Nanto Bank Head Office

A Greek Temple on Sanjo Street: The Nanto Bank Head Office

Standing proudly at the intersection of Sanjo-dori Street and Higashimuki Shopping Arcade in central Nara, the Nanto Bank Head Office is one of the city's most striking examples of Western-style modern architecture. Completed in April 1926 during the late Taisho era, this stately building was originally constructed as the Nara Branch of the Sixty-Eighth Bank (Rokujuhachi Bank), one of Japan's early national banks and a predecessor of today's Nanto Bank. With its commanding Ionic columns and classical Greek facade, the building presents a remarkable contrast to the ancient temples and shrines that surround it, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rapid modernization during the early twentieth century.

Historical Background: From National Bank to Regional Powerhouse

The Sixty-Eighth Bank was established as one of Japan's national banks during the Meiji era, part of the government's effort to build a modern financial system. In 1926, the bank commissioned an impressive new building for its Nara Branch, constructed on the former site of the Nara Post and Telegraph Office. The project was entrusted to architect Nagano Uheiji, a distinguished disciple of Tatsuno Kingo — the celebrated architect behind Tokyo Station and the Bank of Japan headquarters. Construction was carried out by the Obayashi Corporation, one of Japan's most renowned construction firms.

The total cost of the building, including related expenses, reached 523,000 yen — a staggering sum equivalent to more than 300 million yen in today's currency. In 1928, the Sixty-Eighth Bank designated this building as its new head office. Then, in June 1934, the Sixty-Eighth Bank merged with three other regional banks — the Yoshino Bank, Yagi Bank, and Gose Bank — to form the Nanto Bank. The building has served as the Nanto Bank Head Office ever since, functioning as an active banking facility for nearly a century.

In February 2025, Nanto Bank relocated its headquarters operations to a newly constructed building in the Omiya-cho district of Nara. The historic former head office is now being considered for adaptive reuse as a community revitalization facility, with plans to preserve its culturally significant exterior while transforming the interior for new purposes.

Why It Was Designated: A Rare Gem of Western Classical Architecture in Nara

On July 15, 1997, the Nanto Bank Head Office was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Registration No. 29-0001) — notably the very first registered cultural property in all of Nara Prefecture. The building was recognized for several outstanding qualities. Its facade, featuring four Ionic columns adorned with detailed ornamental work, represents an excellent example of classical architectural style rendered with elegant simplicity. Despite renovations in 1953 that added an extension to the rear, along with subsequent modifications to window frames and interior finishes, the original exterior has been remarkably well preserved.

As one of the very few Western-style classical buildings in the ancient capital of Nara — a city predominantly associated with traditional Japanese architecture — the building holds exceptional value as a testament to the Taisho-era wave of modernization. Its design by the renowned bank architect Nagano Uheiji, combined with the high-quality construction by the Obayashi Corporation, ensures its place as an important work in the history of Japanese modern architecture.

Architectural Highlights and Points of Interest

Greek Revival Facade

The building's most eye-catching feature is its imposing facade facing Sanjo-dori Street, dominated by four grand Ionic columns. The exterior walls combine Okayama granite with brown brick, creating a warm yet dignified appearance. The reinforced concrete structure rises three stories (partially four stories) above ground, with one basement level below. The overall composition exemplifies the Neoclassical Greek style, making it the only building of its kind in Nara.

The Sheep Carvings

Perhaps the building's most charming detail is the carved sheep motifs adorning the Ionic column capitals. While the exact origin of this motif is debated, the prevailing theory suggests that sheep were chosen as a symbol of financial prosperity — in ancient European tradition, livestock represented wealth and abundance, making sheep a fitting emblem for a banking institution. These delightful carvings can also be found as relief decorations flanking a former entrance on the Higashimuki Shopping Arcade side, where a metal plate reading "Nanto Bank, Inc." still marks the original doorway.

Modern Facilities of the Taisho Era

When built, the bank incorporated the most advanced equipment available at the time, including American-manufactured vault doors, counter shutters, fire hydrants, a hot water heating system, and ceiling fans. These features represented the cutting edge of building technology in 1920s Japan and demonstrated the bank's commitment to providing a modern, secure, and comfortable environment for both staff and customers.

The Architect: Nagano Uheiji

Nagano Uheiji (1867–1937) was born in Takada, Echigo Province (present-day Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture). He studied architecture at the Imperial University of Tokyo under Tatsuno Kingo, the father of modern Japanese architecture. In 1897, Nagano joined the Bank of Japan as an architect, where he oversaw the design and construction of nine branch buildings during the Meiji era, including those in Osaka, Kyoto, and Otaru.

In 1909, Nagano won Japan's first-ever architectural design competition with his entry for the Taiwan Governor-General's Office. He went on to establish his own practice in 1913 and became the first president of the Japan Institute of Architects in 1917. Known as a master of classical architectural styles, Nagano earned the epithet "Bank Architect" for his prolific work designing financial institutions across Japan. His other surviving works include the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (now a financial museum), the Bank of Japan Kyoto Branch (now the Kyoto Museum of Culture), and the Okura Institute for Spiritual Culture (now Yokohama Okurayama Memorial Hall).

Visitor Information and Surrounding Area

The former Nanto Bank Head Office is located at the southern end of Higashimuki Shopping Arcade, directly on Sanjo-dori Street — one of Nara's main thoroughfares connecting JR Nara Station to the famous Kasuga Grand Shrine. The building stands just a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city center. While the building's banking operations have concluded following the 2025 relocation, the exterior can be freely admired from the street, and the future redevelopment plans may offer new opportunities for public access.

The surrounding area is rich with attractions. Kofukuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its five-story pagoda and Ashura statue, is just a few minutes' walk to the east. Nara Park, home to the beloved free-roaming deer, stretches out beyond it. The Higashimuki Shopping Arcade offers a lively array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Nearby, the Nara Church of Christ (built in 1930 by master carpenter Oki Kichitaro) is designated as an Important Cultural Property and presents an interesting contrast in modern architectural styles — a traditional Japanese-style Christian church standing near a Greek-style bank building.