Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall

What the Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall Is

The Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall (島内章子家住宅石垣) is a stone retaining wall built in 1935 in Kamioka, Noichi-cho, Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 25 June 2002.

It runs along the south edge of the estate, then turns north at the corner to follow the passage on the west side. Its total length is 25 metres.

The Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall is built of very large natural boulders, and a low reinforced concrete wall runs along its top.

Why It Was Registered

The Stone Wall was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.

The estate sits a level above the road, and this wall holds that difference in height. It is the first thing anyone walking past sees, and it serves as the plinth on which the gate and main house stand.

The rough boulders follow the old Ishigaki tradition, while the concrete coping and the design at its east end are new for 1935. The mix of old technique and new material is typical of the rebuilding the family carried out that year.

What to Look For

Begin at the east end. There the Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall doubles as the balustrade of the steps up to the gate, and it carries an unusual design based on a spiral motif. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that this decoration is shared with the bathhouse.

Then look at the stones. Because they are large natural boulders, no two are alike in shape or size, and the face is far rougher than a wall of dressed blocks.

Follow it west and the wall turns the corner and heads north along the passage, tracing the south and west edges of the plot.

Visiting

The Shimanouchi Yukiko Family Residence Stone Wall retains a private property and the grounds are closed. Neither the Kochi Prefecture nor the Konan City lists give any visiting information (checked 27 September 2026).

The southern stretch faces the road and should be visible from it. Whether the passage along the western stretch is public has not been confirmed, so do not go round the corner uninvited. Please do not climb the wall or lean on the balustrade at its east end.