Kitano Ijinkan

兵庫県

general.prefecture.

Discover spots where you can learn about Kobe's unknown history.

In 1868, with the opening of Hyogo Prefecture under the Ansei Five-Power Treaty, a "foreign settlement" was born in the city of Kobe. The historic Western-style houses, which have become increasingly rare due to war and aging, are of high value to the country and have been designated as an Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

特徴・楽しみ方

定番文化

見どころ

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Experience the Atmosphere of Foreign Architecture

The biggest feature of Kitano Ijinkan is the buildings that give off an atmosphere of foreign architecture. When you step into the Kitano Ijinkan area, you will see buildings with a completely different appearance from Japanese structures. The houses left behind by foreigners who moved in after the opening of Kobe Port over 100 years ago still retain their beauty and can be viewed today! You will definitely feel like you have come to a foreign residential area. This is a spot where you can enjoy the exterior of the buildings alone!

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View the Interior of Buildings that Reveal the Past

At Kitano Ijinkan, you can view the interior of the buildings. Upon entering, you'll see kitchen items and table settings that reflect the style of the time, as well as paintings and sculptures on display. There are also Ijinkan with antique furniture sets, so antique lovers must check out the interior! Each Ijinkan has a different theme, so it's fun to visit several and take a look around.

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Enjoy Trick Art at the Foreigner's House, Where You Can Also Have Fun

画像引用：神戸北野異人館街

Did you know that at Kitano Foreigner's House, you can not only enjoy the foreigner's house, but also trick art? Among the foreigner's houses, there is the "Kobe Trick Art Mysterious Consulate," which was built as Mr. Hilton's residence at the time and was a historic building that was used as the Panamanian Consulate after the war. Currently, the interior is filled with trick art, and you can enjoy optical illusions in six different corners. Take lots of funny photos with your friends and family! Let's enjoy trick art in a historic building!

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Commemorative Photos in a Dress

画像引用：異人館うろこグループ

At Kitano Ijinkan, you can take photos in a dress. At "Kitano Foreigner's Club," you can choose your favorite dress and take photos in a special studio! Dressing up and using the dressing room is limited to women, but a few men's jackets are also available. There is no photographer, so it's a great point that you can easily take photos with friends and family who came with you! If you absolutely want to take photos in a dress, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance.

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Stylish Starbucks in a Western-Style Building

If you visit the Kitano Ijinkan area, one spot you should definitely check out is Starbucks. Unlike the typical Starbucks you see in the city, this one is stylish both on the outside and inside, and has become quite popular. You can experience the atmosphere of the building's interior and its fixtures, which evoke the feeling of the past and are unique to the Kitano Ijinkan Starbucks. Why not spend some time here, enjoying your drink and an experience you can't have anywhere else? It's also recommended to take a photo to commemorate your visit to the Kitano Ijinkan Starbucks.

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Enjoy a Relaxing Cafe Experience in an Elegant Atmosphere

When you visit Kitano Ijinkan, why not take some time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea? At the Former Moore Residence in the Ijinkan district, you can enjoy a cafe experience. You can choose from a variety of desserts and sandwiches, and the taste and stylish appearance are both delightful. There is also a terrace seat where you can enjoy a leisurely time basking in the sunlight amidst nature. Why not try to enjoy a relaxing tea time that flows slowly?

もっとみる

Fee

Admission fees vary depending on each building

The admission fees for the Kitano Ijinkan vary depending on each building. The fees for the Uroko-no-ie and the Observation Gallery are 1,050 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. The British House can be entered for 750 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. The admission fee for the Kobe Trick Art Museum Mysterious Consulate is 800 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. In addition, the Yamate 8th House, the Kitano Foreigners' Club, the Ijinkan on the Hill, the Western-style Tenement Houses, and Ben's House can be entered for 550 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. Set fees are also available, allowing you to enter at a better value than buying a single building ticket every time! It is recommended for those who want to see various Ijinkan.

History

Foreign residences gathered due to the influx of foreigners visiting Japan after the port opening

Kitano Ijinkan was born due to the increase of foreign visitors to Japan after the opening of Kobe Port. As the influx of foreigners increased, the land in the residential area became insufficient. In exchange for allowing cohabitation with Japanese people, the Meiji government decided to make the area from Ikuta River to Uji River a residential area. The north-south range from the residential area to the mountain side was developed, and foreign residences gathered in this area. This is now known as Kitano Ijinkan.