At No. 1 Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District, Taipei Guest House is a historic residence where Japanese and Western architectural styles meet. Built in 1901 and renovated in 1912, it served as the Japanese governor’s official residence and is still used to receive foreign dignitaries. Inside, look for English tiles, fireplaces and ornate European-style details; outside, the garden has a pond and black swans. Public access is limited, so check the official website for the next open day and consider joining a volunteer-led tour.
A residence from the Japanese colonial period
Taipei Guest House was completed in 1901 and renovated in 1912. During Japanese colonial rule, it served as the official residence of Taiwan’s Governor-General. The building continues to receive foreign dignitaries, linking its original role with its use today.
Japanese architects designed the residence in a European style. The result brings Japanese and Western influences together in one historic building. Its ornate exterior and interior details make the house a place to look at closely, not just pass through on the way to the garden.
Details inside the house
Look for authentic English tiles and fireplaces among the building’s European-style features. The interior also has antique banisters, so take care as you move through the rooms. Visitors are asked not to hold the banisters; if the long staircase to the upper floor is difficult, a modern elevator is hidden behind a wooden door.
Volunteer guides introduce the premises and give detailed explanations. Written information and videos are available in Chinese, English and Japanese. A historical film is shown every 30 minutes. The visit follows a one-way route from the second floor to the first floor and then outside, so plan to watch the film before leaving the building.
The garden and public access
The grounds include a pond with black swans and a flower bed shaped for the site. The pond is described as heart-shaped, using the Chinese character 心. Some garden areas are fenced off, so expect to enjoy parts of the grounds from a distance.
The residence is not open to the public every day. Public access is limited to selected days, with open days offered monthly, so check the official website before making plans. Entry has been free. The building is wheelchair accessible at the entrance, and the elevator provides an alternative to the stairs inside.
Häufige Fragen
When is Taipei Guest House open to the public?
Public access is limited to selected days, with open days offered monthly. Check the official website for the next date before you go.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry has been free.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the building, garden and, if you wish, a volunteer-led tour or the historical film.
Are guided tours available?
Volunteers offer guided tours of the premises. The available material does not confirm which languages the tours use.
