Seika-Tei is located right next to Hokkaido University, across the road. Even from a distance, you can immediately distinguish this building from its surroundings due to its unique appearance.
One might initially wonder why such a splendid Western-Japanese-style building is situated in this location. You may speculate whether incredibly wealthy individuals once resided here. However, upon entering the building, the reasons become clear.
About Seika-Tei
Seika-Tei is located west of Sapporo Station, just south of Hokkaido University. Originally constructed in Kairakuen, Sapporo’s first urban park established by the Colonization Commission (Kaitakushi), it served as a reception room for distinguished guests commissioned by the Engineering Department of Kaitakushi. Construction completed in 1880 after eight months of work. The following year, in 1881, Emperor Meiji visited Sapporo and stayed in Houheikan, another historic building located in Nakajima Park, Sapporo city.
Governor Kiyotaka Kuroda of Kaitakushi named the guest house Mizuki Seika-Tei, henceforth known as ‘Seika-Tei(清華亭)’. ‘Sei’ (清) means pure, ‘Ka’ (華) means flower or bloom, and ‘Tei’ (亭) refers to a small arbor-like house. One of the most significant features of this building is its blend of Japanese elements with Western-style architecture.
The building consists of a large Western-style room and a 15-mat tatami room, each showcasing the merits of their respective cultures. This unique architectural style was pioneering in Japan at that time.
Link
Access
- 10 min walk west-ward from the north exit of Sapporo station
Yodobashi Camera is very close from here. If you walk from Sapporo station , You may pass by Yodobashi Camera.
Open
9:00 – 16:00
Close
Dec, 29 – Jan, 3
Admission Fee
Free
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