Vories Memorial Museum

　William Merrell Vories was an American architect who, during the first half of the 20th century, left behind as many as 2,500 examples of Western-style architecture not only in Ōmihachiman but throughout Japan.

　He came to Japan at the age of 24 as an English teacher and is known not only for his dedication to Protestant missionary work but also as a social entrepreneur, having established hospitals and schools. He devoted his life to his work in Japan and passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Ōmihachiman.

　That home is now the Vories Memorial Museum; the building was originally designed as staff accommodation for a nursery school. Whilst telephone booking is required to visit, walk-in visits may be accepted on the day. The guides’ profound knowledge is truly impressive.

　The main building of Tōka Saikan, situated along the Kamo River in Kyoto, is also one of his works.