🗺️ Higashiyamate No. 12 Building東山手十二番館

The Higashiyamate 12th Residence stands at a corner of the Higashiyamate area, an old foreign settlement, built during the late Edo to early Meiji periods, and designated as an important cultural property by the national government. It is a representative example of early Western-style architecture in Japan, showcasing various unique architectural styles. The main building features a spacious terrace at the front, presenting a grand appearance that reflects its past use as a consulate. The exterior wall employs the "shita-mikobari" construction method, making it one of the earliest examples of this architectural style in Japan, thus attracting attention from architectural professionals. Additionally, there are beautifully decorated columns and other details that invite visitors to appreciate them closely. Beyond its architectural style and design, the history of this building is also quite remarkable. Completed in 1868 (estimated), it has a history of transitioning from the Prussian consulate to the Russian consulate, and later to the American consulate. With exhibits related to private school history displayed inside, reflecting on the building's journey through time adds a unique enjoyment to the visit.

In a corner of the Higashiyama area, there stands a representative building of early Western-style architecture. The exterior is imposing, befitting the structure's status as a consulate. Inside, it showcases materials related to a school from a century ago.