A One-Bay Gate in Zelkova
The Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate (藤岡家住宅薬医門, Fujioka-ke Jūtaku Yakuimon) is a late Meiji-period gate in Konnaicho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006. It stands toward the south end of the compound’s east side, with the Inner Storehouse against its north flank.
It is a single-bay Yakuimon gate with a roof of heavy hongawara tiles, built entirely of zelkova. The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ description gives the opening as 1.8 metres, while the structure field of the same database records 2.4 metres.
A yakuimon carries its roof on two main posts at the front and two rear support posts behind them, with the ridge set back behind the main posts. The type was used for warrior residences and temples, and for the front gates of well-to-do houses.
An Elaborate Frame
The Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The Agency for Cultural Affairs draws attention to the framing: the tie beams of the rear posts are laid across the lintel of the main posts and extended forward like bracket arms, with bearing blocks and brackets carrying the purlin.
The tie beam links the tops of posts; the lintel is the heavy crosspiece over the main posts. Here the tie beams do not stop at the lintel but run straight on to the front, where they become arms holding up the roof. Structure is made to do the work of ornament.
Zelkova is hard, beautifully figured and costly. Using it for the entire gate announced the family’s means to the street in the late Meiji years. The agency concludes that the gate lends the large compound its dignified presence.
Reading the Brackets
Standing in front of the gate, raise your eyes above the lintel. The members projecting forward are the extended tie beams, topped by bearing blocks and brackets that carry the roof. Once you see how they connect, it is clear this is not applied decoration.
Years have deepened the colour of the zelkova, and the grain shows on the posts and lintel. Seen beside the white gable of the Inner Storehouse next door, timber and plaster set the tone of the eastern street.
Visiting the Yakuimon Gate
The Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate faces the eastern street and can be viewed there at any time. The brackets read better from a few steps away at an angle than from directly beneath.
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Q&A
- When was the Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate built?
- In the late Meiji period. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006.
- What is special about the Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate?
- Its framing: the rear posts’ tie beams cross the lintel and extend forward like bracket arms, carrying the purlin on bearing blocks and brackets. It is built entirely of zelkova under hongawara tiles.
- How wide is the Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate?
- The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ description gives 1.8 metres for this single-bay gate, while the structure field of the same database gives 2.4 metres. The sources differ.
- Why was the Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate registered?
- For its contribution to the historic landscape. It gives the large compound a dignified frontage on the street.
- Where can I see the Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate?
- From the eastern street, at any time. Step back and view it at an angle to follow the bracket work.
Basic Information
| Name | Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate (藤岡家住宅薬医門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 526 Konnaicho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 29-0104; criterion: contribution to the historic landscape |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/03/02 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber single-bay yakuimon gate, all zelkova, hongawara tiles, opening 2.4 metres (1.8 metres in the database description) |
| Owner | Private (Fujioka family); managed by NPO Uchinono Yakata |
| Public Access | Visible from the street |
References
- National Cultural Properties Database, Agency for Cultural Affairs — Fujioka Family Residence Yakuimon Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005345
- Gojo City — Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Gojo
- https://www.city.gojo.lg.jp/soshiki/kankoshinko/5_1/5/2110.html
- Nara Prefecture official tourism site (Aoniyoshi Naratabi Net) — Fujioka Family Residence
- https://yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp/03history/02old_house/04south_area/fujiokake/
Last verified: 2026.09.26
