An 80-year-old historic mansion in Tainan transformed into an art space — take a time-travel journey with the “Japanese-Style Old Houses Map”

▲The 80-year-old Japanese-era building, Honda Sanichi Mansion in Tainan City, has been fully restored. (Photo / Provided by the city government)

Reported by Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

Tainan, a cultural ancient capital, boasts many century-old historical sites. Among them, the 80-year-old Japanese-style wooden government residence “Honda Sanichi Mansion” in Xinying County Government has recently been restored. The old house has been reborn as an art space — “Sanichi House Art Space,” which is operated under contract. In addition to offering food and beverage services, it will also feature an exhibition area in the mansion’s corridor, infusing beauty into the old building.

This old building, preserved from the Japanese colonial period, was built in 1936 and originally served as the residence of Honda Sanichi, a civil engineering contractor during that era. Its location sits in the newly developed urban district planned by the Japanese government, bearing witness to the local development history of Xinying over the years. Unlike other rigidly hierarchical government and military residences from the Japanese colonial period, Honda Sanichi Mansion broke with tradition, featuring a free and lively layout. Its interior adopted a “Japanese-Western eclectic” style, showcasing the architectural construction techniques of the time while also reflecting the lifestyle culture of the middle class.

▲Map of Japanese-style old buildings in Tainan. (Photo / Taken from Tainan Tourism Bureau)

In addition to the soon-to-open Honda Sanichi Mansion, a visit to Tainan wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to its various historic sites. This city, with a history of more than 300 years and shaped by Western and Japanese cultural influences, is worth exploring in detail from its alleys to street corners. With the “Japanese-Style Old Architecture Themed Map,” travelers can uncover fragments of history, revisit the charm of centuries-old houses, and embark on an in-depth journey through Tainan.

Sanichi House Art Space
Address: No. 39, Datong Road, Xinying District, Tainan City

＊Tainan Japanese-Style Old Buildings Map:HereDownload