About the Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate
The Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate (宮澤家住宅冠木門, Miyazawa-ke Jūtaku Kabukimon) is a timber Kabukimon gate built around 1920 at 3042 Misato Akemori, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, and entered on Japan's register of Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 1998. It is the back gate on the north side of the estate.
A kabukimon is a gate whose two posts are joined at the top by a crossbeam, the kabuki. The Miyazawa Kabukimon Gate stands on the north, opposite the stone gateposts at the front, with the former chicken coop beside it and the barn continuing south, together holding the northeast corner of the estate.
A Small Roof on the Crossbeam
The defining feature of the Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate is the little roof set on top of the crossbeam. A kabukimon is normally a plain, roofless type, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs calls this one unusual in form. The small roof floating above the beam gives it an outline that matches neither a full roofed gate nor an ordinary open kabukimon.
The doors open inward, and sleeve walls run off to each side. Horses are said to have passed through here, which suggests the back gate handled animals and loads for the household.
Why the Kabukimon Gate Was Registered
The Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The Agency describes it as simple yet dignified, and credits it with setting off the view at the rear of the estate.
The stone gateposts at the front were remade around 1936, but this back gate keeps its form from around 1920. With the former chicken coop and barn of the same period, it shows what the back of the estate looked like before the main house was rebuilt.
Seeing the Miyazawa Kabukimon Gate
The Miyazawa Kabukimon Gate stands on the north edge of the estate and can be seen from outside. Look at the small roof over the crossbeam together with the former chicken coop running from its side.
The ground inside the gate is private, and no official information about public opening could be found as of September 2026. Do not walk through the gate. No guidance on photography was found.
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- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate
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Q&A
- When was the Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate built?
- Around 1920 (Taishō 9).
- What was the Miyazawa Kabukimon Gate used for?
- It is the back gate on the north side of the estate. Horses are said to have passed through it.
- Why is the Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate unusual?
- It has a small roof set on its crossbeam, although a kabukimon is normally roofless.
- When did the Miyazawa Kabukimon Gate become a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- On September 2, 1998.
- Can I see the Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate?
- Yes, from outside the estate on the north side. The grounds inside are private.
Basic Information
| Name | Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate (宮澤家住宅冠木門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3042 Misato Akemori, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 1998 (registered) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Not recorded (timber kabukimon gate) |
| Owner | Miyazawa Hozen Co., Ltd. (宮澤保全有限会社) |
| Public Access | Exterior visible from outside the estate |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00000770
- Database of National Cultural Properties: Miyazawa Family Residence Barn and Former Chicken Coop
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00000771
- Cultural Heritage Online: Miyazawa Family Residence Kabukimon Gate
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/185500
Last verified: 2026.09.29
