160301-0016 - Yokohama Town Hall

Clock tower of Yokohama Town Hall at Honcho-dori in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The building was designed by the American architect Richard P. Bridgens (1819-1891). It was completed in 1874 (Meiji 7) and lost in a fire in 1906 (Meiji 39).

Right next to Town Hall (on its left side) is the studio of famed Meiji era photographer Kimbei Kusakabe (日下部 金兵衛), 1841–1934), the sign can be clearly seen.

His studio was opened at this location in 1889 (Meiji 22), or early 1890, which helps date this photograph to the early 1890s.

The photographer stood at the intersection of Honcho-dori and Asahimachi-dori.

Honcho-dori is also called Honmachi-dori in some sources. Maps and advertising of the time, however, use Honcho-dori.