West Japan Industrial Club

Overview

The former Matsumoto Residence, used as the West Japan Industrial Club, is a historic building in Tobata ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. It was the home of Matsumoto Kenjiro, an industrialist and one of the founders of the Meiji College of Technology (now Kyushu Institute of Technology), and comprises a Western-style house, a Japanese-style house and two storehouses. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, it is said to be his only surviving private house.

Highlights

• ●A Western-style house said to be the only surviving private residence designed by Tatsuno Kingo
• ●Meiji-era architecture incorporating Art Nouveau design
• ●A compound of one Western-style house, one Japanese-style house and two storehouses
• ●A historic building designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan

History

Built in 1912 as the home of the industrialist Matsumoto Kenjiro, it was designed by Tatsuno Kingo and is regarded as his only surviving private house. The Western-style house and the Japanese-style house were designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan in 1972, and the two storehouses in 1982.

Map

33.8847, 130.8370 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at the site in Tobata ward and view the exterior of the Western-style house
2. 2Observe the architecture, noting its Art Nouveau design
3. 3Look at the layout of the Japanese-style house attached to the main house
4. 4Take in the overall compound, including the two storehouses on the grounds

Did you know?

💡 The house is regarded as the only surviving private residence designed by the architect Tatsuno Kingo.

Nearby spots