The Nikko Kaiten Kaoku, or revolving sunbathing cabin, is a building that was constructed in the grounds of Kaishun Hospital, a private sanatorium for Hansen’s Disease that once existed in Kumamoto City. In 1974, the building was relocated to the front of Reimei Church within Keifuen’s premises. Despite being a small building, it was specially constructed with a circular rail and wheels under the floor, making it possible for the structure to be pushed by hand to face different directions. The building was used as a cabin for sunbathing as it could rotate to receive sunlight. Kaishun Hospital was founded by English missionary Hannah Riddell. However, due to worsening relations between Britain and Japan, it closed in 1941, and its patients were transferred to Keifuen. This building, the revolving sunbathing cabin, was moved to Keifuen thanks to the Kaishun Hospital residents who cherished the establishment. Later, the building was restored and transported to its current location, and in 2008, it was designated a National Tangible Cultural Property.
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National Sanatorium Kikuchi Keifuen History museum
Kaishun Hospital was founded by English missionary Hannah Riddell. However, due to worsening relations between Britain and Japan, it closed in 1941, and its patients were transferred to Keifuen. This building, the revolving sunbathing cabin, was moved to Keifuen thanks to the Kaishun Hospital residents who cherished the establishment.
Later, the building was restored and transported to its current location, and in 2008, it was designated a National Tangible Cultural Property.