Anyone living in Sapporo has likely visited the Sapporo Factory for shopping at least once. But did you know that right next to it, in a quiet spot that feels worlds away from the city's hustle and bustle, there are two Tangible Cultural Properties? They are open to the public, so let's take a little peek inside.

The buildings are called the "Former Nagayama Takeshiro Residence and Former Mitsubishi Mining Dormitory." Although built in different eras, they are now connected and coexist as one. First, let's visit the Former Nagayama Takeshiro Residence on the right.

Its defining feature is the Japanese-Western eclectic style, with a Western-style room adjoining a Japanese-style room. Nagayama Takeshiro, a captain in the Imperial Japanese Army, came to Hokkaido in 1872 (Meiji 5) for the development and defense of the region. This residence was built as his private home in the early Meiji 10s (late 1870s).

A heavy partition door marks the opening connecting the Western-style reception room and the Shoin-style drawing room. The adjacent room, framed like a picture, looks like a completely different world. This design is said to hold high value from the perspective of modern Japanese residential history.

Looking up in the Western-style reception room, you can see a ceiling centerpiece, or "medallion," at the base of the chandelier. It was created by a plasterer using advanced techniques to apply stucco. A similar medallion can be seen at the Hoheikan, located in Nakajima Park. The medallion in this room appears to have a maple leaf motif.

Viewing the garden from the Shoin-style drawing room, across the corridor, the brightness of the outdoors is further accentuated, making you feel as if you are looking at a painting. The unique play of shadows in the Japanese-style room will surely bring a sense of calm to your heart.

The stone steps leading to the garden are made of Sapporo soft stone. This type of stone can be seen in various places throughout Sapporo, and it's interesting to see it was also used in a private residence built during the Meiji era.

Next, let's visit the Former Mitsubishi Mining Dormitory on the left. This modern Western-style building, typical of the early Showa period, is exciting to look at even from the outside. In 1911 (Meiji 44), Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha (Mitsubishi Limited Partnership Company) purchased the land and building of the Nagayama Residence, and this dormitory was added in 1937 (Showa 12).

On the first floor, there is a small telephone room. One can imagine the residents of the dormitory calling their families back home from here.

Going up to the second floor, you'll find a space called the hall. Gentle light streams in through the windows, and the green of the garden peeks through. It's easy to imagine this was an important community space, filled with the sound of people's cheerful conversations.

The details of such Western-style buildings are also fascinating. The interior features Art Deco designs, which were popular in the 1930s. The building's characteristic round windows not only provide light but also serve as an accent to the exterior design.

Incidentally, there are rooms for rent on the second floor of the Former Mitsubishi Mining Dormitory, which are widely used by local citizens. On the day of our visit, an English conversation class for children was being held. How wonderful to have such enjoyable events in a historic building! It's a truly special treat.

Whether you're interested in history or just want to take a short break from your daily routine, why not visit the Former Nagayama Takeshiro Residence and Former Mitsubishi Mining Dormitory?

Location: Kita 2-jo Higashi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Contact: 011-232-0450
Official Website: https://sapporoshi-nagayamatei.jp/