Visited 24.05.2016 (Tue)
Embarked on a morning tour of Yamagata city on my last day in Tohoku region. Set off to Yamagata City Local History Museum 山形市郷土館 and Yamagata Castle Site 山形城跡 situated within Kajo Park 霞城公園 first, however I was not able to enter both areas as I came half an hour earlier than its opening time (0900 hrs). Decided to give both places of attraction a miss since I had limited time. Walked to Bunshokan 文翔館, which formerly was home to Yamagata Prefectural Office and Assembly Building and now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan (in 1984). Comprised of two separate buildings situated adjacent to one another, I was immediately attracted to this grand and impressive looking, western style architectural structure upon arrival.
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Highlights
Background. Taking on an English neo Renaissance design, both buildings were completed in 1916 to replace the first prefectural building that was destroyed by a huge fire which broke out in 1911. The facade of the century old buildings is symmetrical around the vertical axis, a characteristic of Renaissance style. The three storey tall former prefectural office was constructed out of bricks and lined with stones on its exterior. It was retired in 1975 after the prefectural office moved to their current location in Matsunami. On the other hand, the former Assembly Building is housed in a two storey tall brick building and was previously used for public events, such as lectures and performances as well as government assemblies. Both buildings have taken on new roles to introduce the history and culture of Yamagata Prefecture to visitors through past records, monuments and even wax figurines.
Conservation. To preserve the cultural heritage property for future generation to admire, both buildings underwent restorative construction in 1986 and the entire project took 10 years to complete. Care were taken to minimise demolition and to use as much of the original materials and construction techniques as possible to restore the buildings to their original appearances.
Prestigious. Started my tour in the former prefectural office. Entered the building and followed the red carpet laid central staircase, equipped with handrails made of beautiful wooden turned balusters, to the third floor. Came to the Grand Meeting Hall, which was once used for important gatherings such as instructive lectures and appointments of new officials, and was amazed by its luxurious decoration such as chandeliers, plastered ceiling with flower design plasters, lavish looking carpeting and patterned wallpapers.
Overwhelmed. Explored other rooms which were previously utilitsed as offices of governmental officials and during visits by honourable guests. It was fascinating to discover that each room has its own distinctive theme, with furniture, carpets, wallpapers and other decorative features that complement one another. I was definitely overwhelmed by the exquisite design which radiates almost flawless, elegance flair, and spend more time than I expected to scrutinise the high level of details displayed in every corner of the room.
Courtyard and clock tower. Hidden in the centre of the former prefectural office is actually an open air courtyard surrounded by red bricked walls - a completely different sight from the facade of the building. One other noteworthy mention about the former prefectural office building is its four faced clock tower, which is the second oldest functioning clock tower in Japan (the oldest being Sapporo's iconic clock tower).
Assembly hall. From the former prefectural office, I walked along the covered walkway to the former assembly building, where prefectural assemblies were once held here. Features such as the semi cylindrical shaped vaulted ceiling and pillars were re-established as part of restorative construction effort that took place in 1986. Today, the hall continues to serve the community faithfully and from time to time, the hall is being rented for official events, concerts or piano recitals.
Extended my stay here in a cafe (Cybele シベール), situated on the second floor of the former prefectural office building, where I enjoyed a cup of Bunshokan blend coffee and apple cake while being surrounded by a retro ambience. Bunshokan is truly, a precious architectural masterpiece worth preserving and enormous credits have to be given to the restorative construction team who have made this possible.
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Former Yamagata Prefectural Office and Assembly Building Bunshokan 文翔館
〒990-0047 山形市旅篭町3丁目4番51号
Operating hours: 0900 - 1630 hrs; closed on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Free admission
https://www.gakushubunka.jp/bunsyokan/
How to get there?
(1) By bus.
From the bus terminal at Yamagata Station East Exit, board Bekochan bus べこちゃんバス heading for downtown area and alight at Shiyakusho Minami Guchi 市役所南口. Takes another 5 mins walk from here to Bunshokan.
Bus schedule: https://www.city.yamagata-yamagata.lg.jp/kakuka/kikaku/kikaku/sogo/pd0510085137.html
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Commemorative stamps:
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| Former Prefectural Office. |
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| Former Assembly Building. |
Highlights
Background. Taking on an English neo Renaissance design, both buildings were completed in 1916 to replace the first prefectural building that was destroyed by a huge fire which broke out in 1911. The facade of the century old buildings is symmetrical around the vertical axis, a characteristic of Renaissance style. The three storey tall former prefectural office was constructed out of bricks and lined with stones on its exterior. It was retired in 1975 after the prefectural office moved to their current location in Matsunami. On the other hand, the former Assembly Building is housed in a two storey tall brick building and was previously used for public events, such as lectures and performances as well as government assemblies. Both buildings have taken on new roles to introduce the history and culture of Yamagata Prefecture to visitors through past records, monuments and even wax figurines.
Conservation. To preserve the cultural heritage property for future generation to admire, both buildings underwent restorative construction in 1986 and the entire project took 10 years to complete. Care were taken to minimise demolition and to use as much of the original materials and construction techniques as possible to restore the buildings to their original appearances.
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| Central staircase. |
Prestigious. Started my tour in the former prefectural office. Entered the building and followed the red carpet laid central staircase, equipped with handrails made of beautiful wooden turned balusters, to the third floor. Came to the Grand Meeting Hall, which was once used for important gatherings such as instructive lectures and appointments of new officials, and was amazed by its luxurious decoration such as chandeliers, plastered ceiling with flower design plasters, lavish looking carpeting and patterned wallpapers.
Overwhelmed. Explored other rooms which were previously utilitsed as offices of governmental officials and during visits by honourable guests. It was fascinating to discover that each room has its own distinctive theme, with furniture, carpets, wallpapers and other decorative features that complement one another. I was definitely overwhelmed by the exquisite design which radiates almost flawless, elegance flair, and spend more time than I expected to scrutinise the high level of details displayed in every corner of the room.
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| The door between the Grand Meeting Hall and Honoured Guest's Room. |
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| Honoured Guest's Room was used to host honourable guests such as the royal family and high ranking national officials. |
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| Check out the beautiful curtain box in the Office of the Governer. |
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| Striped design wallpaper employed in the Office of the Chief of Police. |
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| Wax figurines depicting a scene in the Accounting Department. |
Assembly hall. From the former prefectural office, I walked along the covered walkway to the former assembly building, where prefectural assemblies were once held here. Features such as the semi cylindrical shaped vaulted ceiling and pillars were re-established as part of restorative construction effort that took place in 1986. Today, the hall continues to serve the community faithfully and from time to time, the hall is being rented for official events, concerts or piano recitals.
Extended my stay here in a cafe (Cybele シベール), situated on the second floor of the former prefectural office building, where I enjoyed a cup of Bunshokan blend coffee and apple cake while being surrounded by a retro ambience. Bunshokan is truly, a precious architectural masterpiece worth preserving and enormous credits have to be given to the restorative construction team who have made this possible.
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Former Yamagata Prefectural Office and Assembly Building Bunshokan 文翔館
〒990-0047 山形市旅篭町3丁目4番51号
Operating hours: 0900 - 1630 hrs; closed on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Free admission
https://www.gakushubunka.jp/bunsyokan/
How to get there?
(1) By bus.
From the bus terminal at Yamagata Station East Exit, board Bekochan bus べこちゃんバス heading for downtown area and alight at Shiyakusho Minami Guchi 市役所南口. Takes another 5 mins walk from here to Bunshokan.
Bus schedule: https://www.city.yamagata-yamagata.lg.jp/kakuka/kikaku/kikaku/sogo/pd0510085137.html
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Commemorative stamps:
