The facade of the Shiraishi Wataro Yokan. The building was built in the 1890s as a place where foreign specialists would feel at home. (Photo: Rod Walters)

Shiraishi Wataro Yokan

An allegedly English-style building in Yawatahama

Anonymous   - 1 min read

In the Meiji period, Yawatahama welcomed many European engineers and other experts as advisers, and the Shiraishi Watarō Yōkan, a guesthouse in a supposedly English style where they were entertained, still exists in a street of historic buildings in Honai. Press the button on the intercom, and Mr. Yano will shortly appear to give you a fascinating guided tour (in Japanese).

Anonymous

Anonymous @rod.walters__archived

I was born in Bristol, England, and I came to Japan in 1991 … which means I’ve lived half my life in this island nation on the other side of the world. The theme of my career in Japan has been communication. I started as an English teacher, and moved into translation as I learned Japanese....