A Traditional Inn at the Gate of Taga Taisha
The Kagiro (かぎ楼) is a restaurant-inn building of 1877, extended in the Taisho period, in the shrine town of Taga Taisha in Taga Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on April 24, 2001 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a timber building of two storeys, partly three, with a tiled roof and a building area of 308 square metres; registration number 25-0144.
An Old Business by the Shrine
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Kagiro as a restaurant and inn founded in the Edo period. The Taga Tourism Association says it was founded in 1689 and has run for over 300 years.
According to the Biwako Visitors Bureau, the two-storey main building faces the shrine approach, with a three-storey guest wing joined behind it. The main building was modernised inside in Japanese style, while the guest wing keeps much of its original appearance.
Why It Was Registered
The Kagiro was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it a well-loved landmark of the Taga Taisha shrine town.
What to Look For
A two-storey main building with a hip-and-gable roof, its ridge running north to south, is joined to a three-storey guest wing. The guest wing is finished inside in sukiya style, and the third floor has railings with onion-shaped post caps on its north and east sides (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Biwako Visitors Bureau notes its vermilion walls as part of what makes it a landmark. From the approach, look for the main building and the third-floor railings rising behind it.
Dining, Staying and Visiting
According to the Taga Tourism Association, the Kagiro serves meals and banquets, provides catering and takes overnight guests, all by reservation. Enquiries go to the Kagiro (0749-48-1003).
The address is 653 Taga, Taga Town. The Biwako Visitors Bureau gives access as about 10 minutes on foot from Taga-taisha-mae Station on the Ohmi Railway Taga Line, or by car about 10 minutes from the Hikone interchange or 3 minutes from the Taga smart interchange of the Meishin Expressway.
Q&A
- When was the Kagiro built?
- In 1877, with extensions in the Taisho period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Kagiro founded?
- The Agency for Cultural Affairs says in the Edo period; the Taga Tourism Association gives 1689.
- What are the building's features?
- A two-storey hip-and-gable main building joined to a sukiya-style three-storey guest wing with railings on the third floor (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Can I eat or stay at the Kagiro?
- Yes, meals, banquets and stays are offered, all by reservation (Taga Tourism Association).
- When was the Kagiro registered?
- On April 24, 2001.
Basic Information
| Name | Kagiro (かぎ楼) |
|---|---|
| Location | 653 Taga, Taga Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2001/04/24 (Heisei 13) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, two storeys and partly three, tiled roof, building area 308 square metres |
| Owner | Private |
| Public Access | Operating as a restaurant and inn (reservations required) |
References
- Kagiro (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00002150
- Kagiro (Taga Tourism Association, Japanese)
- https://taga-kankou.com/stay/st-spot-02.php
- Kagiro (Biwako Visitors Bureau, Japanese)
- https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/335/
Last verified: 2026.10.14