4.3 Miyara Dömchi

Miyara dömchi / 宮良殿内

 

Important historical spot is the residence Miyara Dömchi. The house was built in 1819 by the Matsuhige family, who at that time ruled part of the island. 

Traditional dry landscape japanese garden within the singularity of coral stones, unique with also Ishigaki gardens, both with techniques and style transmitted from mainland during the Edo period around 1800.

Home of the Shuri government official in charge of the administration and unification of Yaeyama.

Miyara Donchi resemble the dwellings of nobles in Shuri on the main island of Ryukyu Kingdom.

Curiously after being censored by an inspection from Shuri in 1874 the roof was changed from tiles to thatched grass.  With the later abolishment of feudal lands the roof was re-done in the present red tile style.

This important cultural property is the only remaining residence of a high-ranking samurai in all Okinawa.

The samurai may have been powerful locally but Miyara Donchi was conceived on humble dimensions compared with samurai residences on the mainland.

Nevertheless it has several tatami rooms decorated with beautiful paintings connected in betwen and to the gardens.

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