Shoyoen, Historic mansion in Sinsing District, Taiwan
Shoyoen is a red brick mansion in Sinsing featuring traditional Japanese woodwork, stone foundations quarried locally, and observation terraces with views of Dawu Mountain. The structure shows careful architectural planning that brings together various design influences and materials.
The property was established in 1940 by Kōzui Ōtani, the 22nd Monshu of Nishi Honganji Buddhist sect, serving as a winter residence. It later transformed into a center for agricultural research and experimentation in the region.
The building shows a blend of Taiwanese and Japanese design principles visible in its wooden details and use of local materials throughout. Visitors can see how both styles come together in the windows, doors, and covered areas.
The site is located near central Kaohsiung and has been open to visitors since 2020 after a three-year restoration that preserved original features. The place is accessible and allows time to explore the rooms and outdoor terraces.
The property contained experimental gardens for tropical plants from Southeast Asia, representing an ambitious research project for its time. These botanical collections made it a center for knowledge exchange during the 1940s.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
