In the lobby is a staircase that bends in a right angle near its base. Looking at the beauty of the curves and the ornamentation, one can see the high level of craftsmanship that was put into its creation. The carpet laid on the steps and fastened with metal stair rods is a reproduction of its appearance from the time of the building's construction.
The curtains have a "Botan Karakusa (peony blossom arabesque)" pattern, a traditional Japanese design. The fabrics first used were woven using Western methods and were said to have been made in Nishijin, Kyoto, which finally succeeded in domestic production at that time. The current curtains are woven to reproduced the original ones.
The six fireplaces in the building were restored during construction from 1982 (Showa 57) to 1986 (Showa 61). The top board of each mantelpiece is marble, while the rest is made of marble-like plaster. These fixtures also showcase outstanding plastering techniques of the time.
Of the eight chandeliers, four were installed from the building's first construction, and the remaining four were fixtures from that time and were repaired during the renovation.Gas lighting was introduced and used with candlelight at first, but the building switched to electric lights around the time of the Crown Prince's visit in 1922 (Taisho 11). The fixtures are still fitted with a stopcock, a visible reminder that they were ones lit by gas.
Each ceiling centerpiece from which a chandelier hangs is a bas-relief in plaster, made using a traditional technique called "Kote-e (plaster relief art)." It is a sophisticated plastering technique achieved by the craftsmen of that time. Fifteen of the centerpieces are dated from the beginning of construction, and another two are restorations. Each room adopts a different motif of traditional Japanese patterns such as peonies, chrysanthemums, grapes, camellias, phoenixes, and plovers over waves.
1. Tsubaki (Camellia)
The room is named "Tsubaki (Camellia)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece.Around the visit of Emperor Meiji in 1881 (Meiji 14), the room was divided into two: an "antechamber" for changing clothes, and an "Oyudono-Okawaya (bath and chamber pot)" room. At present, the partition wall has been removed.In the room, visitors can watch videos such as the guide video, "HOHEIKAN Marking the Passage of Time."
2. Susuki to Ominaeshi (Maiden Grass and Golden Lace)
The room is named "Susuki to Ominaeshi (Maiden Grass and Golden Lace)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece.
3. Ume (Japanese Plum)
This is the room where the Emperors Meiji, Taisho, and Showa (Emperors Taisho and Showa visited as Crown Princes) stayed during their Imperial visits.The room is named "Ume (Japanese Plum)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece.In this room, the paint on the wood and the wall structure have been restored to its state from its first construction. The items of furniture are also reproductions based on materials from that time.
Ume Nema (bedroom)
Inside what acts as a bedroom are a bed, a commode for Western clothing, and a washstand.At the time of its construction, HOHEIKAN was equipped with beds, although there were still few hotels in Japan that provided beds then. It is said that the bellboy went to the rooms every morning and delivered hot water for washing the face.
4. Shakuyaku (Chinese Peony)
The room was used by the Grand Chamberlain for the Emperor during Emperor Meiji's Imperial visit in 1881 (Meiji 14).It is named "Shakuyaku (Chinese Peony)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece.The items of furniture in the room are intended for visitors to experience the atmosphere of hotels at that time. Visitors may use the chairs and tables inside.
Shakuyaku Nema (bedroom)
Inside what acts as a bedroom are a bed and washstand.The items of furniture in the room are intended for visitors to experience the atmosphere of hotels at that time.Visitors may enter the room and view it from inside.
5. Murasaki (Purple Gromwell)
The room is named "Murasaki (Purple Gromwell)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece.The room was where the chamberlains would give offerings to the Emperor during Emperor Meiji's Imperial visit in 1881 (Meiji 14). At present, the room holds an exhibit of various articles believed to have been used by the three generations of Emperors, such as documents related to the Imperial visits.
Murasaki Nema (bedroom)
The room was used as a bedroom back when the building acted as a hotel. Visitors may view it from the entrance.
6. Hall
It has an area of about 172 square meters including the front parlor and is the largest room in the HOHEIKAN.There are two ceiling plaster centerpieces with the motifs "Momiji (autumn foliage)" and "Ogiku (chrysanthemum)." The room was used as an audience chamber during Emperor Meiji's Imperial visit in 1881 (Meiji 14). A tablet device lets visitors view the structure of the building and how the room is used.
7. Yuri (Lily)
The room is named "Yuri (Lily)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece. In the bedroom, visitors can watch the video exhibit "HOHEIKAN and various cultures" about the origin of culture in the north as well as other videos related to the HOHEIKAN.
8. Fuyo (Confederate Rose)
The room is named "Fuyo (Confederate Rose)" after the motif of the ceiling plaster centerpiece. Through the bedroom's video exhibit "Memories of Happiness," visitors can watch actual wedding ceremonies held at the venue via a slide show.
9. Reception
The room functioned as a reception back when the building was used as a hotel.It was used as a utility storehouse during the Emperor Meiji's visit.
In addition to exhibits and tablets that reproduce the atmosphere of the old days, display panels and videos introduce building structures and history. As one such building, HOHEIKAN has been popular with many people as a venerable wedding venue. The video exhibit "Memories of Happiness," which shows the history of the building as a wedding venue and contains a slideshow of photos of couples who held actual wedding ceremonies at the venue, is ordinarily open for viewing.
We are looking for photos of weddings held at the HOHEIKAN to be used for our video exhibit. Kindly send the following through e-mail or post. Please note that the photos you send will not be returned.
[Outline]
① A photo file one can tell is shot at the HOHEIKAN and shows both the bride and groom (2MB or less) or a color copy (no specific size)
② Address
③ Name
④ Phone number
⑤ Date of the wedding
⑥ An anecdote related to the wedding
(not required)
※② - ⑥ will not be disclosed to the public
[Where to Send the Photo / Contact Information]
Sapporo HOHEIKAN
1-20 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, 064-0931
Tel. no.: 011-211-1951 FAX: (011)211-1952
e-mail address: info@s-hoheikan.jp
[Request when Providing Photos]
It will take some time until the photos are displayed in the video exhibit.
The photos sent will not be used for any purpose other than those stated, and will be managed appropriately by the designated manager of Sapporo HOHEIKAN instead of the Sapporo Cultural Properties Division.
Please note that photos may be deemed unusable depending on the image quality and other factors.
The HOHEIKAN has a cafe corner. Please feel free to visit it when taking a break from touring or when using a rented room. For information such as opening hours and the menu, please see the notice (cafe).
Volunteer staff will guide visitors through the HOHEIKAN's highlights. The guided tour is free of charge. Please feel free to join it if you please.
① 9:45
② 10:45
③ 11:45
④ 12:45
⑤ 13:45
⑥ 14:45
The tour takes about 45 minutes.
If you would like a guided tour as a group, please make an advance reservation (up to one week before the tour).
