In the heart of the retro Karato district, there stands a building that defies architectural logic. Built in 1915, the “Old Akita Shokai Building” appears to be a standard Western-style concrete office from the street. But look up. Perched on the roof is a traditional Japanese garden and tea house. It is the first reinforced concrete office building in Western Japan and a masterpiece of eclectic “Wayou-Setchu” design.
For the traveler in December 2025, this building is a fascinating, quick, and free cultural stop. However, be warned: the opening hours are incredibly short (10:30–15:00), and the year-end closure (Dec 29–Jan 3) is approaching fast.
🏯 Unveiling the Essence: The Concrete & The Shoin
This building is a physical representation of Japan’s modernization period—Western on the outside, Japanese on the inside.
The Architectural Layer Cake
- 1st Floor (The Office): A purely Western-style office space used for the shipping company’s operations. It now serves as a Tourist Information Center.
- 2nd & 3rd Floors (The Residence): A luxurious Japanese “Shoin-zukuri” residential space. It is jarring (in a good way) to walk up a concrete building and step into tatami rooms with sliding doors.
- The Rooftop (The Crown Jewel): A full Japanese garden and a wooden Japanese house were built on top of the concrete roof. Note: The rooftop itself is unfortunately not open to the general public, but models and photos inside explain this unique feature.
📸 Your Insider Odyssey: What to Look For
Since you cannot go out onto the roof, focus on the details accessible to visitors.
- The Spiral Staircase: The staircase leading up through the building is a geometric beauty, perfect for photography.
- The “Eclectic” Vibe: The transition from the stone/concrete exterior to the warm wood of the upper floors is seamless yet striking.
- Nighttime Illumination: If you miss the short opening hours, come back at night. The building is lit up, highlighting its western arches and the unique silhouette of the Japanese roof garden against the night sky.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Insights
- CRITICAL TIMING WARNING: The building has very short operating hours: 10:30 to 15:00 (Last entry 14:40).
- Strategy: Do not save this for late afternoon. Visit immediately after an early lunch at Karato Market (around 11:30 or 12:00).
- Year-End Closure: As it is December 2025, please note the building will be CLOSED from Dec 29 to Jan 3. If you are visiting for New Year’s, you must go before the 28th.
- The “Retro Route”: The building is located right next to the Old Nabu Post Office and the Old British Consulate. You can visit all three within 45 minutes for a complete tour of Shimonoseki’s “Taisho Romance” architecture.
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Spot Name | Old Akita Shokai Building | Kyu-Akita Shokai Biru |
| Location | Karato, Shimonoseki | 1 min from Bus Stop |
| Built | 1915 (Taisho 4) | West Japan’s 1st Concrete Office |
| Hours | 10:30 – 15:00 | Last entry 14:40 (Strict!) |
| Closed | Tue / Wed | & Dec 29 – Jan 3 |
| Admission | Free | Walk-ins welcome |
| Highlight | Rooftop Garden Concept | Visible from outside/models |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I go up to the rooftop garden?
A: No. The rooftop garden and house are preserved but generally closed to the public for safety and preservation reasons. However, you can explore the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors to see the blend of Japanese and Western interiors.
Q: Is it wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet, and the 1st floor is accessible. However, access to the upper floors (Japanese residence) may be limited due to the historic nature of the architecture. Please check with staff at the 1F counter.
Q: Is it free?
A: Yes, admission is completely free.
Q: What is the “Akita Shokai”?
A: It was a shipping and timber trading company founded by Akita Toranosuke. The building reflects the immense wealth and international connection of Shimonoseki merchants during the Taisho era.
🌟 Synthesis
The Old Akita Shokai Building is a quirk of history—a place where a merchant built a concrete fortress for his business but couldn’t let go of his love for a traditional garden, so he simply put it on the roof. It is a charming, quick stop that perfectly captures the “East meets West” spirit of the port city.