Pine Garden (Songyuan Villa)

Hualien län · Taiwan · House

In the Japanese military headquarters among the pines, kamikaze pilots are said to have drunk the emperor's farewell cup – and on some nights marching boots and Japanese army songs are still heard.

High on Meilun hill in Hualien, overlooking the harbour and the Pacific, stands Pine Garden – the Japanese army's local headquarters from 1942. The best-known legend has kamikaze pilots gathering here for a final night, draining the emperor's "farewell cup" before flying to their deaths; historians have never verified the tale, but it has seeped into the walls. After the surrender the Japanese commander is said to have taken his own life in the small meeting cabin behind the main building. For decades the house was known as Hualien's most haunted, with neighbours hearing marching boots and Japanese army songs at night. Today the pine-shaded compound is a tranquil arts and culture centre.

FAQ

Where is Pine Garden (Songyuan Villa) located?

Pine Garden (Songyuan Villa) is in Hualien län, Taiwan.

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