The Goyashiki East Earthen Wall
Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall (郷屋敷（旧井上家住宅）東練塀, higashi neribei) is an early Meiji-era neribei wall enclosing the east and north sides of the Inoue family estate in Mure-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on October 12, 2001.
It stands 1.8 meters high and, with its bends, runs for about 72 meters, the longest of the estate's registered structures. The national database records it as a tile-capped earthen wall 72 meters long, dated to the early Meiji era, shortly after 1868.
Stone Base and White Wall
The Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall rests on a carefully built random-rubble base of andesite-type stone quarried locally, irregular stones fitted tightly together. Above it, the wall is finished in white Shikkui plaster and capped with roof tiles.
It was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The official commentary treats the wall, which wraps the east and north of the large plot, as an indispensable part of a big estate layout. The Goyashiki website likewise describes the east side of the property as ringed by a heavy earthen wall.
What to Look For
On the Goyashiki East Earthen Wall, start at ground level. Stones of every size and shape are set to carry the white wall on a level line. The three bands of color, grey stone, white plaster and dark tile, are what give the wall its look.
The length itself tells you something. Trace the wall from the East Storehouse at the southeast corner northward, then around the turn onto the north side, and the size of the plot becomes clear.
Visiting the East Earthen Wall
The Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall forms part of the estate's outer edge. There is no official guidance on which stretches can be seen from outside, so check the surroundings on site and stay off farmland and private property.
The top is tiled; please do not touch or lean on the wall. Hours and directions are on the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) group page.
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Q&A
- When was the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall built?
- In the early Meiji era, shortly after 1868. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2001.
- How long and how tall is the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall?
- It is 1.8 meters high and about 72 meters long including its bends.
- What kind of stonework is at the base of the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall?
- Finely built random rubble using locally quarried andesite-type stone.
- What does the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall enclose?
- The east and north sides of the large estate.
- Can the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall be seen from outside?
- It is a perimeter wall, but there is no visitor guidance for it. If you look from outside, keep off farmland and private land.
Basic Information
| Name | Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall |
|---|---|
| Location | 1987 Omachi, Mure-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | 2001 (Heisei 13) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen wall, tile capping, 72 meters long (1.8 meters high) |
| Owner | Not disclosed (no owner listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | Perimeter wall of the estate; no visitor guidance |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Cultural Properties Database: Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) East Earthen Wall
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002457
- Goyashiki official website: About Goyashiki
- https://goyashiki.co.jp/about/
Last verified: 2026.09.16
