New attraction in Tamsui: The "Former Residence of Mayor Dada Eikichi" opens with strong Japanese charm

Text by MOOK Travel Lifestyle Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Check out this new Tamsui attraction first-hand: A hinoki Japanese-style building and tranquil front and back yards are no longer scenes exclusive to Japanese dramas. The "Former Residence of Tamsui Mayor Dada Eikichi" is expected to officially open to the public in mid-2016 after more than a year of preservation and restoration work.

The New Taipei City designated historic site, the "Former Residence of Tamsui Mayor Dada Eikichi," is not only the first Japanese-style residence in Tamsui to be designated as a historic site but also the first private residence in Taiwan to have been connected to a running water supply. The entire site covers about 140 pyeong, with the building itself occupying around 28 pyeong. The roof tiles retain the traditional black cultural tiles, and the roof uses a traditional wooden frame. The foundation of the building is elevated, which provides a certain degree of moisture-proofing effect for Tamsui’s rainy climate. This shows that the local climatic and geographical characteristics of Tamsui were already taken into account at the time of construction.

Dada Eikichi was originally an entrepreneur who came to Taiwan. He served as the Mayor of Tamsui (equivalent to the current Tamsui District Chief) from 1930 to 1933, during which he promoted the widening of Tamsui roads and addition of facilities, the renovation of the library, and the establishment of schools among other public infrastructure projects. The private residence located at No. 19 Masseys Street was built in 1934. Due to its higher elevation, it offers natural views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, and is also close to popular historic sites such as Hongmao Castle and the Little White House, making it a great place for leisurely strolls and exploration.