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).
- 1 min read
Shiraishi Wataro Yokan
An allegedly English-style building in Yawatahama
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By Anonymous
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![The facade of the Shiraishi Wataro Yokan. The building was built in the 1890s as a place where foreign specialists would feel at home.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23133/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23133.jpg)
The facade of the Shiraishi Wataro Yokan. The building was built in the 1890s as a place where foreign specialists would feel at home.
![A closeup view of the elaborate portico.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23134/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23134.jpg)
A closeup view of the elaborate portico.
![The light in the lobby has an international atmosphere, although Europeans might feel that their portion of the world looks a bit small.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23136/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23136.jpg)
The light in the lobby has an international atmosphere, although Europeans might feel that their portion of the world looks a bit small.
![The interior features an Ionic column motif.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23137/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23137.jpg)
The interior features an Ionic column motif.
![The guide showed me some photos of the building as it was early last century. The iron railings were cannibalized for armaments.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23138/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23138.jpg)
The guide showed me some photos of the building as it was early last century. The iron railings were cannibalized for armaments.
![In the latter half of the last century, the building was a dressmaking school. Various artifacts are on display.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23139/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23139.jpg)
In the latter half of the last century, the building was a dressmaking school. Various artifacts are on display.
![The whole building was heated by this fireplace. A gap was left above the doorway on the stairs to let the heat rise.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23140/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23140.jpg)
The whole building was heated by this fireplace. A gap was left above the doorway on the stairs to let the heat rise.
![The windows upstairs and down have different pillars and pediments.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23141/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23141.jpg)
The windows upstairs and down have different pillars and pediments.
![A selection of plasterwork details found throughout the building.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23142/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23142.jpg)
A selection of plasterwork details found throughout the building.
![The staircase is twisting and very compact.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3714-23143/1000/ehime-shiraishi-wataro-yokan-23143.jpg)
The staircase is twisting and very compact.
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