About the Seishikan Earthen Wall
The Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Earthen Wall (静思館（旧冨田家住宅）土塀, Seishikan Dobei) is a tile-capped earthen wall built in 1934 in Ueno, Inagawa Town, Hyogo Prefecture, and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2004.
It starts at the south end of the Front Gate's east side wall and wraps around the east and north sides of Tomita Kumasaku's estate. At about 98 m it is the longest of the 18 registered structures at Seishikan. It is a Neribei, a wall of compacted clay, rising from a tall stone base and capped with tiles.
Why the Seishikan Earthen Wall was registered
The Agency for Cultural Affairs registered the Seishikan Earthen Wall for its contribution to the historic landscape. Running about 98 m along the top of a stone base, it is what you notice most from outside the estate, and it draws the outline of Seishikan.
On the west the Tool Room, Charcoal Room and Miso Room form the boundary, and on the south the Front Gate; this wall takes care of the east and north. Buildings and wall together close all four sides, binding the 2,505 m² estate into a single compound.
What to look for at the Seishikan Earthen Wall
Slightly east of the middle of the north side, just beyond the Clothing Storehouse, is a back door. Its frame is painted red Bengara, and it holds a sliding plank door fitted with a slatted window: two rows of boards that open when one is slid sideways and close back into a solid panel.
There is also a small wooden back gate at the west end of the north side. The height of stone base and wall together is easiest to appreciate from outside the east side, which is the view shown in the town leaflet.
Visiting the Seishikan Earthen Wall
From inside, the Seishikan Earthen Wall runs behind the storehouses; from outside, you can follow it along the road on the east side. Part of the north side is visible from the Inagawa Town Hall car park next door. The wall sits on a high stone base, so watch your footing when viewing it from outside.
Opening days and access are on the Seishikan page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Hyogo
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Earthen Wall
- [ Himeji Castle & Kobe Night View Cruise ]
Q&A
- How long is the Seishikan Earthen Wall?
- About 98 m, the longest of the 18 registered structures at Seishikan.
- What does the Seishikan Earthen Wall enclose?
- Starting from the Front Gate's east side wall, it encloses the east and north sides of the estate.
- How is the Seishikan Earthen Wall built?
- It is a compacted-clay neribei wall rising from a tall stone base, capped with tiles.
- What is the back door in the Seishikan Earthen Wall like?
- East of the Clothing Storehouse, it has red bengara framing and a sliding plank door with a slatted window. A small back gate is at the west end of the north side.
- Why is the Seishikan Earthen Wall a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?
- It was registered in 2004 for its contribution to the historic landscape, enclosing the east and north sides and shaping the outline of the estate.
Basic Information
| Name | Seishikan (Former Tomita Family Residence) Earthen Wall (静思館（旧冨田家住宅）土塀) |
|---|---|
| Location | 22 Ueno Machimawari, Inagawa Town, Kawabe District, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Registered in 2004 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | About 98 m long, with a back gate |
| Owner | Inagawa Town |
| Public Access | Open to the public as Seishikan (free; closed Mondays) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: 静思館（旧冨田家住宅）土塀
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00004170
- Inagawa Town: Inagawa Town Seishikan
- https://www.town.inagawa.lg.jp/soshiki/1036/gyomu/1/seishikan/6710.html
- Inagawa Town: Seishikan leaflet (PDF)
- https://www.town.inagawa.lg.jp/material/files/group/37/seishikan2.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.01
