Guida
The Hirakawa Family Residence is a designated National Important Cultural Property located in the mountainous area of Tagome, Ukihacity, Fukuoka, along the Kumagami River, a tributary of the Chikugo River. This residence is known as the ancestral home of the Hirakawa family, who once served as the village headmen (Shoya) of this region. While the exact construction date is not definitively recorded, the structure and techniques suggest it was built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The most striking feature is the unique roof shape known as 'Kudo-zukuri,' typical of the Chikugo River basin and Saga Prefecture. When viewed from above, the ridge forms a 'ku-no-ji' or 'ko-no-ji' shape, a design that epitomizes the traditional Japanese farmhouse aesthetic.
The residence preserves architectural styles from the mid-to-late Edo period. An ink inscription from the 3rd year of Bunsei (1820) is found in the 'Zashiki' section of the main house, indicating that expansions were made during this time. The outbuildings are believed to date from the Meiji era. As the residence of the local village headman, its grand scale and sophisticated construction reflect the social status and economic prosperity of the era. On June 22, 1971, the main house and the outbuildings were officially designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
The site consists of two main buildings: the main house and the outbuildings. The main house is a single-story structure with a hip-and-gable roof, featuring a thick, heavy thatched roof. The interior is functionally divided: the right side serves as the living quarters, while the left side serves as the earthen-floor (doma) area. The living quarters include rooms such as 'Gozen' and 'Daidokoro,' with sleeping areas like 'Zashiki,' 'Nakanando,' and 'Kawanando' positioned behind them. The earthen-floor area still contains traditional cooking facilities known as 'Imagama' and 'Okudo.' Visually, the imposing presence of the three gables and the massive thatched roof creates a magnificent silhouette.
Surrounded by nature, the residence offers changing views of the thatched roof texture and surrounding vegetation throughout the seasons. While the exterior can be viewed freely, visiting during daylight hours is recommended to clearly appreciate the intricate details of the roof and architecture. The area is part of the 'Shinkawada-gomo Settlement,' a National Important Preservation District for Traditional Kenchiku, offering a quintessential Japanese rural landscape in every season.
Visitors can visually explore the structural ingenuity of traditional Japanese life. The interior layout and the traditional cooking equipment in the earthen-floor area serve as precious historical records. For a deeper understanding of the architectural details and living spaces, it is possible to arrange an interior tour by contacting the local authorities in advance. Strolling through the surrounding natural landscape is also a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of an old Japanese village.
The Hirakawa Family Residence is situated in the Shinkawada-gomo Settlement, an area characterized by a scenic landscape of thatched-roof houses along the Kumagami River. This settlement maintains a traditional rural atmosphere, and the area is dotted with other culturally significant sites. It can be easily integrated into a larger itinerary exploring the history and nature of the region.
As the primary attraction is the exterior viewing, there is no admission fee for the exterior. For any nearby facilities, please check in advance if you need to use cash or cards.
There is no official information regarding English-language signage or English-speaking staff on-site.
No reservation is required for viewing the exterior. However, if you wish to view the interior, you must contact the Ukiha City Board of Education (Lifelong Learning Division) in advance.
As the site is in a mountainous area, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please note that this is a private residence; please maintain quiet and respect the privacy of the inhabitants.
Photography of the exterior is permitted, but please be mindful of the privacy of the residents, as the house is still inhabited.
As a traditional folk house, the structure includes uneven floors and earthen-floor areas. Please check in advance regarding wheelchair accessibility.