What the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate Is
The Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate (土屋家住宅裏門, Tsuchiya-ke Jūtaku Uramon) is a wooden gate built between 1868 and 1882, in the early Meiji era, in Enzan-Mikkaichiba, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 May 2017. It opens in the north side of the estate, a little east of centre. It is a single-bay udegimon, 2.3 metres wide, with double-leaf board doors and a pantiled roof.
In an udegimon, bracket arms project front and back from the posts to carry the beams, and the roof sits on those. Single-bay means one opening between one pair of posts. The Agency for Cultural Affairs files it under miscellaneous structures rather than buildings.
The whole gate is plain, quite unlike the zashiki gate that faces the garden south of the main house, in purpose as well as in look.
Why It Was Listed
The Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate was listed for its contribution to the historic landscape. The Agency notes that, although simply built, it defines the northern boundary of the estate, shows what a large modern farming household looked like, and carries the historic character of the district into the present.
The key phrase is defining the boundary. Many houses put a fine gate at the front. Giving the back entrance a proper tiled gate as well, and closing the outline of the property with it, is what marks a substantial farming estate. The front and the back were both made complete.
Of the six listed structures, only the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate stands on the north boundary. The zashiki gate and wall hold the garden side to the south; the rear gate holds the working side to the north. Between them, the two gates fix the front and back edges of the estate.
What to Look For
Start with the width of the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate. At 2.3 metres it is 0.6 metres wider than the 1.7-metre zashiki gate south of the main house. The service gate is wider than the guest gate, which fits a gate that handled the everyday traffic, though no record has been found of what exactly it was sized for.
Look at the bracket arms. You can see from outside how they project from the posts and take the weight of the roof, so the structure of the gate is legible at a glance. Nothing is added for decoration; the joinery is the design.
Close the double board doors and they become a wall across the north edge of the estate. Standing in front of the gate, you can see how little it takes to make a boundary: two doors and a tiled roof.
Visiting
The Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate is the back entrance to the Tsuchiya family's home, and you cannot enter the estate through it. No viewing arrangements or open days were found (checked 24 September 2026).
The estate also houses a family winery, and the only way in is as a customer of the shop. Ask the staff whether you may go where the rear gate can be seen and whether photographs are welcome. It is a working entrance to a home, so please do not linger in front of it.
Directions to the estate and the shop's opening conditions are on the Tsuchiya Family Residence page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Yamanashi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate
- [ Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Day Tours ]
Q&A
- Can I enter the estate through the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate?
- No. It is the back entrance to a private home and is not open. No viewing arrangements were found (checked 24 September 2026).
- What type of gate is the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate?
- A single-bay udegimon: bracket arms projecting from the posts carry a pantiled roof over double-leaf board doors.
- How wide is the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate?
- 2.3 metres, wider than the 1.7-metre zashiki gate south of the main house.
- Where on the estate is the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate?
- In the north side of the property, a little east of centre, marking the northern boundary.
- When did the Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate become a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- On 2 May 2017, as register no. 19-0096, for its contribution to the historic landscape.
Basic Information
| Name | Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate (土屋家住宅裏門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3313-1 Yashikizoe, Enzan-Mikkaichiba, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure), register no. 19-0096 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2 May 2017 |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Wooden, tiled roof, 2.3 metres wide |
| Owner | Private |
| Public Access | Closed. Exterior only, within what the shop permits. |
References
- National Cultural Properties Database, Tsuchiya Family Residence Rear Gate (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00011501
- Koshu City, Registration of Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures), 2017 (Japanese)
- https://www.city.koshu.yamanashi.jp/docs/2017062600145/
- Kizan Winery, Winery and Shop Information
- https://kizan.co.jp/winery/
Last verified: 2026.09.24
