Former Yokohama Technical College Main Building: A Prewar Modernist Gem

Standing quietly in the Gumyoji district of Yokohama, a remarkable three-story building tells the story of Japan's educational ambitions and architectural innovation during the early Showa period. The former Yokohama Technical College Main Building, now serving as the Yokohama National University Faculty of Education Attached Yokohama Junior High School, represents one of the last reinforced concrete school buildings constructed by the Ministry of Education before World War II. Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in December 2000, this architectural treasure offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's prewar modernist heritage.

A Brief History of Yokohama Technical College

Yokohama Technical College (Yokohama Koto Kogyo Gakko) was established in January 1920 as part of the government's initiative to expand higher education institutions following World War I. The school was founded to nurture engineering talent, initially offering programs in mechanical engineering, applied chemistry, and electrochemistry.

The original campus was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which destroyed nearly all of its buildings. Despite pressure from the Ministry of Education to relocate to Nagoya, the school persevered and remained in Yokohama. The reconstruction process spanned several phases, with the main building finally completed in September 1936, with interior work finished in July 1938.

The school was known for its progressive educational philosophy, particularly the "Three Nothings" principle (no examinations, no grading, no punishment) advocated by its first principal, Suzuki Tatsuji. This liberal approach to education created a unique academic environment that fostered creativity and independent thinking.

Following World War II, Yokohama Technical College became the foundation for Yokohama National University's Faculty of Engineering. The main building continued to serve as an engineering faculty campus until 1979, when operations moved to the current Tokiwadai campus. In 1981, the building was repurposed as the Yokohama Junior High School attached to Yokohama National University, where it continues to serve students today.

Why This Building Is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

The Former Yokohama Technical College Main Building holds significant cultural value for several compelling reasons that led to its designation as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

First, it represents the final generation of reinforced concrete school buildings constructed under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education before the war. This makes it an irreplaceable document of Japan's prewar educational infrastructure and construction standards.

Second, the building demonstrates a masterful fusion of architectural styles. While adopting the Renaissance-style symmetrical form with wings projecting forward on both sides, the exterior design firmly embraces modernist principles. The continuous window sills and lintels create strong horizontal lines that emphasize the building's modern character, while tall vertical windows arranged at the center of the facade add visual interest and rhythm.

Third, the building showcases the high level of construction quality achieved by Japanese architects and engineers during this period. The three-story reinforced concrete structure covers an impressive building area of 1,800 square meters, demonstrating both ambition and technical capability.

Architectural Highlights and Features

The architectural design of the Former Yokohama Technical College Main Building reveals the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of early Showa-period institutional architecture. Several key features deserve special attention.

The building's symmetrical plan follows the Renaissance tradition, with two wings extending forward to create a U-shaped courtyard-like entrance. This arrangement conveys both dignity and welcome, appropriate for an institution of higher learning.

The exterior walls are finished with tiles, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. The continuous bands formed by the window sills and lintels create a distinctive horizontal emphasis that was characteristic of modernist architecture emerging during this period. These elements work together to give the building a streamlined, progressive appearance while maintaining classical proportions.

At the center of the main facade, a series of tall vertical windows creates a dramatic focal point. This arrangement not only provides excellent natural lighting for the interior but also breaks up the horizontal emphasis with elegant vertical counterpoint. The interplay between horizontal and vertical elements demonstrates the designer's sophisticated understanding of architectural composition.

In 2008, the exterior tiles were renewed to preserve the building's appearance, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate this architectural heritage.

Visiting the Building

While the building currently serves as an active junior high school, visitors can appreciate its impressive exterior architecture from the surrounding streets. The building is particularly photogenic in the morning light when the tile-clad facade catches the sun's rays.

Please note that as this is an operating educational institution, visitors should be respectful of the students and staff. The interior is generally not accessible to the public, but the exterior can be freely viewed and photographed from public areas.

The best times to visit for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the light creates interesting shadows on the building's textured facade. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the surrounding area, adding natural beauty to complement the architectural elegance.

Nearby Attractions: Gumyoji Temple and Shopping Street

A visit to the Former Yokohama Technical College Main Building can be wonderfully combined with exploration of the surrounding Gumyoji district, one of Yokohama's most historically significant neighborhoods.

Gumyoji Temple (弘明寺), located just a short walk away, is the oldest temple in Yokohama, with origins dating back to 721 CE. The temple's main hall, originally constructed in 1044, houses a magnificent Eleven-Faced Kannon statue (Important Cultural Property) carved from a single piece of Japanese elm wood. The Nio Gate (Niomon) and its guardian figures are designated Yokohama City Cultural Properties. The temple is the 14th station on the Bando Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, making it an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

The Gumyoji Kannon-dori Shopping Street extends from the temple to the subway station, offering a charming glimpse of traditional Japanese shopping culture. This covered arcade features a variety of local shops, restaurants, and confectioneries where visitors can sample local specialties and experience everyday Japanese life.

Gumyoji Park, located nearby, occupies a hillside that was once part of the temple grounds. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Yokohama, including the Landmark Tower and Bay Bridge. In spring, the park and the banks of the Ooka River are famous for their spectacular cherry blossoms.

Getting There

The Former Yokohama Technical College Main Building is conveniently located with excellent public transportation access.

By Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line: Take the train toward Shonandai from Yokohama Station (approximately 15 minutes). Exit at Gumyoji Station, and the building is just a 1-minute walk from the station exit.

By Keikyu Main Line: From Yokohama Station, take a local or Airport Express train toward Kurihama/Misakiguchi (approximately 10 minutes). Get off at Gumyoji Station and walk approximately 8 minutes. If coming from Yokosuka direction, transfer to a local train at Kamiooka Station.

The location offers easy connections to other Yokohama attractions, making it simple to combine this visit with other sightseeing activities in the city.