68 Metres of Wall Along the East and North
The Akagi Family Residence Wall One (赤木家住宅塀一, Akagi-ke Jūtaku Hei Ichi) is a late-Meiji timber wall that runs from north of the guardhouse on the east side of the Akagi estate and along its northern edge, 68 metres in all, at 972 Hikino in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2 March 2006.
It is capped with pantiles and built in the shinkabe way, with its posts left visible, one every half bay.
Starting beside the front gate and guardhouse, it heads north, turns the north-east corner and closes off the northern boundary.
Charred Cedar Below, Two Finishes Above
The lower part is vertical boarding of yakisugi, cedar whose surface has been charred. The black, carbonised skin stands up well to rain and insects.
What sits above depends on which garden the wall faces. Along the forecourt in front of the main entrance, the upper part is an openwork transom with horizontal slats, so air and a little of the view pass through. Along the garden north of the main house, it is finished in shikkui plaster, with openwork in only a few places.
Light and open where guests arrived, white and quiet behind the garden: the Akagi Family Residence Wall One changes character along its length.
Two Walls Known by Number
The perimeter walls here are simply called wall one and wall two.
Wall two has a roof of sheet iron and plain boarded or rough-plastered faces. Wall One, with its tiles, charred cedar and openwork, is the more carefully finished of the pair, and it encloses the front of the house and its gardens.
It was registered for contributing to the historic landscape of the country.
Seeing Wall One
The east stretch of the Akagi Family Residence Wall One continues north from the front gate and guardhouse. The openwork transoms and plastered faces are on the garden side, so seeing them means entering the grounds.
The residence is a family home and is generally closed to the public. Photography rules are not published; ask when you visit.
Directions and the terms for visiting the property are on the Akagi Family Residence page.
Q&A
- When was the Akagi Family Residence Wall One registered?
- It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on 2 March 2006, on the same day as the other 15 registered structures of the residence.
- Where does the Akagi Family Residence Wall One run?
- From north of the guardhouse on the east side of the estate and along the northern boundary, 68 metres in all.
- How is the Akagi Family Residence Wall One built?
- It is a timber wall with exposed posts every half bay and a pantiled roof, with charred cedar boarding on its lower part.
- Why does the upper part of the Akagi Family Residence Wall One change?
- It is finished to suit the garden it faces: an openwork transom along the forecourt, and plaster with only a little openwork along the garden north of the main house.
- Can visitors see the Akagi Family Residence Wall One?
- The residence is generally closed, and the garden-side finishes can be seen only from inside the grounds. Check the Akagi Family Residence page for visiting terms.
Basic Information
| Name | Akagi Family Residence Wall One (赤木家住宅塀一) |
|---|---|
| Location | 972 Hikino, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/03/02 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber wall with exposed posts, pantiled, 68 metres long |
| Owner | Not listed in the ACA database |
| Public Access | Residence generally closed |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Akagi Family Residence Wall One (赤木家住宅塀一)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005325
- Cultural Heritage Online: Akagi Family Residence Wall One (赤木家住宅塀一)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/185233
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Akagi Family Residence Wall Two (赤木家住宅塀二)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005326
- Tajima no Hyakka Jiten (Tanshin Regional Promotion Fund): Akagi Family Residence (赤木家住宅)
- https://tanshin-kikin.jp/tajima/564
Last verified: 2026.09.26
