The Goyashiki Middle Earthen Wall
Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall (郷屋敷（旧井上家住宅）中練塀, naka neribei) is an early Meiji-era neribei wall built north of the detached parlor 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 runs east to west for about 14 meters, stands 1.8 meters high and is capped with tiles. Its west end is fixed to the east wall of the North Storehouse East. The national database records a tile-capped earthen wall 14 meters long, dated to the early Meiji era, shortly after 1868.
A Wall Inside the Garden
Unlike the perimeter walls, the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall stands within the estate. It rises in the rear garden laid out in the northeast corner of the site and divides that garden space.
It was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The official commentary credits it with shaping the spatial composition of the rear garden. Extending east from the storehouse wall, it combines with the building to form the backdrop of the garden.
What to Look For
On the Goyashiki Middle Earthen Wall, look at where it meets the storehouse. The west end butts straight against the white wall of the North Storehouse East, so building and wall read as one continuous line at the back of the garden.
The East Earthen Wall runs about 72 meters around the estate; this one is only about 14 meters long and exists to frame the garden. Seeing the difference between a wall that encloses and a wall that composes makes the estate's plan easier to grasp.
Visiting the Middle Earthen Wall
The Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall stands in the rear garden, where it is hard to see from outside the grounds. Whether your table overlooks that garden depends on the room, so if a garden view matters, mention it when you reserve.
The website gives no information on walking in the garden; follow the staff's directions. 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) Middle Earthen Wall built?
- In the early Meiji era, shortly after 1868. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2001.
- Where is the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall?
- North of the Detached Parlor, running east to west through the rear garden in the northeast corner of the estate.
- How long and how tall is the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall?
- About 14 meters long and 1.8 meters high, with a tiled top.
- What is the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall attached to?
- Its west end is fixed to the east wall of the North Storehouse East.
- How can I see the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall?
- It stands in the rear garden, so it depends on where you are seated. Ask Goyashiki about a garden-view room when booking.
Basic Information
| Name | Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle 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, 14 meters long (1.8 meters high) |
| Owner | Not disclosed (no owner listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | In the rear garden and hard to see from outside; visibility depends on your room |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Cultural Properties Database: Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) Middle Earthen Wall
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002456
- Goyashiki official website: About Goyashiki
- https://goyashiki.co.jp/about/
Last verified: 2026.09.16
