Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) West Storehouse

The Goyashiki West Storehouse

Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) West Storehouse (郷屋敷（旧井上家住宅）西蔵, nishigura) is an early Meiji-era storehouse midway along the west side 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.

The long, narrow building runs north to south and was originally used to keep timber and similar materials. It has a gabled roof of pantiles and walls finished in white Shikkui plaster, with a building area of 38 square meters. It is dated to the early Meiji era, shortly after 1868.

What the West Storehouse Does

The Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) West Storehouse was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The official commentary calls it simple in form but essential, both for enclosing the west side of the Main House and for shaping the west elevation of the estate.

According to the Goyashiki website, the west side is lined with this storehouse and a shed, with an earthen wall continuing to the front road. Set close to the Main House, the long wall of the storehouse also works as a screen between the house and the outside.

Primary sources disagree on its height. The structure field of the national database lists a 2-storey dozo building, while the commentary on the same page calls it single-storey. The Basic Information below follows the structure field.

What to Look For

The Goyashiki West Storehouse has little ornament; what matters is its position. Its long white wall runs beside the Main House and draws the western edge of the estate as a straight line.

Its original use, storing timber, fits the long plan. A household of this size needed material close at hand for building work and repairs.

Visiting the West Storehouse

The interior of the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) West Storehouse is not open. The Goyashiki website says the three storehouses in the northwest of the estate serve as working stores and food storage. The building sits at the back of the site, so even diners may not get a close view.

Do not enter neighboring private land or farmland. Hours and directions are on the Goyashiki (Former Inoue Family Residence) group page.