Former Residence of Kijūrō Tatsuuma, Colonial Revival historic house in Nishinomiya, Japan.
The Former Residence of Kijūrō Tatsuuma is a house from the late 1800s that combines European architectural features with Japanese design traditions. The building shows how Western construction methods and room layouts were adapted to include traditional Japanese spaces and materials.
This house was built in 1888 as one of the first residences where Japanese inhabitants lived in a Western-inspired style. Its design drew influence from similar structures that appeared in nearby commercial and diplomatic areas of the region.
The residence reflects how wealthy Japanese families in the 1880s began adopting Western domestic practices while maintaining some traditional elements. Inside, you can observe the daily compromises residents made between imported European comfort and local customs that shaped their home life.
The house sits in a residential neighborhood and is best reached by local bus, with a stop within walking distance. The location near a museum facility makes it easy to find when visiting the area.
The building gained official cultural property status from the city after surviving a major earthquake in the early 1990s. Despite this recognition, it remains closed to regular visitors, adding to its sense of mystery and exclusivity.
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