Japanese Dormitory of Nancaiyuan

The Japanese Dormitory of Nancaiyuan is a residential building in Zhongzheng District that combines traditional Japanese construction methods with local building materials. The structure displays typical Japanese room layouts and wooden carpentry set within a neighborhood whose street patterns date back to the colonial era.

The structure was built between 1920 and 1940 as housing for Japanese officials during Taiwan's period under Japanese rule. After this era ended, it was eventually designated as a municipal heritage site and gained official protection as a cultural monument.

The building shows how Japanese residents lived during the colonial period, with rooms arranged according to their daily habits and preferences. You can observe how Japanese design mixed with local building materials and construction methods that were common in Taipei at the time.

The site is located near MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station and is accessible through narrow lanes typical of the colonial-era neighborhood. Visiting in the afternoon or early morning offers better opportunities to observe the architectural details in good light and with fewer visitors around.

The building was among the first examples of Japanese residential architecture in Taipei to receive official protection under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. This early recognition made it a pioneer in safeguarding colonial-era structures in the city.

Location: Taipei

Location: Zhongzheng District

GPS coordinates: 25.02781,121.51900

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10