オススメ度
外国語対応
About Kitano Ijinkan
When Kobe’s port opened in 1868, most of the non-Japanese settlers lived in Sannomiya or Motomachi, in what is now known as the Kyukyoryuchi.
Approximately 130 years ago, however, allured by the ocean view, people began moving to the hillside.
There were over 200 buildings in the area at one point, but most of them were destroyed during World War II.
15 of these “Ijinkan” are now open to the public as museums.
The Ijinkan actually may not be the best tourist destination if you’re visiting from Europe or America, because they were built for non-Japanese settlers.
The architecture may be similar to what you have in your country.
Otherwise, if you’re into little cute “girly” things and antiques, stop by! All the houses are just a short walk away from one another and visiting each one doesn’t take long.
In fact, since all you can really do is check out the rooms, one house only takes about 5 minutes.
It may take 15 minutes if you take the time to snap a photo of each room at every camera angle possible.
Unfortunately, the entrance fees do add up.
Although some Ijinkan only cost 500 yen to enter, you must pay over 1000 yen at other museums like the Uroko House.
Additionally, compared to the temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara with such a deep history, the Ijinkan are relatively new.
If it’s the old western, colonial type of atmosphere you’re looking for, a quick break at the Starbucks in the Ijinkan area should suffice.
Recommendation
If you’re planning on visiting all of the Ijinkan museums, there are discounts to alleviate some of the costs.
There’s no single couple that gives you admission to all the homes, though, as some Ijinkan homes are managed by different groups.
Access to Kitano Ijinkan / Data
All of the Ijinkan homes are about a 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station and Shin-Kobe Station, but there are some steep slopes to get through first.
If the idea of an uphill walk doesn’t sound so appealing to you, you can take the city bus.
It goes in circles around the city, and stops 3 or 4 times at each bus station per hour.
By Train
15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station
By Bus
Get on the bus going north at Chikatetsu Sannomiya Ekimae bus station (Sannomiya Subway Station) and get off at the Kitano Ijinkan bus stop. The closest Ijinkan is just a 1-minute walk away.
Kitano Ijinkan
Ijinkan is a residence where foreigners once lived in Kitano, a residential area on the mountain side of Sannomiya. Take lots of pictures and post them on social media such as Instagram and Facebook. If you plan to visit multiple Ijinkans, it is a good idea to use a discount ticket.
[ See details ]
| Address | Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | By Train 15-minute wal[…] |
| Tel | 078-251-8360 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Sightseeing
The Uroko House & the Uroko Museum
First built in the Kyukyoryuchi in 1885 as a luxury house-for-rent for foreigners, the Uroko House was rebuilt 1905 here. Uroko is the Japanese word for scales, and this Ijinkan was named the Uroko House after the fish scale design on the exterior of the house. The uroko on the house are actually just rock […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 2-20-4 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | ●20 minute walk from Sannomiy[…] |
| Tel | 0120-888-581 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Kazamidori no Yakata
Built in 1909, Kazamidori no Yakata was the mansion of a successful German merchant who made a great amount of his fortune while he was still young. The thick brick exterior of this Ijinkan is symbolic of elegant nouveau art that originated from Germany. A weathercock, or Kazamidori, rests upon the triangular roof and is […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 3-13-3 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | ●15 minute walk from Sannomiy[…] |
| Tel | 078-242-3223 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Moegi no Yakata
Moegi no Yakata was built in 1903. It was originally the residence of the American Consul General. The light green exterior is a beautiful and unique feature of the home. The inside is just as lovely. Check out the arabesque-patterned stairs and intricately-detailed mantelpiece. You can also get a wonderful view of the rest of […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 3-10-11 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | ●15 minute walk from Sannomiy[…] |
| Tel | 078-855-5221 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Yamate Hachibankan
From the triple tower to the stained-glass arch entrance, this building is a culmination of English Tudor Medieval architecture. The works of great sculptors like René Rodin, Antoine Bourdelle, Émile Bernard, Rembrandt are showcased here alongside the works of Eastern artists.
[ See details ]
| Address | 2−20−7 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | ●20 minute walk from Sannomiy[…] |
| Tel | 0120-888-581 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Former Chinese Consulate (Ijinkan on the top of the hill)
The Former Chinese Consulate is the only eastern-style building of the Ijinkan homes. The inside is furnished with various art pieces dating back between the Ming and Qing dynasties of China.
[ See details ]
| Address | 2-18-2 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | ●20 minute walk from Sannomiy[…] |
| Tel | 0120-888-581 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Eat
Starbucks (Kitano, Kobe Ijinkan Store)
This Starbucks was originally the 2nd floor of a mansion that was built in 1907. An American lived in the building during that time. There are six rooms including the lounge, dining, and guest rooms. Starbucks kept this set up, along with the antique furniture. You won’t have to pay the entrance fee for the […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 3-1-31 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | 11 minute walk from Sannomiya[…] |
| Tel | 078-230-6302 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
la Maison de GRACIANI, Kitano, Kobe
Built in 1908, a French trading merchant named Mr. Granciani once lived here. It has been turned into a French restaurant that was awarded a Michelin Star! Dinner is quite expensive, but their lunch courses start at 4900 yen, not including tax.
[ See details ]
| Address | 4-8-1 Kitanochou, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo |
|---|---|
| Access | A 15 minute walk from Sannomi[…] |
| Tel | 078-200-6031 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
