凱達格蘭大道1號不是總統府？Building at No.1 Ketagalan Blvd , Taipei city? 找尋隱藏的貓頭鷹 Where's the owl?
還記得《茶金》戲劇後段，女主角將自家北埔紅茶帶到英國倫敦比賽現場驚艷四方的畫面嗎？這場戲的華麗建築背景，其實是在台北賓館拍攝的呢！
台北賓館，現址為凱達格蘭大道1號，位於現在外交部對面，為日本時期的總督官邸（總督住所），同時也是當時總督招待迎賓宴客場所。
主建築於1901年完工落成，原木造部分因白蟻破壞嚴重，於是在1911年進行改建，由經手許多台灣官廳的建築師森山松之助操刀，成如今華麗氣派的宮廷式風貌，
整個官邸含庭院，整體佔地約19,000平方公尺(約5700坪)，主建築－洋館，為兩層樓仿歐式和洋折衷建築，洋館前方為西式庭院設有噴泉池；在日本，貓頭鷹是吉祥福氣的象徵，站在噴泉池仰望洋館，是否像一隻貓頭鷹呢?!（另外我們也在建築的一角看到隱藏版貓頭鷹呢！詳情見照片）
後院旁有個全日式木造建築－和館，面對著一大片迴廊式日本庭園，有假山、石桌、石橋等和風庭院造景，是個非常舒適宜人的休憩空間。
建造總督官邸的當時，日本政府也正在拆除台北城、台北大天后宮，所以台北城牆的石塊，艋舺天后宮的石獅子，也被拿來做為官邸的建材跟裝飾。
二戰結束後，此處改稱為台北賓館，仍為接待外賓使用，1998年被指定為國定古蹟，2001年後開始對外開放民眾參觀。每個月僅開放兩天，詳細開放時間可上官網查看：https://subsite.mofa.gov.tw/tgh/）開放時間內不須預約皆可免費入內參觀（且有免費定時導覽解說）
非常推薦於開放時間參訪這棟擁有百年歷史的古蹟，館內的雕刻裝飾等，氣宇非凡，且有許多令人嘆為觀止的安排設計，都很值得一訪，除了欣賞建築之美，也可跟著導覽員，聽聽有趣的歷史故事，將會有許多驚喜的發現呢！
【如何去】搭捷運：搭捷運至 #臺大醫院站，從一號出口出來後往公園路方向走，步行約3分鐘即可抵達臺北賓館入口處（Google定位：凱達格蘭大道1號）
If you had watched Taiwanese Drama "Gold Leaf", you may notice there is a scene that the actress brought her family Hoppo Tea to London and won the competition. The luxurious western style venue is actually in the Taipei Guest House!
The Taipei Guest House was originally the residence of the governor during Japanese period in Taiwan. It was built in 1901 and reconstructed in 1911 due to the termite damage. The total area including the gardens is about 19,000 square meters, the main building is the 2 floors western style mansion and there is a European garden in front with a fountain. Besides, there is also a Japanese style wooden bungalow connected to the main building. Moreover, a magnificent Japanese style garden with stone bridge, stone lanterns and rockery decorations hidden in the back yard where is very peaceful and cozy.
It is said the appearance of main building was designed like an owl. As owls are lucky symbols in Japan. When you are visiting here, try to find out the owls
After WWII, this house was changed to name "Taipei Guest house" and currently used to hosting diplomatic receptions and ceremonies. It was declared as national historical site in 1998 and open to the public 1~2 days a month since 2001. Please check the official website for open house date/hours. It is free entry with hourly guided tour.
More information: https://subsite.mofa.gov.tw/entgh/
The interior of the house is not only gorgeous but also contains many interesting histories. Even it is western styles buildings, but you will still find some designs or decorations are Japanese style or inspired from Taiwanese local natural beauty. It is strongly recommended to follow the tour guided to explore the hidden treasures of this ancient house.
【How to get there】Take the MRT to National Taiwan University Hospital Station and walk toward Gongyuan Rd from Exit 1. It is only about 2~3 minutes walking distance.
**Google map: type in "No.1 Ketagalan Blvd"
