A Library of 1899, Twice Moved
The Former Nanki Library (旧南葵文庫) is a Western-style timber building of 1899 in Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, on a hill above Sagami Bay, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 23, 2008 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey timber building of 151 square metres roofed in copper, moved in 1933 and moved and renovated again in 1987; registration number 22-0133.
A Library Building Moved Twice
The Former Nanki Library was built in 1899 and has been moved twice, in 1933 and in 1987, to reach its present site (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
It faces south on a hillside above Sagami Bay: a two-storey timber building 15 by 11 metres, hipped and entered at the end, with a sunroom projecting on the east (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
It was registered as a model of form (Agency for Cultural Affairs). While its frieze carries plant motifs with a Japanese touch, the whole is a refined design based on the Renaissance style.
What to Look For
Look for the refined Renaissance-style exterior, the Japanese-flavoured plant motifs of the frieze and the sunroom on the east side (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The owner is Hoshino Resorts Co., Ltd. (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on interior access was found.
Q&A
- When was the Former Nanki Library built?
- In 1899; it was moved in 1933 and again in 1987 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the Former Nanki Library?
- In Izusan, Atami, on a hillside above Sagami Bay.
- What should I look for?
- The refined Renaissance-style exterior and the plant motifs of the frieze.
- Can I visit the Former Nanki Library?
- No information on public opening was found.
- When was the Former Nanki Library registered?
- On October 23, 2008 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Former Nanki Library (旧南葵文庫) |
|---|---|
| Location | 758-1-1 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2008/10/23 (Heisei 20) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-storey timber, copper roof, 151 m² |
| Owner | Hoshino Resorts Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | No public access information |
References
- Former Nanki Library (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00007357
Last verified: 2026.10.15