“Gate of Tsuchiya family’s elongated house” It is a grand title for such an intriguing structure isn’t it? Let’s delve into the story of the Tsuchiya family long house gate.
We stand before a piece of history. This gate is known as Tsuchiya-ke Nagayamon. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tsuchiya family in Matsudo. The Tsuchiya family long house gate stands as the largest of its kind in Matsudo. It remains remarkably well-preserved.
The exact construction date of the Tsuchiya family long house gate remains unknown. Yet a copperplate print from 1894 depicts the Tsuchiya family’s residence. The print clearly features this very gate. This suggests it existed well before that time.
This Tsuchiya family long house gate is more than just an entrance. It represents the architectural techniques of the late Edo to early Meiji periods. Its wooden structure showcases a “Yosemune-zukuri” style. This involves a hipped roof. The roof is adorned with tiles. The structure spans 14.54 meters in the ridge direction. It extends 3.64 meters in the span direction.
The Tsuchiya family long house gate is a precious artifact. It provides a glimpse into the past. It offers insights into the lives and times of those who came before us.