Guide
Standing gracefully amidst the historic streets of Shimonoseki, the Former Akita Shokai Building is a landmark completed in 1915. It is one of the earliest examples of a reinforced concrete office and residence in Western Japan. The building was commissioned by Toranosuke Akita, the founder of Akita Shokai, who achieved great success in timber and shipping following the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars. The true charm of this site lies in its unique 'Wayo Setchu' style—a seamless fusion of Japanese and Western aesthetics. The first floor features a sophisticated Western-style office, while the second and third floors house a dignified Japanese-style residence in the Shoin-zukuri style. This allows visitors to experience the coexistence of two distinct cultures within a single structure. Today, it serves as the Shimonoseki Tourism Information Center, offering a free way to explore this precious cultural asset.
The Former Akita Shokai Building was designed as a 'business-cum-residence,' symbolizing the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant of the era. Akita Shokai played a vital role in Shimonoseki's economic development, exporting timber, food, and fuel internationally. The building was equipped with cutting-edge technology for its time, such as a 'dumbwaiter' for transporting goods and food to the upper floors, and even features a movable chandelier. These details highlight how Shimonoseki functioned as a vibrant, international trading hub. The building is now carefully preserved as a Tangible Cultural Property of Shimonoseki City.
Inside, you will find various exhibits and furnishings that illustrate the daily life and business practices of the early 20th century. The second and third floors offer a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of a high-ranking merchant through their beautiful Shoin-zukuri architecture. The building's structure itself is fascinating, consisting of three floors above ground, one basement level, and a rooftop tower. The spiral staircase and the domed roof of the tower are iconic architectural features. While the rooftop garden and Japanese-style annex are currently not open to the public, the overall 'Taisho Roman' atmosphere provides a sense of stepping back in time. On certain occasions, the building is illuminated at night, offering a more mystical and enchanting appearance.
During the daytime, the natural light streaming through the windows is perfect for observing the intricate woodwork and Western-style details. For those interested in architectural precision, a morning visit when it is relatively quiet is recommended. If you visit during the evening, you may witness the building beautifully lit up (please check current status), creating a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. Regardless of the season, a stroll through this historic space provides a profound sense of history. As it also functions as a tourism center, it is an excellent place to gather information for your Shimonoseki trip.
The primary activity here is an 'architectural exploration.' Through the displayed artifacts, you can learn about the lives of merchants and the international status of Shimonoseki during the Taisho era. Since the building serves as the Shimonoseki Tourism Information Center, you can also take a break in this historic setting while planning your local itinerary. For architecture enthusiasts, witnessing the evolution of construction technology through this early reinforced concrete structure is a truly valuable experience.
The Former Akita Shokai Building is located near Shimonoseki Port, surrounded by several retro Western-style buildings and historical sites. Within walking distance, you can visit the famous Karato Market to enjoy fresh seafood or explore the scenic Kanmon Straits. Combining a visit to this building with a gourmet tour of the area is a popular way to experience the diverse charms of Shimonoseki.
As this is a historic building, please respect the preservation of the architecture and its precious furnishings. Please walk quietly and avoid touching the exhibits. Because there are stairs and uneven surfaces, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Since it is a tourism information center, it is useful to have writing utensils handy if you wish to take notes from the maps or information provided.
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