About the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse
The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse (塩田家住宅南土蔵) is an early Showa-era, two-story earthen-walled (Dozo-zukuri) storehouse at the Shioda family residence in Nouma, Shodoshima-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2002.
It stands at a bend in the Umaki River, with its west wall built directly on the stone river revetment. It is a gabled (Kirizuma-zukuri) storehouse with a north-south ridge, roofed in traditional round-and-flat tiles (Hongawarabuki), and at 20 square meters it is the smallest of the five listed Shioda buildings.
A lean-to (Geya) on the north gable shelters the entrance area. North of the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse, across a small courtyard garden, stands the East Annex, and between them the two buildings form the riverside edge of the property.
Why the South Storehouse Was Listed
The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse was listed for its contribution to the historic landscape. Where the river bends, its wall rises straight out of the stone revetment, so the building itself forms the boundary between water and house. It is a key element of the Umaki riverside scene.
For so small a store, the exterior is carefully worked, and that is part of the case for it. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes the changing finishes of base, wainscot and wall, with a line of tiles set between them.
What to Look For at the Shioda South Storehouse
Look first at the base of the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse. Its granite footing is thicker than the footing of the neighboring wall, which can be read as a response to the weight of a storehouse and the damp of the riverbank. The difference is easy to see when you look at the two side by side.
Above the stone is a tall wooden wainscot, and above that plaster. Where boards and plaster meet, a row of tiles (mizukiri-gawara) is inserted to throw rainwater clear of the wall. Stone, boards, tiles, white plaster: four materials stacked from bottom to top give this small building real character.
On the west side, revetment and wall look almost continuous. From the river side you can see how the storehouse sits on the stonework and follows the curve of the bank.
Visiting the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse
The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse stands on the bend of the Umaki River, and its west wall forms part of the outer edge of the property. You can only enter the grounds on Yamasan's reserved tour, and the town does not say whether the storehouse interior is shown.
The town lists "storehouses" among the tour stops. Ask when booking whether that includes the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse, and check with the guide about photography.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kagawa
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse
- [ Naoshima Art Island & Kotohiragu Shrine Visit ]
Q&A
- What is the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse?
- The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse is an early Showa-era two-story earthen storehouse on the Umaki River at the Shioda residence, gabled and tiled, with a building area of 20 square meters.
- When was the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse registered?
- The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on June 25, 2002.
- Where does the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse stand?
- The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse stands at a bend in the Umaki River, with its west wall on the stone revetment. The East Annex lies just north across a courtyard garden.
- What are the exterior features of the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse?
- The Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse has a thick granite base, a tall wooden wainscot and plaster walls, with a row of tiles between boards and plaster, and a lean-to on the north gable.
- Can visitors see the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse?
- Entry to the grounds is by Yamasan's reserved tour. Ask when booking whether the Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse is included.
Basic Information
| Name | Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 140-2 Ishii-ko, Nouma, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2002 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Building area 20 m² (two-story earthen-walled storehouse) |
| Owner | Not listed in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Grounds shown on guided tours by reservation |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002828
- Cultural Heritage Online: Shioda Family Residence South Storehouse (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/138598
- Shodoshima Town: Yamasan Soy Sauce Co., Ltd. (Japanese)
- https://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/kanko/miru/sangyo/yamasan.html
Last verified: 2026.09.24
