EDITORIALS
Feel like stepping back in time to the Meiji Era! How to enjoy "Toyohirakan," a Western-style building in Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park is located just a short walk from Susukino. In one part of the park stands the "Toyoheikan". Toyohaikan is the only wooden Western-style hotel in Japan that still exists. Let us introduce you to some things about Toyohaikan that even Sapporo citizens may be surprised to know.
If you are not familiar with it, you may be surprised to see the magnificent Western-style building suddenly appear when you are strolling in the park. It is a symmetrical, two-story wooden building with one basement floor in the American architectural style, with eight chimneys on the roof and a five-pointed star on the gable ornament.
The eye-catching white exterior walls and the ultramarine blue accents on the edges accentuate the building's sophisticated atmosphere. The sophisticated atmosphere of the building itself is simply marvelous, but in fact, anyone can tour the interior of the building. Once you pay the admission fee and step inside, you will be transported back in time.
A wonderful blend of Japanese and Western styles, as if it were a picture of the modernity of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Furthermore, beauty is found in the details. For example, not only is the opulent chandelier a sight to behold, but also take note of the ceiling decoration from which it hangs.
This is a traditional technique called "kote-e," in which plaster is heaped up to create a three-dimensional effect. The more you look at them, the more you can't help but sigh at the delicacy of the workmanship.
Now, you may be wondering, "When and for what was this gorgeous Toyohirakan built?" You must be wondering, "When and for what was this gorgeous Toyohirakan built? Toyohirakan was built in 1878.
It was built as a Western-style hotel under the direct management of the Hokkaido Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Office), and has been visited by three generations of Emperors in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Incidentally, the following photo shows a reproduction of the room where Emperor Meiji stayed.
Toyohirakan was originally built near the current TV tower, but was moved to its current location in Nakajima Park in 1958. As time went by, the purpose of use of the building changed variously, and it was once used as a community center, a dormitory for the Occupation Forces, and a wedding hall, among others. In 1964, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property.
The history of the Toyohirakan can be seen on the projector and exhibits shown in the museum. The Toyohirakan also offers rooms for rent.
If you have something planned, such as a wedding, lecture, or concert, you may want to consider this as one of the candidates. Some people also use it casually for meetings, tea ceremonies, etc.
Anyway, I recommend you to go inside first. Just putting yourself in a classical and unusual space will surely be a special experience that you will remember for a long time.
It is a must-see for those who visit Sapporo for sightseeing as well as for those who live in Sapporo!
If you would like to know more about the atmosphere of the Toyohirakan, please visit here!
<Toyoheikan
Address: 1-20 Nakajima Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-211-1951
Official website: https://www.s-hoheikan.jp
If you are not familiar with it, you may be surprised to see the magnificent Western-style building suddenly appear when you are strolling in the park. It is a symmetrical, two-story wooden building with one basement floor in the American architectural style, with eight chimneys on the roof and a five-pointed star on the gable ornament.
The eye-catching white exterior walls and the ultramarine blue accents on the edges accentuate the building's sophisticated atmosphere. The sophisticated atmosphere of the building itself is simply marvelous, but in fact, anyone can tour the interior of the building. Once you pay the admission fee and step inside, you will be transported back in time.
A wonderful blend of Japanese and Western styles, as if it were a picture of the modernity of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Furthermore, beauty is found in the details. For example, not only is the opulent chandelier a sight to behold, but also take note of the ceiling decoration from which it hangs.
This is a traditional technique called "kote-e," in which plaster is heaped up to create a three-dimensional effect. The more you look at them, the more you can't help but sigh at the delicacy of the workmanship.
Now, you may be wondering, "When and for what was this gorgeous Toyohirakan built?" You must be wondering, "When and for what was this gorgeous Toyohirakan built? Toyohirakan was built in 1878.
It was built as a Western-style hotel under the direct management of the Hokkaido Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Office), and has been visited by three generations of Emperors in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Incidentally, the following photo shows a reproduction of the room where Emperor Meiji stayed.
Toyohirakan was originally built near the current TV tower, but was moved to its current location in Nakajima Park in 1958. As time went by, the purpose of use of the building changed variously, and it was once used as a community center, a dormitory for the Occupation Forces, and a wedding hall, among others. In 1964, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property.
The history of the Toyohirakan can be seen on the projector and exhibits shown in the museum. The Toyohirakan also offers rooms for rent.
If you have something planned, such as a wedding, lecture, or concert, you may want to consider this as one of the candidates. Some people also use it casually for meetings, tea ceremonies, etc.
Anyway, I recommend you to go inside first. Just putting yourself in a classical and unusual space will surely be a special experience that you will remember for a long time.
It is a must-see for those who visit Sapporo for sightseeing as well as for those who live in Sapporo!
If you would like to know more about the atmosphere of the Toyohirakan, please visit here!
<Toyoheikan
Address: 1-20 Nakajima Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-211-1951
Official website: https://www.s-hoheikan.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Turtle Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm "Bubaneko," a writer with many connections to sightseeing spots and tourist facilities in Hokkaido. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.
