of a kimono merchant and is said to have been modelled on modern buildings in Kyoto.
A Western-style building far larger than the surrounding houses, it stands out in the village (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Shimotakase Postal Agency was registered as a building that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that this Western-style building, much larger than its neighbours, also has a notable interior plan.
What to Look For
The Shimotakase Postal Agency is a two-storey timber building in a Western style, with a building area of 225 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
At the centre of the interior is a double-height gallery with a skylight above (Agency for Cultural Affairs), bringing daylight down onto the shop floor where the kimono were displayed.
Visiting the Shimotakase Postal Agency
The Shimotakase Postal Agency is in use as a postal agency, and we found no official information on visits to the building. If you use the post office, please do not disturb its work. The address is 533-2 Otoi, Shimotakase, Mino-cho, Mitoyo City.
Q&A
- When was the Shimotakase Postal Agency built?
- In 1935 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What was the Shimotakase Postal Agency originally?
- The shop of the Maruoka kimono merchants (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is distinctive about the Shimotakase Postal Agency building?
- A Western-style building said to copy modern Kyoto architecture, far larger than its neighbours (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is inside the Shimotakase Postal Agency?
- A central double-height gallery under a skylight (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Shimotakase Postal Agency registered?
- On June 7, 1999.
Basic Information
| Name | Shimotakase Postal Agency (former Maruoka Kimono Shop) (下高瀬簡易郵便局) |
|---|---|
| Location | 533-2 Otoi, Shimotakase, Mino-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1999/6/7 (Heisei 11) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 225 square metres |
| Owner | Not listed in the national record |
| Public Access | In use as a postal agency (no official visiting information) |
References
- Shimotakase Postal Agency (former Maruoka Kimono Shop) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00001139
- Registered cultural properties (Mitoyo City)
- https://www.city.mitoyo.lg.jp/kakuka/kyouikuiinkai/shogai/3_1/history_bunnkazai/13938.html
Last verified: 2026.10.08