Dec 1, 2016 - 1 min read

Exploring Kitano Ijinkan in Kobe

Tangible traces of European influence in Taisho Japan

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Dome-roofed turret with fish scale shingles

Pose for a photo at Denmark house

Are we still in Japan?

Red shutters and lace curtains

Attractive outdoor dining space at Hotel Imperial

Uruko House is covered with shingles that look like fish scales

Lacy butterfly gates

Various metal plaques with historical buildings on them could be seen along one street

Sannomiya City Loop Bus

Trick Art exhibition

Starbucks in historical style

Rhenania House was also called Weathercock Mansion

Cute weathercock of Rhenania House

Rhenania House belonged to a German Trader

Platon Decorative Arts Museum

Moegi House was home to a former British Consul General

Kobe Kitano-cho (also known as Kitano Ijinkan) is an area once inhabited by influential foreigners living in Japan at the start of the Twentieth Century. With lovely old European style mansions nestled into the hillsides, it still retains a Taisho Era atmosphere and attracts many visitors. There is a historic walking trail that goes from JR Sannomiya Station to Tenman Shrine. You can enjoy this area by just strolling around, as I did, or you can visit some of the many museums in the area. Don't forget to look out for the unusual Starbucks in a beautiful old green and white mansion!

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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