Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall: A Hidden Gem of Taishō Architecture
Tucked within the grounds of Taki Town Hall in the heart of Mie Prefecture, the Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall (旧多気郡役所六角堂, Kyū Taki Gunyakusho Rokkakudō) is a one-of-a-kind wooden building that quietly tells the story of Japan's modernization during the Taishō era. Built around 1915 and relocated to its current site in 1978, this compact yet architecturally distinctive structure was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in November 2015, earning recognition for its unique design and historical significance.
For international visitors seeking an authentic encounter with Japan's lesser-known heritage, this charming hexagonal hall offers a fascinating window into the administrative architecture of early 20th-century rural Japan — far from the crowds of major tourist destinations.
What Is the Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall?
The Hexagonal Hall was originally a facility of the Taki County Office (多気郡役所), which was established in 1879 in the village of Ōka (present-day Taki Town) when Taki County was formally organized under the modern prefectural system. The county office served as the administrative center for the surrounding region until the county office system was abolished nationwide in 1926.
The building itself dates to approximately 1915, during the Taishō period (1912–1926). It is believed to have functioned as a commemorative hall — a "Kinenkan" (紀念館) — as indicated by the inscription on its ornamental rooftop tiles. In 1978, the structure was carefully relocated to its present position within the Taki Town Hall compound, where it has been preserved as a testament to the area's administrative heritage.
Architectural Highlights and Cultural Value
What makes this building truly remarkable is its unusual floor plan. Rather than a conventional rectangular or circular design, the hall features a modified hexagonal shape — a square base with the two front corners cut at an angle, creating an irregular six-sided footprint. This distinctive plan is exceptionally rare among Japanese buildings of this era and gives the structure its iconic name.
Key Architectural Features
The building is a single-story wooden structure with a tiled roof and a total floor area of approximately 50 square meters. The interior consists of a single open room crowned with an elegant coffered ceiling (格天井, gōtenjō), a traditional Japanese ceiling style typically found in temples and formal reception halls. At the front, a gabled entrance porch (切妻造玄関) extends outward, adorned with decorative bargeboards (懸魚, gegyo) — carved wooden ornaments hung beneath the gable to protect the ridge beam and add visual elegance.
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the ornamental tile arrangement at the very top of the roof. A square base tile (露盤, roban) is inscribed with the characters "紀念館" (Kinenkan, meaning "Memorial Hall"), upon which sits a sculpted lion figure. This combination of elements signals the building's commemorative purpose and lends it a sense of dignity uncommon for a structure of its modest size.
Why Was It Designated a Cultural Property?
The Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財) on November 17, 2015. The designation recognizes the building's distinctive architectural form, which is described in official records as an "unusual and unique structure." Several factors contributed to this recognition:
- The modified hexagonal floor plan, which is extremely rare among Japanese buildings and reflects creative architectural thinking of the Taishō period.
- The well-preserved interior with its coffered ceiling and single-room layout, providing a clear example of early 20th-century commemorative architecture.
- The decorative roof elements, particularly the "Kinenkan" inscription and lion figure, which express the memorial character of the building in a unique manner.
- Its historical value as a surviving facility from the former Taki County Office, which played a central role in the region's modern administrative history.
Japan's Registered Tangible Cultural Property system, introduced in 1996, was designed to protect buildings that are at least 50 years old and possess historical, artistic, or academic value. Unlike the stricter National Treasure or Important Cultural Property designations, registration encourages preservation while allowing continued use and adaptation.
Visiting the Hexagonal Hall
The Hexagonal Hall is situated within the grounds of Taki Town Hall (多気町役場) in the Ōka district of Taki Town. As it stands on municipal government property, visitors can view the exterior of the building freely during normal hours. The setting is peaceful and low-key — a fitting environment for appreciating this quiet piece of architectural history.
When visiting, be sure to observe the building from several angles to fully appreciate the unusual hexagonal shape. The front entrance with its gabled porch and bargeboards is particularly photogenic, and looking upward toward the roof ridge will reveal the distinctive lion-topped ornamental tiles.
Taki Town itself is a pleasant rural community located at a transportation crossroads in central Mie Prefecture, where the JR Kisei Main Line meets the Sangū Line. The area has been an important junction since ancient times, sitting at the intersection of the old Ise Main Road, Wakayama Highway, and Kumano Road.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to the Hexagonal Hall pairs wonderfully with exploring the many other attractions Taki Town has to offer. The area is rich in cultural, culinary, and natural experiences that make it well worth a day trip or longer stay.
VISON (ヴィソン)
One of Japan's largest commercial resort facilities, VISON opened in 2021 on a vast 119-hectare site in Taki Town. This remarkable complex features a farm-to-table marketplace supervised by a Michelin-starred chef, herbal baths developed in collaboration with Mie University and Rohto Pharmaceutical, traditional Japanese food workshops, hotels, and over 70 specialty shops. VISON is directly connected to the expressway via a smart interchange and is approximately 20 minutes from Ise Grand Shrine by car.
Gokatsura Furusatomura and "Mago no Mise"
The Gokatsura Furusatomura leisure complex, set beside the largest pond in Mie Prefecture, offers a petting zoo, barbecue facilities, seasonal fruit picking, and pedal boats. Its most famous attraction is "Mago no Mise" (Grandchild's Restaurant), a unique restaurant operated by culinary students from nearby Ouka High School. Open only on weekends and holidays, this high school restaurant was the inspiration for a nationally broadcast television drama and draws visitors from across Japan.
Hōsenji Temple Garden
Located nearby in Taki Town, the garden of Hōsenji Temple (法泉寺) has been designated as a Mie Prefectural Cultural Property since 1937. This Ōbaku Zen temple and its tranquil garden offer a serene contrast to the area's more modern attractions.
Ise Grand Shrine
Taki Town's position as a transportation hub makes it an excellent base for visiting Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮), Japan's most sacred Shintō site. The shrine is approximately 20 minutes away by car via the expressway, or accessible by JR train via Taki Station with a transfer to the Sangū Line.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Mie
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall
- [ Ise Grand Shrine & Shima Bay Cruise Tours ]
Q＆A
- Can I enter the inside of the Hexagonal Hall?
- The Hexagonal Hall is located on the grounds of Taki Town Hall and can be viewed from the outside freely. Interior access may be limited; it is recommended to inquire at the town hall office during business hours for the latest information on viewing opportunities.
- How do I get to the Hexagonal Hall from major cities?
- From Nagoya, take the JR Kisei Main Line to Taki Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). The town hall is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the station. By car, take the Ise Expressway to the Seiwataki Junction, then follow local roads to the town hall. From Osaka, the journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
- Is there an admission fee?
- There is no admission fee to view the Hexagonal Hall, as it is located on public municipal grounds. Nearby attractions such as VISON and Gokatsura Furusatomura have their own separate fees.
- What is the best season to visit?
- The Hexagonal Hall can be visited year-round. Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (foliage season) are particularly pleasant in the Taki Town area. If you plan to combine your visit with VISON or Mago no Mise, weekends are ideal as the high school restaurant is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Are there English-language signs or guides available?
- As a lesser-known cultural property, English signage at the site may be limited. VISON, the nearby commercial resort, offers more multilingual support. It is helpful to have a translation app or basic Japanese phrases prepared when visiting.
Basic Information
| Official Name | Former Taki County Office Hexagonal Hall (旧多気郡役所六角堂) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) — Registered November 17, 2015 |
| Period | Taishō era, c. 1915; relocated 1978 |
| Structure | Wooden single-story building, tile roof, approximately 50 m² |
| Address | 1580-2 Ōka, Biwagadani, Taki Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture (三重県多気郡多気町相可字枇杷ヶ谷1580-2) |
| Owner | Taki Town (多気町) |
| Admission | Free (exterior viewing) |
| Access | JR Taki Station (紀勢本線/参宮線), then approximately 5 minutes by taxi or 15–20 minutes on foot. By car: Seiwataki IC on the Ise Expressway. |
References
- 旧多気郡役所六角堂 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/265982
- 国指定文化財等データベース — 文化庁
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010827
- 多気郡 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%9A%E6%B0%97%E9%83%A1
- 相可 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%9B%B8%E5%8F%AF
- 多気町について — 多気町観光協会
- https://takichou-kanko.com/takichou.php
- 登録有形文化財（建造物） — 文化庁
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/toroku_yukei.html
Last verified: 2026.03.25