When listing representative tourist attractions in Kobe, one would immediately think of Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館街), as it is not only one of the most famous sights in Kobe but also a prominent symbol of the city. Established by foreigners who arrived in Kobe along with the opening of the port in 1868, this area consists of Western-style residences. Of the remaining 30 houses, 16 are open to the public, creating a small European village within Japan.
“Street Where Foreigners Resided During Kobe’s Port Opening – Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館街)”
Kitano Ijinkan is a street that formed as a result of foreigners residing in Kobe during the city’s port opening. In the Sino-Japanese reading, it can be pronounced as “Hokkaijin-gai,” meaning “Street of Foreigners from the North.” This name originated from the presence of foreigners from various countries in this area during the 18th century. The well-preserved buildings allow visitors to experience Western culture within 18th-century Japan.
“Diverse Western-Style Buildings to Explore”
Given that Kitano Ijinkan can be described as a small European village in Japan, it naturally features a variety of Western-style buildings. However, most of these buildings have an entrance fee. To make the most of the experience without spending too much time and money, it’s advisable to choose a few places to visit selectively.
Here are the entrance fees for some of the accessible buildings in Kitano Ijinkan:
- Weathercock House: 500 yen (Combined ticket with Moegi-no-yakata – 650 yen)
- Moegi-no-yakata: 400 yen (Combined ticket with Weathercock House – 650 yen)
- House of Fragrance (Netherlands): 700 yen (3-ticket combo with House of Fragrance, Denmark, Vienna Austria – 1,300 yen)
- Denmark: 500 yen (3-ticket combo with House of Fragrance, Denmark, Vienna Austria – 1,300 yen)
- Vienna Austria: 500 yen (3-ticket combo with House of Fragrance, Denmark, Vienna Austria – 1,300 yen)
- Uroko’s House & Observation Gallery: 1,050 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Yamamoto 4-Guan Pass – 2,100 yen)
- Kobe Foreigners’ Club: 550 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Yamamoto 4-Guan Pass – 2,100 yen)
- Yamate 8-Guan: 550 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Yamamoto 4-Guan Pass – 2,100 yen)
- Hilltop Ijinkan (Former Chinese Consulate): 550 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Yamamoto 4-Guan Pass – 2,100 yen)
- Kobe Kitano Museum: 500 yen
- Rhine House (Rhine Noyakata): Free
- Ben’s House: 550 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Kitano Dori 3-Guan Pass – 1,400 yen)
- French House: 550 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Kitano Dori 3-Guan Pass – 1,400 yen)
- British House: 750 yen (Ijinkan Circulation Premium Pass – 3,000 yen) (Kitano Dori 3-Guan Pass – 1,400 yen)
- Kobe Trick Art Strange Consulate: 800 yen
- Starbucks Kobe Ijinkan Branch
- Frontreeve (Chapel Dessert)
- Nunobiki Herb Garden
“Get Information from the Tourist Information Center”
When visiting Kitano Ijinkan, the first place to stop by is the Tourist Information Center. The center provides briefings on the current situation in Kitano Ijinkan. During my visit, some areas were undergoing construction, causing road closures. Fortunately, the Tourist Information Center offers guidance on such matters in advance, providing valuable assistance.
Moreover, at the Tourist Information Center, you can obtain a map of the Kitano area, purchase a 1-day pass for the City Loop Bus, and utilize luggage storage and restroom facilities. The Tourist Information Center is located in “Kitano Plaza.”
“A Place Where Many Grandmothers with Cameras Are Seen”
Upon visiting Kitano Ijinkan, it was interesting to observe many grandmothers with large cameras, particularly in this area. Given the exotic atmosphere, it seems natural for people to engage in photography here, perhaps capturing the essence of a foreign land within Japan.
“Kobe, Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館街)”
- Address: Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0003, Japan
- Phone: +81782518360
- Website: Kitano Ijinkan