The residence features rare gold-leaf paper wallpaper ('kinkarakawakami') restored to its original Meiji-era appearance.
The structure served as the residence for successive commanders of the Kure Naval District, including Togo Heihachiro.
The site includes a relocated house that once belonged to the family of the writer Sakae Tsuboi.
The buildings reflect the architectural influence of the 'Rokumeikan' period, emphasizing Westernized status symbols.
The museum complex is situated on a hill that formerly overlooked the strategic naval shipyards.
The Irifuneyama Memorial Museum preserves the former official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kure Naval District. The site features a main building constructed in 1905, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Visitors can explore the fusion of Western-style architecture and traditional Japanese aesthetic elements, including rare gold-leaf wallpaper imported from France. The museum grounds house several historic relocated structures, such as a former naval garrison guardhouse and the Togo Heihachiro study. Exhibits detail the modernization of Kure as a significant imperial naval base. The architecture demonstrates the Meiji-era transition, specifically highlighting the integration of Western living standards for high-ranking naval officers. The site provides visual evidence of Kure's industrial and military evolution during the early twentieth century.
The veranda of the main residence facing the garden, which captures the distinct Western-style architecture against the surrounding greenery.
Wear easy-to-slip-on socks, as you will be required to remove your shoes to enter the historical wooden buildings.
Spend time in the adjacent garden area to view the exterior architectural details that are difficult to appreciate from inside.
Do not attempt to touch the wallpaper or historical artifacts, as the materials are fragile and protected.
Closed on Tuesdays; if Tuesday is a national holiday, it is closed the following day. Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Shoes must be removed at the entrance of the historical residence; socks are required.
