The Ehrismann Residence, a historic Western-style building located on the hills of Yamate, Yokohama

Enter an artistic space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE

Communicating the history of the foreign settlement era to the present day
Yokohama Yamate Western-style building "Ehrismann Residence"

The Ehrismann House stands on a hill in Yamate, overflowing with an exotic atmosphere. It was built in 1926 to a design by Antonin Raymond, known as the "father of modern architecture," and was the home of Swiss trader Fritz Ehrismann.
It was moved and restored to Motomachi Park in 1989, and opened to the public the following year as the "Ehrismann Residence." This Western-style building, which holds great architectural value, can be viewed free of charge, and is now one of Yokohama's most famous tourist spots.
The impressive mansion, with its white walls and green edging surrounded by many plants and flowers, changes appearance with the seasons, and on sunny days you can see many people taking photos and sketching. Inside the mansion, visitors can see a living room/dining room with a table, a reception room with a fireplace, and a sunroom overlooking the garden, and it's fun to walk around the mansion while imagining what life was like back then! The mansion also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, which are always very popular.

The entrance to the Ehrismann House.
The building's appearance conveys a deep history, attracting people of all ages.

Motomachi Park Street. In the Yamate district, there are six Western-style buildings, including the Ehrismann House.

The building is surrounded by three large trees. Its appearance changes with the seasons, making it very attractive.

On sunny days, people can be found reading on the terrace at the top of the stairs, or taking a relaxing break with friends, making it a place of relaxation for people from both inside and outside the local area.

There is a slope next to the entrance of the museum, so wheelchair users can enter (only for the first floor exhibits).

Admission is free. Take off your shoes at the entrance and put on slippers before entering the building.

A retro public telephone at the entrance.
If you call, you might be able to get through at that time!

A portrait of the owner of the mansion, Mr. F. Ehrisman, and his wife (Japanese).
On the first floor, a restored Western-style room from the Taisho period is on display.
The furniture, including chairs and tables, was designed by architect Raymond.

living room and dining room

Reception room with fireplace

Sunroom facing the south garden terrace

Terrace seats. On fine days, the warm sun shines down on you.

If you go left up the stairs, it leads to the basement hall.

The stairs leading to the basement hall are a bit steep, so be careful!

The basement hall is used as a rental space and is used for exhibitions, workshops, etc.

At the time of the interview, a group exhibition of students from the "Sketching Class" was being held.

Next, we head to the second floor, where there were once three bedrooms!
Currently, two large bedrooms are used as exhibition rooms, where visitors can learn more about the Western-style building by looking at photographs and drawings related to the building.
Materials and flyers are also available for viewing in the conference room.

It makes you wonder, "What kind of decoration was the room at that time?"

Items used at the time are on display along with photographs.

Model of the Ehrismann House and a diorama of the Yamate area

I was looking around wondering where my house was! (I figured it was probably around here!)

From the room window, you can see the Marine Tower and Motomachi Pool in the foreground (the pool is hidden by trees).
Additionally, the old kitchen area on the first floor is now used as a coffee shop.

Western-style houses with balconies and chimneys are wonderful, aren't they? The contrast between the green and white of the Ehrismann House is truly beautiful!

The building is usually simply decorated, but during events held around early summer, Halloween, and Christmas, the building is decorated in a very colorful manner by professional flower artists according to each theme.
Here, we would like to introduce the decorations from the 18th Annual Flower and Vessel Harmony 2018, which was held this spring!

The theme of the Ehrismann House at this time was "A riot of colours, a riot of fragrance and splendour . "
The interior of the building was designed by FLOWER ACTIVIST Etsuko Shihomi, who used seasonal flowers and plants to express the fusion of traditional Japanese beauty, "Wa," and the "Western" aesthetic of the Ehrismann House's Western culture.
The moment I entered the room, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! It's so beautiful!"

In addition, the building will be transformed into various themed decorations such as Halloween decorations and Christmas decorations. Many visitors look forward to seeing what kind of decorations will be displayed each time!

Salon concerts of various styles are held in the reception room.
At the time of our visit, a salon concert featuring prize winners from the Kanagawa Music Competition was being held, and we were able to enjoy the beautiful music!

The Yamate district was a settlement during its time, and was the site of Japan's first Shakespearean play, and was also a place where new arts culture was first launched. The Ehrismann House also hosts art events such as concerts and exhibitions every year.
Next year will also see the 13th Yokohama Yamate Arts Festival and many other fascinating events taking place throughout the year, so I'm looking forward to those too.

Personally, I really like the Ellisman House and have visited it many times.
No matter how many times I go, I always discover something new and it's so fun and refreshing!
If you're strolling around Yamate, why not visit the Ehrismann Residence?