The last house I visited in Kobe Kitano Ijinkan was the Rhine House. Rhine House is the only place in Kitano Ijinkan that is open for free, allowing visitors to enter with ease.
“Constructed in 1915, Rhine House”
Rhine House, or Rhine Noyakata, is a building constructed in the 4th year of the Taisho era (1915). This two-story wooden structure features a balcony, bay windows, and other architectural elements characteristic of early 20th-century Western-style mansions. In 1978, when it was opened to the public, the building’s name was decided through a public contest, and it became known as Rhine Noyakata.
“A Two-Story Building”
Like the other houses in Kitano Ijinkan, Rhine House is a two-story building. The first floor is mainly used as a shop, souvenir store, and photo zone, while the second floor serves as a space for introducing the history of Kitano Ijinkan or hosting exhibitions.
“A Building Open to the Public for Free”
Rhine House is the only building in Kitano Ijinkan that allows free entry. Consequently, it is a particularly welcoming site. However, perhaps because it is freely accessible, there may be fewer notable features compared to other places.
Considering that visitors may have explored other places more thoroughly after paying an entrance fee, it is possible that Rhine House, being free, was set up with a lighter exhibition. Alternatively, it could be that, as a free attraction, it was designed for casual exploration without any financial commitment.
Rhine House is conveniently located on the main street of Kitano Ijinkan, and right in front of it, there is a bus stop where many tourists can be seen waiting for buses.
After a quick tour of Rhine House, I had to swiftly move on to Meriken Park, where the iconic Kobe Port Tower, symbolizing Kobe, awaited before leaving Kobe for the last time.
“Kobe Kitano Ijinkan, Rhine House”
- Address: 2 Chome-10-24 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan
- Phone: +81782223403
- Website: Kitano Ijinkan – Rhine House
- Operating Hours: 9:00 – 18:00