Stone walls 4.5 meters tall surround the residence. The corners bend upwards like an unfolded fan, creating a brilliant curve known as “ougi-no-kōbai,” or fan slope. These beautiful yet strong walls are the pinnacle of stonemasonry. There is something dignified about them that make it seem as if the residence were a castle.
The walls are made of granite quarried in the Aoki region known as Aoki-ishi. This stone has a pale blue color and is famous for its durability and fine texture. It is said that it was even used in the construction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Osaka Castle. These walls have remained absolutely solid across centuries, which showcases the high quality of both the stone itself and craftsmanship of the masons.
Atop these stone walls is the former residence of the Onoe family, who found prosperity through the shipping industry. The residence was built at the end of the Edo Period (1853 - 1868), and it is completely constructed out of zelkova wood, which is known in Japan as “keyaki.” The construction was handled by artisans known as Shiwaku Carpenters, who had learned shipbuilding techniques from the Shiwaku Navy. These artisans skillfully blended practical and aesthetically pleasing designs by adapting shipbuilding techniques for homes. One example of this was how they used the principles of pulleys to create mechanisms for windows.
Walking through the island, you’ll see that the memories of the island’s stones can be found everywhere, and not just at the Onoe residence. Take a look at the Habushi-iwa Beacon. In the past, this oil-fueled light would guide ships. The stone storehouse near the opposite shore, where the beacon’s fuel was stored, remains today. Near the peak of Mt. Ōtō is the Ōtō Desert, where the weathered granite has created a magnificent view reminiscent of a hanging garden.
Crossing the threshold of the Onoe residence isn’t just taking a step into a piece of history. The structure is a display of wealth built by stone, and life supported by stone. You may feel the weight of history here – dating back all the way to the Edo Period (1853 - 1868)– begin to sink in.
