Nakajima Park is a short walk from Susukino. In one section of the park stands the Hoheikan. Hoheikan is the only remaining wooden Western-style hotel in Japan. Let's take a look at some facts about Hoheikan that even Sapporo residents don't know about. Those unfamiliar with the building may be surprised to suddenly come across a magnificent Western-style building while strolling through the park. It is a symmetrical wooden building with two floors and one basement that incorporates American architectural style, with eight chimneys on the roof and a five-pointed star on the gable. The vivid white exterior and the ultramarine blue accents on the edging make the building a very impressive sight, but the interior is open to the public. Once you pay the admission fee and step inside, you'll find yourself transported back in time. It's a wonderful space that blends Japanese and Western styles, like a picture of modernity from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Furthermore, beauty is found in the details. For example, don't just be drawn to the gorgeous chandelier, but also pay attention to the ceiling decorations that hang from it. This is a traditional technique called "Kote-e" that piles up plaster and creates a three-dimensional finish. Each room is different, and the more you look at it, the more you will be amazed by the intricacy of the work, such as the Phoenix motif in the next photo. Now, you may be wondering, "When and for what purpose was such a gorgeous building like Hoheikan built?" Hoheikan was built in 1880. It was built as a Western-style hotel directly managed by the Hokkaido Development Commission, and is a historic building that has been visited by three generations of the imperial family during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. The next photo shows a reproduction of the room where Emperor Meiji stayed. The Hoheikan was originally built near the current TV tower, but was moved to its current location in Nakajima Park in 1958. Over the years, its uses have changed in many ways, and it has been used as a community center, lodgings for occupying forces, a wedding hall, and more. In 1964, it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. You can learn about the history of the Hoheikan through the projectors and exhibits in the building. The Hoheikan also offers rooms for rent. If you have plans for a wedding ceremony, lecture, concert, etc., why not consider this as one of your options? It seems that some people also use it casually for meetings, tea parties, etc. I recommend you to go inside at least once. Just being in this classical and extraordinary space will surely be a special experience that will become a good memory. A must-see for tourists visiting Sapporo, as well as those who live in Sapporo! *If you would like to know more about the atmosphere of Hoheikan, please check this out! <Toyoheikan> Address: 1-20 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-211-1951 Official website: https://www.s-hoheikan.jp