A Fine Villa of a Former Daimyo Family
The Former Shigetomi Shimazu Family Villa Main House (旧重富島津家別邸主屋) is the late Meiji single-storey timber main house of the former Shigetomi Shimazu villa in Shimizucho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, which in 2014 was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a tiled roof and a building area of 289 square metres, altered in 2005, and registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.
The Agency describes it as a fine villa of a former daimyo family.
Layout
According to the Agency, it faces south at the centre of the site, with three blocks including the audience hall set in echelon, each ringed by a veranda and lean-to, and a hip-and-gable entrance at the east end.
What to Look For
The Agency notes finely designed formal alcoves in each room using choice woods such as black persimmon, and elegant fittings including openwork transoms and cedar doors.
Visiting the Former Shigetomi Shimazu Family Villa Main House
The house is used as a wedding venue and restaurant.
History and directions are on the Former Shigetomi Shimazu Family Villa group page.
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Q&A
- When was the main house built?
- In the late Meiji period; it was altered in 2005.
- How is it laid out?
- Three blocks in echelon, with a hip-and-gable entrance at the east end.
- What is the interior like?
- Formal alcoves of choice woods, openwork transoms and cedar doors.
- How is it used today?
- As the wedding venue and restaurant Manor House Shimazu Shigetomiso.
- How big is it?
- A building area of 289 square metres.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Shigetomi Shimazu Family Villa Main House (旧重富島津家別邸主屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 18 Shimizucho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2014/4/25 (Heisei 26) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber, tiled roof, building area 289 square metres |
| Owner | Plus S Corporation |
| Public Access | Operates as a wedding venue and restaurant |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Former Shigetomi Shimazu Villa Main House (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010081
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Shigetomi Shimazu Villa Main House (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/231008
Last verified: 2026.09.28
