Matsuoka Family Residence Toilet

A Privy Behind the House

The Matsuoka Family Residence Toilet (松岡家住宅便所, Benjo) is a detached single-storey timber toilet building erected in the early Shōwa era in the Matsuoka sake brewer's compound in Hongō, Hidaka Village, Kōchi Prefecture, and registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 March 2004. It stands on the north side of the site, behind the western part of the Main House.

It is 1 and a half bays square, with a building area of 7.2 square meters, under a gabled Kirizuma-zukuri roof of pantiles. It is the smallest of the twelve listed structures.

Dated to early Shōwa like the Main House, it sits beside the Bathroom behind the house, part of a plan that moved the household's washing and sanitary rooms into separate buildings.

King Post and Sliding Windows

The roof of the Matsuoka Family Residence Toilet is carried on a king post standing on the tie beam and supporting the ridge, a single upright that makes a neat job of so small a gable.

The east face has a mortar dado scored with joints, with glazed sliding windows above. Scoring the mortar echoes the walls of the neighboring Bathroom and ties together the early Shōwa buildings at the back of the house.

According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the interior has been altered, but the west face in particular keeps its original appearance well. It was listed for its contribution to the historic landscape.

Look at the West Face

At the Matsuoka Family Residence Toilet, walk around both sides. On the east, the mortar dado and sliding windows give the clean, modern look expected of an early Shōwa domestic service room.

The west face is the one the Agency singles out as original. Compare its finish and openings with the east side for clues to how the building was first used.

The Bathroom stands just to the east. A timber privy and a concrete bathhouse were built side by side behind the Main House at the same time, and the contrast in materials is worth a look.

Visiting

The Matsuoka Family Residence Toilet stands behind the Main House and cannot be seen from the lane; the interior is not open. Visit on an event day or arrange access with the Hidaka Sakagura Association to see the exterior.

Booking details and directions are on the Matsuoka Family Residence page.