Senpukan

Overview

Senpukan is the oldest extant Western-style building in Osaka Prefecture, constructed in 1871 (Meiji 4) as a reception hall for the Mint Bureau (present-day Osaka Mint Bureau). Designed by the British architect Thomas Waters, Emperor Meiji visited the following year and named it Senpukan, combining "Senpu" (currency) and "Kan" (hall). Emperor Meiji himself visited three times, and the building hosted many members of the Imperial family and foreign dignitaries. In 1917 (Taisho 6), it was transferred to Osaka City, and in 1956 (Showa 31), it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Restoration work was carried out from 1962 (Showa 37) to 1964 (Showa 39) for preservation. From 2010 (Heisei 22), Osaka City used donations from the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) program to repair the exterior and landscape the gardens. The interior was open to the public for three days in March 2013 for the first time in three years, and the exterior has been open to the public since April 15, 2013 (interior access is limited to three days in March each year). The adjacent former Sakuramiya Public Hall (former Osaka Mint Bureau foundry main entrance, former Youth Art Gallery) is open to the public as a party restaurant, "Former Sakuramiya Public Hall," utilizing private sector vitality since April 15, 2013. Senpukan is a two-story building constructed of domestically produced bricks in the "Veranda-Colonial" style. Tuscan-style granite columns adorn the exterior. The interior is equally beautiful, with high ceilings and chandeliers. A second-floor room features an oval fireplace and a checkerboard pattern painted on the floor, resembling tile. There is also a throne room. It is said that the building even had flush toilets! The current interior decoration dates back to 1908 (Meiji 41). Senpukan offers a precious opportunity to experience the history of the Meiji era and the beauty of Western-style architecture. We highly recommend a visit to experience its charm firsthand.