Nagano · JP

Yazawa Family Front Gate (Omon)

The Yazawa Family Front Gate (Yazawa-ke no Omon) stands in Matsushiro, the castle town of Nagano, and is the surviving entrance to the residence of the samurai house that served as head retainers to the Sanada lords of Matsushiro Domain. A city-designated tangible cultural property, this great nagayamon, or long-house gate, is regarded as the most prestigious gate in the old domain, built on a scale that evokes a castle gate. Set on the former castle-approach road lined with the mansions of Sanada chief retainers, the gate offers a vivid glimpse of Matsushiro's samurai heritage. The white plastered walls, warrior windows and ornamental roof crest give it a stately, fortified character that rewards a close look as you walk the historic streets.