🗺️ Mori Ōgai's Former Residence森鷗外旧居

Mori Ōgai, a literary giant of the Meiji era known for his depiction of the romance between a Japanese student and a German girl in "Maihime," served as the chief medical officer of the former 12th Division of the Imperial Army and was stationed in Kokura. His residence, designated as a cultural asset by Kitakyushu City, is the "Mori Ōgai Former Residence." This wooden Japanese house, built in 1897, features an eight-tatami mat room primarily used by Mori Ōgai, along with a smaller four-and-a-half tatami mat room connected to the south. In addition to handling military affairs, he translated works that would later be celebrated as masterpieces of translation, such as Hans Christian Andersen's "Improvisatore" and Carl von Clausewitz's "On War," and published articles like "If I Were a Rich Man in Kyushu" and "Who is Ōgai the Fisherman." From the tatami room, the view of the front garden still showcases the oleanders and white crepe myrtles, which were also described in his novel "Chicken," and continue to bloom brilliantly to this day. The residence is open for free visits, displaying a timeline of Mori Ōgai's life and related literary materials, allowing visitors to trace his literary footsteps. It is located near JR Kokura Station, with several tourist attractions nearby, including "Kokura Castle" and local dining restaurants.

A wooden Japanese house built in 1897. It was the residence of the Meiji literary giant Mori Ōgai in Kokura. The interior displays a timeline of Mori Ōgai's life and related materials. Admission is free for visitors.