Former Koyama Residence (Tamuraya Hotaru-an) Garden Gate and Fence: A Meiji-Era Treasure in Miyama, Kyoto
Deep in the mountains of Kyoto Prefecture, far from the bustling temples and shrines of the ancient capital, lies the serene village of Miyama. Here, amid forests of towering cedar and clusters of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, stands the Former Koyama Residence — known today as Tamuraya Hotaru-an. Among its historic structures, the garden gate and fence (庭門及び塀, niwa-mon oyobi hei) hold a special distinction as a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the refined aesthetics and rural authority of a Meiji-period village headman's estate.
What Is the Former Koyama Residence (Tamuraya Hotaru-an)?
The Former Koyama Residence is a historic farmhouse complex situated in the Mino area of Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. The Koyama family served as ōshōya — village headmen — a position of considerable authority in rural Japan during the Edo and Meiji periods. Their residence reflects both the practical needs of a prosperous farming household and the dignified status of its inhabitants.
The compound includes a grand thatched-roof main house (shūoku), a storehouse (dozō), and the garden gate and fence that together create a harmonious domestic landscape. The property was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on April 18, 2008, and is now owned by Nishio Asset Co., Ltd., which operates the site as part of the Miyama FUTON & Breakfast lodging experience under the name "Hotaru-an" (Firefly Cottage).
The Garden Gate and Fence: Architectural Details
The garden gate is a single-bay ridged gate (ikken munemon) positioned on the west side of the main house, oriented on an east-west axis. Built with a gabled roof clad in clay pantiles (san-gawara-buki), the gate features double-leaf board doors and a supporting post at the rear. On the side closest to the main house, a small pedestrian wicket gate (kuguri) is incorporated into the adjoining fence, allowing intimate passage without opening the main gate.
From the western post of the gate, a U-shaped fence extends all the way to the storehouse. This fence is built in the shin-kabe (exposed frame) style with vertical board paneling at the base. Its roof is covered in sugi-kawa (cedar bark), a traditional roofing material that blends beautifully with the natural surroundings. The fence stretches approximately 13 meters and includes an additional small wooden gate along its length.
Together, the gate and fence enclose and define the garden space in front of the main reception room (shuzashiki), creating a tranquil and secluded atmosphere that befits the residence of a former village headman.
Why Was It Designated a Cultural Property?
The garden gate and fence of the Former Koyama Residence were registered as a Tangible Cultural Property under the criterion of contributing to Japan's historic landscape. The registration number is 26-0302, and the official registration was announced on May 7, 2008.
The structures are valued for several reasons. First, they represent authentic Meiji-period rural architecture employing traditional materials and construction techniques — cedar bark roofing, exposed timber framing, and pantile-clad gateways — that are increasingly rare in modern Japan. Second, the gate and fence play an essential role in the spatial composition of the estate, partitioning the formal garden from the rest of the compound and lending the residence an air of dignity and calm. Third, the property contributes to the broader historic landscape of Miyama, an area celebrated for its concentration of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and designated scenic beauty.
Highlights and Things to See
Visiting the Former Koyama Residence allows you to appreciate a complete picture of an elite rural household in Meiji-era Japan. The thatched-roof main house with its grand reception room, tokonoma alcove, and tsuke-shoin writing alcove speaks to the family's status as village headmen. The garden gate and fence, with their understated elegance and natural materials, frame the garden space beautifully and create a sense of passage between the public and private domains of the residence.
Today, the property has been carefully renovated and operates as "Hotaru-an," one of several thatched-roof cottages available through Miyama FUTON & Breakfast. Guests can stay overnight in this registered cultural property, experiencing the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese farmhouse while enjoying modern comforts such as a hinoki (Japanese cypress) bath, sauna, and well-equipped kitchen. The expansive grounds cover approximately 1,600 tsubo (about 5,300 square meters), providing ample space for quiet contemplation amid nature.
Seasonal highlights include fireflies dancing along nearby streams in early summer — a fitting tribute to the cottage's name, "Hotaru-an" (Firefly Cottage) — as well as vivid autumn foliage and deep winter snowscapes that transform the property into a scene from a Japanese folktale.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Miyama-cho is renowned as one of Japan's three great thatched-roof villages, alongside Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Ōuchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture. The Kayabuki no Sato (Thatched Roof Village) in the Kita district of Miyama features 39 thatched-roof farmhouses and has been designated a Nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings since 1993.
Within the Kayabuki no Sato area, visitors can explore the Miyama Folk Museum, the Chii Indigo Art Museum, local cafés, and soba restaurants. Guided walking tours are available in English by prior reservation. The area also offers cycling tours, thatched-roof maintenance workshops, bamboo craft experiences, and mochi-pounding events depending on the season.
The broader Miyama area sits within the Kyoto Tamba Kōgen National Park and is traversed by the historic Nishi Saba Kaidō (Western Mackerel Road), which once connected the Sea of Japan coast to Kyoto. The region's pristine streams yield delicious sweetfish (ayu), local free-range chicken (Kyō-jidori), and seasonal mountain vegetables — all featured in nearby inn and restaurant menus.
In winter, the annual Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival (Fuyu Tōrō) illuminates the thatched-roof village with hundreds of LED lanterns and pathway lights, creating a magical evening atmosphere.
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Q＆A
- Can I visit or stay at the Former Koyama Residence (Tamuraya Hotaru-an)?
- Yes. The property now operates as "Hotaru-an," a whole-house rental accommodation through Miyama FUTON & Breakfast. Advance reservations are required. Guests can experience staying in a registered cultural property with modern amenities including a hinoki bath, sauna, and full kitchen.
- How do I get to Miyama from Kyoto or Osaka?
- From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Sonobe Station, then transfer to the JR San'in Main Line to Hiyoshi Station. From Hiyoshi Station, take the Nantan City Community Bus toward Miyama (approximately 55 minutes to the Kayabuki no Sato area). By car, it takes about 1.5 hours from Kyoto via the Kyoto Jūkan Expressway. Free shuttle service may be available from Sonobe Station for accommodation guests — check with Miyama FUTON & Breakfast when booking.
- What is the best season to visit?
- Each season offers distinct charm. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery; early summer features fireflies along the streams; autumn paints the mountains in brilliant reds and golds; and winter blankets the thatched roofs in snow for a dreamlike landscape. The Winter Lantern Festival (usually held in January) is particularly popular.
- Is English language support available?
- Miyama FUTON & Breakfast offers English-language support for reservations and during stays. English-language guided tours of the Kayabuki no Sato area can also be arranged by advance reservation through the Miyama Tourism Association.
- What is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- Japan's cultural property registration system, established in 1996, recognizes historic buildings and structures that contribute to the nation's cultural landscape but may not qualify for full "designation" as Important Cultural Properties. Registered properties can continue to be used and even renovated, provided changes respect their historic character. The garden gate and fence of the Former Koyama Residence were registered in 2008 for their contribution to Japan's historic landscape.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Koyama Residence (Tamuraya Hotaru-an) Garden Gate and Fence 旧小山家住宅（田村屋螢庵）庭門及び塀 |
|---|---|
| Category | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Number | 26-0302 |
| Registration Date | April 18, 2008 (Announced May 7, 2008) |
| Period | Mid-Meiji Era (1868–1911) |
| Structure | Gate: Wooden, tile-roofed, 1.2 m opening, with wing wall Fence: Wooden, cedar bark roof, 13 m length, with wooden wicket gate |
| Registration Criterion | Contributes to Japan's historic landscape |
| Location | 38 Koyama-no-moto, Mino, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan |
| Owner | Nishio Asset Co., Ltd. |
| Current Use | Miyama FUTON & Breakfast — Hotaru-an (whole-house rental accommodation) |
| Access | Approx. 30 min by car from JR Sonobe Station; free shuttle may be available for guests |
References
- 旧小山家住宅（田村屋螢庵）庭門及び塀 – Cultural Heritage Online (文化遺産オンライン)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/172382
- 旧小山家住宅（田村屋螢庵）主屋 – Cultural Heritage Online (文化遺産オンライン)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/191800
- 国指定文化財等データベース – Agency for Cultural Affairs
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00007080
- 美山FUTON＆Breakfast – Official Website
- https://www.miyamafandb.com/
- かやぶきの里 – 京都美山ナビ (Miyama Tourism Association)
- https://miyamanavi.com/sightseeing/kayabuki-no-sato
- 美山かやぶきの里 – GOOD LUCK TRIP
- https://www.gltjp.com/ja/directory/item/16407/
Last verified: 2026.03.02