A bit of an exciting thing for a geek, I discovered a Cultural Asset of Japan on the island last week on my way to and from my dentist appointment.

Historical Stone Fire Wall in Imaya Village

A sign around the corner provides background:

Designated a Cultural Asset.

In the middle 19th Century, tall stone fire walls were built along the line that divided the town in order to contain a fire.  Only a few of them are now left and this site is in the best condition.

Traces of being burnt are left all over the wall, illustrating these unique remains that protected the citadel of Izuhara.

Stone fire walls used to be found in Edo (now Tokyo) also, but today they can only be seen here.

A significant number of houses in Japan are still built with considerable amounts of wood, tatami mats, and paper for sliding doors depending on how traditional the house happens to be.  However, these stone walls have given way to zoning and other methods of inferno prevention.