[2025 Kobe Attraction] Travel Guide for Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (Updated Apr)

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Street This is my first time in Kobe When I came to Osaka before, I only visited Nara and Kyoto on the way. The one-day trip to Kobe this time is Kitano Ijinkan➡️Eat steak➡️Ikuta Shrine➡️Port area➡️Harbs crepe cake I didn't expect that Kitano Ijinkan Street is a huge uphill slope🥲 It's not far from the station but it takes 20 minutes to walk there. The Western-style buildings here are very good to take pictures Because of the prosperity of port trade in the past Therefore, many distinctive foreign-style buildings and consulates remain. Most of them require tickets to visit, but there are also free ones. The whole street planning style is very Western and exotic There are many tourists from China, Hong Kong and Macau here, which is great. I don't know if it has something to do with the cruise ship docking. The most famous #风见鶏の館 is currently closed for renovation So I can only buy some souvenirs. It's a pity that it rained all day in Kobe Otherwise, you should go and see some more places. The cutest one is I noticed that there was a little boy standing on the signboard. Later I checked online and found out that the little boy's name is Tobita-kun It's quite famous and often appears in different places all over Japan🤭🤭 #100TravelWays ##KobeTravel #KitanoIjinkan #KobeSpecialties

It is not difficult to find these communities around the world that are extremely different in appearance and atmosphere from their native regions. In Kobe, this foreign settlement with a strong Western flavor is called "Ijinkan". As you walk up the hill, you will see huge Western-style mansions unfolding before your eyes. Many of them are painted in bright and lively colors, with typical gabled roofs, chimneys, arches, shutters, columns and lintels. Combined with the surrounding botanical gardens and foreign flags fluttering in the wind, you will feel as if you are in Europe. At the same time, the environment of Mid-Levels is quiet and comfortable, and you can overlook the city and sea view below the mountain, and feel the carefree life of the upper-class foreigners at that time. 📍Background Information Since the Port of Kobe began operating in 1868, Kobe has gradually developed into an international trading port with frequent transactions with foreigners. Therefore, many foreign businessmen moved here during the Meiji and Taisho periods. The government also designated the Kitano-cho area located mid-mountain as a foreign residence, built many luxurious mansions and foreign consulates, forming a unique Western community with a unique street appearance and local customs. After experiencing wars and earthquakes, there are still more than 30 precious historical buildings in the area, among which the most famous are the German merchant's mansion Kazami Tsukino-kan built in 1910, the American Consul General's residence Moegawa-no-kan built in 1903, and the "Fish Scale House" with a natural slate exterior wall. The mansions also retain the interior design, gorgeous decorations and Western household items of the time. Some of them will also display collections or hold special exhibitions. Visitors can purchase tickets to enter. 📍Extended thinking When visiting Kobe, you might want to take a closer look at how different cultures coexist and blend together here. With the influx of a large amount of Western culture, how does the local culture continue to be passed down and preserved? (By the way, Kobe is also one of the birthplaces of Japanese sake, with sake brewing factories dating back seven centuries.) 📌Kitano Ijinkan 🗺Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City 🚖After exiting Sannomiya Station, walk up the mountain for 15 minutes #JapanTravel#KobeAttractions#KobeTourism#GlobalTravel

The Western-style buildings exude an exotic atmosphere. Starbucks is also a registered tangible cultural property and has a certain charm. Most of the buildings are paid, but it might be a good idea to first soak in the atmosphere at the only free building, "Rhein no Yakata." It is one of Kobe's most famous tourist spots. We recommend a date with a stylish townscape. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Street [Access] JR Kobe Line "Sannomiya" Station, Hankyu Kobe Line "Sannomiya" Station, Hanshin Main Line "Kobe Sannomiya" Station, about 15 minutes walk from each line *Since it is uphill from the station, we also recommend taking the loop bus (260 yen per trip) Visit date: August 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Couple trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Kobe #Sannomiya #Motomachi #Ijinkan #Kobe Kitano Ijinkan #Recommended for dates #Anniversary dates #Sightseeing

Here are the highlights of things to see in Kobe. Save this guide for your next trip to Japan! 🇯🇵 📍 Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park ~ has a preserved part of the wharf to show the impact of the 1995 earthquake. 📍 Ikuta Jinja Shrine ~ has a bright vermilion gate and buildings. 📍 Kitano Ijinkan-gai ~ many former foreign residences that feels like walking around a mini Europe. 📍 Chinatown ~ with over 100 Chinese restaurants and many souvenir shops. 📍 Shinnyo-en ~ a small temple located up a steep hill with beautiful city views. #kobe #kobejapan #kobetrip #japan #japantrip #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

📍 Kitano Ijinkan-Gai in Kobe, Japan Located just a 15 minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station lies Kobe’s very own European village. This fashionable town is filled with nostalgic atmosphere, as more than 12 former foreign mansions remain open to the public from the late 19th century. It’s a wonderful place to walk around and explore, viewing beautiful buildings with historic european architecture and designs. #kobe #kobejapan #kobetrip #japan #japantrip #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

The Kitano area of ​​Kobe, with its many slopes and a tranquil atmosphere, is dotted with former Western mansions known as "Ijinkan." These "Ijinkan" are currently used in a variety of ways, including as museums and wedding venues. Starbucks Kobe Kitano Ijinkan is located in one of these "Ijinkan," Kitano Monogatarikan. The Kitano Monogatarikan is a cute building with a contrast of white and green. It is a two-story wooden house built in 1907, and is a historical building designated as a national registered tangible cultural property. ▪︎ Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Address: Kitano Monogatarikan, 3-1-31 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe Opening hours: 8:00-22:00 #Hyogo Tourism #777

I mentioned above that I went to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. After returning to the foot of the mountain, we went to the nearby Kitano Ijinkan. Since my sister and I have visited many museums and palaces in Europe, we were not very interested in entering various museums and just took some photos outside. The foreign houses we have visited include the most famous Kazamiya-kan, Moegi-kan, Kobe Foreigners Club, and Yamate Hachiban-kan. In addition, we also went to the Starbucks Kobe Kitano Ijinkan store, which is a "tangible cultural property". I think it is so special to have such exotic buildings in Japan, which makes people feel like they are in Europe. In fact, in addition to the above-mentioned pavilions, there are also the Rhine Pavilion, the Italian Pavilion, the Kobe Kitano Museum of Art, the French Pavilion, the British Pavilion, the Fish Scale House, the Bain House, the Netherlands Pavilion, the Austrian House, and the Danish Pavilion. If you don't want to visit every museum, it shouldn't take more than 2 hours to walk through the entire alien museum area and take some photos. But please note⚠️, there are many residential houses near the Yiren Pavilion, so please keep quiet when visiting🤫! Before leaving the Ijinkan, I had some Rokkosan Ranch soft serve ice cream 🍦, which was full of milky flavor, but a little not smooth enough. --------- 📬Kitano Ijinkan Street #Kobe Ijinkan #Rokkosan Ranch Ice Cream #Kobe #Japanese Places to Visit

Come to Kobe in addition to the port night view 🌃 delicious wagyu beef 😬 full of exotic style Kitano Yiren Pavilion is one of the attractions that many tourists visit 🫢 There are all kinds of 🫢🫢 characteristic buildings and exotic food 🫣 From time to time there may even be street artists performing😳 You can also purchase a package to collect stamps😚 Definitely can spend most of the day in these romantic buildings😬😬 Due to the expansion of the port of Kobe, it began to trade with foreigners 😍 so that this city began to become the main immigration place of foreigners 🫣 especially Kitano 😳 So here are located all kinds of foreign businessmen's homes, consulates, etc These non-Japanese-style buildings are collectively known as the alien pavilion ❤️❤️ Unfortunately, the Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred in Japan in 1995🥲🥲 Therefore, some of the buildings in Kitano Ijinkan have suffered large and small damage🧐 However, it was successfully rebuilt through hard work😉😉 Kitano Ijinkan has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Kobe today😝 The cost of visiting each alien pavilion is different 😀 So before you leave, you can check online which building to visit or plan how to purchase the package is the most affordable However, even if you do not buy tickets 🎫 you can already feel the exotic style at the door and the streets and you can take very beautiful photos 😊🫣 The Starbucks at the entrance is a must-visit spot for everyone 😚😚😚 If you plan to visit Kobe, you must come here🫢 There may be unexpected discoveries #japanattractions #HongKong #familygoods #foodie #cafe #resident writer #overseas travel #Japan #parent-child travel #couple travel #photo

Kobe actually has many special and different attractions besides Kobe beef This time bring your family to experience the special exotic Japanese art gallery - Kobe Kitano Ijinkan From Osaka to Kobe, you can reach Kitano Ijinkan Street by bus/walk, as Kobe was a trading area at the time, foreigners came to preach, resulting in many foreigners living in this area, and many foreign characteristics of the design exist The alien museum is a combination of art galleries of different buildings, with a little like the mid-mountain area Go up through different slopes and you will see different entrances Each pavilion has its own characteristics, suitable for taking pictures Luckily my family is satisfied haha❤️ Please note the opening hours and the weather in Japan on the day #japanattractions #familygoodplaces #foodie #kobe #touristattractions #family #japan #japanattractions #japangoodplaces

#2023 Travel Wish Kobe is about a 30-minute train ride from Osaka. Compared to the huge crowds in Osaka, there are obviously fewer people on the streets here, and it is very comfortable to walk around and take a look. There are many Western-style buildings on the street, such as Daimaru Department Store and Kitano Ijinkan, which are very exotic. The beauty of Kobe Port is one of the best in Japan and even in the world. If you take a cable car to Nunobiki or Mt. Rokko for a visit, you will definitely be able to enjoy the amazing scenery. I really want to travel to Kobe in 2023.

Characteristic streets, suitable for strolling Located in the central area of ​​Kobe City, this European-style street has romantic cottages built along the way, some of which are open to tourists and have unique furnishings inside. If you come in summer, some cottage gardens are filled with beautiful rust flowers. The exterior design of the Starbucks on the slope is probably unique in the world and is a must-see attraction. Please note that there are more diners and the waiting time for a seat is also longer.

I've put together a list of 7 great places to visit in Hyogo! ① #atoa ② #HimejiCastle ③ #KobeHarborland ④ #Hyakudanen ⑤ #ArimaOnsen ⑥ #KitanoIjinkan ⑦ #AkashiKaikyoBridge I hope this will be helpful for your trip to Hyogo💕

I went to a Starbucks on the way to the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan ✨ The building was designed with a similar concept to the Ijinkan, and there were lots of photo spots, making it a really nice space ♡ If you go to the Ijinkan, be sure to stop by! #AutumnTrip #Halloween #BeautifulView #Gourmet #Hyogo #Kobe #KobeTourism #StarbucksCoffeeKobeKitanoIjinkanStore

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai is an area that became a settlement for many foreigners who came to Kobe after the port was opened in 1868, and many Western-style buildings built mainly from the Meiji to Taisho eras remain. The buildings that survived the fires of war and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake are extremely valuable. #KobeTourism #KobeKitanoIjinkan #KitanoIjinkan #Kobe

Kobe Ijinkan There are rows of old embassies. When I came here a long time ago, I went on a tour, so I just looked at the streetscape, but when I became an adult, I wanted to see the inside, so I drove all the way here from the Kanto region. I felt a sense of accomplishment, and I want to go to Europe as soon as the coronavirus is over 🌞 I pray for everyone's health I wonder what kind of life the people who used to live here lived 2. Address: Recommended points: Rating: 3. Address: Recommended points: Rating: Address: Recommended points: Rank: 2. Address: Recommended points: Rank: 3. Address: Recommended points: Rank:

Ijinkan-gai is a street of foreign houses in the Kitano area of ​​Kobe, which is full of exotic atmosphere. This area is lined with Western-style buildings from the Meiji era, and is a spot dotted with stylish buildings✨ You can enter the foreign houses and take overseas-style photos◎ The buildings are on high ground overlooking the sea, so you will have to climb up slopes and stairs to get there, so you may need some physical strength! Access: Yamamoto-dori, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture (15 minutes walk from Sannomiya Station) #Kobe #Hyogo #Overseas style

"NATURE STUDIO" is a community-based complex built on the site of Minatoyama Elementary School, which closed in 2015. The facility is home to the Minatoyama Aquarium, which makes use of the facilities of the elementary school, and a food hall that was renovated from a gymnasium. Inside the food hall, there is a craft beer shop with a brewery attached. There are multiple types of beer, so you can choose the one you like and drink it. Access: 2-18 Yukigosho-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture (20 minutes by bus from Sannomiya Station) #Kobe #Hyogo #Gourmet #GourmetTrip

I went to Minatoyama Aquarium, an aquarium created by renovating a closed elementary school 🐠 The exhibits are attractive because they preserve the school's facilities, and it's a spot where you can feel a nostalgic atmosphere with chairs, desks, and teachers' rooms from the elementary school ✨ The tanks are built from a child's perspective, so you can experience a childhood ♪ It's a small aquarium, but you can meet popular creatures such as jellyfish, garden eels, and otters ✨ Access: 2-24-101 Yukigosho-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture NATURE STUDIO EAST 1F (20 minutes by bus from Sannomiya Station) #Kobe #Aquarium

#OverseasTravel#Kobe#JapanTravel Kazami Chicken House and Moe Yellow House are the two most popular and representative houses among the Kitano Ijinkan. The two museums are very close to each other, right next door, and you can go in and visit. There is a small square in the center which is also suitable for taking photos and resting. The Kitano area became a gathering place for foreigners. They built various Western-style buildings in the middle of the mountain, which were called "foreign houses" by the locals. Tickets are required for entry👉🏻👉🏻 Tickets for both museums are available for sale as a package for 650 yen address 3-13-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai This street is full of lovely Western-style houses. If you're a Sherlock fan, you can't miss this spot! The Mysterious Consulate has many exhibits of people, animals, and more. You can see the unique French-style design in the Western-style tenement house. This street is also full of bridal salons and wedding accessory shops! Spots: British House, Kobe Trick Art - Mysterious Consulate, Western-style Tenement House (France House) Address: Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002 #Foreigner's House #Sherlock Holmes #Exotic Atmosphere #Retro Spot

After strolling around Nankinmachi, I walked to the Ijinkan district... Of course it was really hilly‼️ I was tired lol But the streetscape full of exotic atmosphere was really nice🙌✨ There were hardly any people so I was able to take a leisurely stroll😊 Starbucks and Ijinkan☕️ The exterior and interior were stylish✨✨ I wish I had had the time to take a rest...😂 ＊Kitano Ijinkan District 〒650-0003 Yamamoto-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo ■15 minutes walk from Sannomiya Station ■10 minutes walk from Shin-Kobe Station #Kobe #KobeTrip #KitanoIjinkan #KobeTourism #RecommendedList #WalkingAroundTheCity

I went to the Kitano Ijinkan Former Moore House in Kitano, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. They're famous for their strawberry millefeuille🍓 I ordered a set of millefeuille and tea. It cost 2,000 yen, but it was so delicious that it was worth it😋 You can eat inside the Kitano Ijinkan, so please come and visit! #retrotownscape #Kobe #KitanoIjinkan #gourmettrip

It was such a cute town that I encountered about three cats. Unfortunately, this time it was temporarily closed due to COVID-19, so I was only able to see the outside, but next time I'd like to buy a premium pass and visit. #Kobe #KitanoIjinkan #Cat #SupportTourism

Above all, the Starbucks is stylish. It's a tourist area where you can enjoy just walking around the town lined with Western-style buildings. This is the most recommended area in Kobe. #Historic sites with a sense of history #Supporting tourism

Start your day at the lively yet tranquil Ikuta Shrine. With a history spanning 1,800 years, this shrine is located right in the city center. After paying your respects, take a leisurely stroll along the paths within the shrine grounds to experience a touch of serenity in Kobe's daily life. Next, head up the slope to the exotic Kitano Ijinkan Street. This area is lined with charming Western-style houses, such as the Weathercock House and the Moegi House. Each building has its own fascinating Western-inspired story, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time to Kobe during the Meiji era. For lunch, visit the bustling Sannomiya Shopping Street, where numerous restaurants and shops await. Whether it's Kobe beef bowls, udon noodles, or Western-style cuisine, the options are sure to whet your appetite. I chose a reasonably priced yet delicious tonkatsu restaurant, where the crispy exterior and juicy meat left me feeling energized. After exploring the shopping street, take a walk to Kobe Port Tower, a symbol of Kobe's harbor. Ascend the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and cityscape, with the sea breeze gently brushing against you. In the evening, stroll over to the nearby Mosaic Plaza. Dine at a seaside restaurant while admiring the harbor's nightscape, with the Ferris wheel and Kobe Port Tower illuminated. This marks the perfect end to a fulfilling and romantic one-day trip. Must-Visit Spots: Ikuta Shrine Kitano Ijinkan Street Sannomiya Shopping Street Kobe Port Tower Mosaic Plaza

Swap bustling Osaka for Kobe—a city where sizzling steaks, hot springs, and harbor views collide. Perfect for day-trippers, here’s how to savor Kobe’s magic *fast*! --- ### **1. Morning: Meat & Greet** 🥩🔥 Start strong with **Kobe Beef**—Japan’s melt-in-your-mouth wagyu. Head to **Steak Aoyama** or **Ishida** for lunch (yes, lunch is cheaper!). Pair with a local **sake**; Kobe’s Nada district brews 1/3 of Japan’s famed rice wine! --- ### **2. Harbor Hopping** 🌊📸 Stroll **Kobe Harborland**: - **Meriken Park** ⚓: Snap the red **Port Tower** and haunting **Earthquake Memorial**. - **Mosaic Ferris Wheel** 🎡: Sunset views over Osaka Bay. --- ### **3. Afternoon: Culture & Chill** ⛩️🍃 - **Kitano Ijinkan** 🏡: Wander past Western-style mansions in this historic foreign district. - **Nunobiki Herb Garden** 🌸: Ride the ropeway for waterfalls, fragrant gardens, and city panoramas. --- ### **4. Hot Spring Escape** ♨️🚇 Detour to **Arima Onsen** (30 mins by train)—one of Japan’s oldest onsens! Soak in: - **Kin no Yu** 🥇: Golden iron-rich waters. - **Gin no Yu** 🥈: Silvery radium springs. --- ### **5. Evening: Lights & Bites** 🌃🍴 - **Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)** 🥟: Grab pork buns or **Akashiyaki** (octopus dumplings). - **Kobe Luminarie** ✨ (Dec only): Dazzling light festival post-sunset. --- ### **Plan Smart** 🗺️⏱️ - **Getting There**: 20 mins from Osaka (JR Tokaido Line) or 50 mins from Kyoto. - **Best Time**: Spring 🌸 (cherry blossoms) or Fall 🍁 (cool hikes). - **Pro Tip**: Buy a **Kobe City Loop Bus** pass for easy sightseeing! --- **Final Bite**: Kobe packs gourmet eats, seaside zen, and mountain retreats into one unforgettable day. Whether you’re beef-devouring, sake-sipping, or onsen-hopping, this city serves it all with flair. Ready to meat Kobe? **Pin This Guide** 📌🍷 *for your Kobe cravings!*

#Overseas travel #Osaka travel #Kobe day trip #Kobe travel Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Kitano Foreign Village) is a European-style historical site located in Kobe, Japan It is said that foreigners actually lived there in the late 19th century and early 20th century! When you come here, you will feel like you are walking through a small European town, with architectural styles from various European countries! There are now museums, cafes, and shops in the village! Starbucks is especially popular!

Hello :) We are 90s kids and this is our first time visiting Kobe, Japan. When we first arrived, we felt that it was so quiet, unlike Osaka which was quite lively. But as we walked around, we started to feel that it was nice. We like the peacefulness of this place. It is a small and lovely city. It is not far from Kansai Airport. You can take the train or, if you want to chill like us, the bus is also convenient. You can also enjoy the view along the way. Kobe is a city surrounded by ports and clear skies. It has a minimalist Japanese style mixed with a bit of European influence, especially in the downtown area which looks modern and has its own unique charm. People here do not seem to be in a hurry, are not stressed, and are easy to smile. We can feel the friendliness and chill in the air. One thing we would like to highly recommend is the steamed buns. They are sooo delicious. The queue is unrealistically long, but it is really worth it. For us, these are the most delicious steamed buns we have ever eaten in Japan (I secretly think they beat some in Thailand). After walking around, we arrived at Kobe Port, which is one of the city's landmarks. The atmosphere is great. People often come here to sit, talk, and walk around. It is very peaceful and relaxing. But if you go out of town a bit, especially in the evening in residential areas, It's a bit quiet, but for us, the tranquility is very charming. Another thing I love is the cafes in downtown — so many cute ones! If I have a chance to come back again, I'll definitely go to cafes to the fullest. #TravelJapan #trip #foodphotography

#springwander Spring is a fantastic season to explore Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, a charming historical district in Kobe. With its well-preserved Western-style mansions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area offers a unique blend of Japanese and European influences. The spring breeze makes wandering through the cobbled streets even more enjoyable, and the seasonal flowers add a picturesque touch to the already beautiful scenery. Many of the historic houses are open to visitors, allowing you to step inside and experience their distinct architectural styles. I especially loved the panoramic view of Kobe from the observation spots—it’s a perfect spot for taking in the cityscape while enjoying the fresh spring air. Why You Should Visit: ✔ A beautiful mix of Western architecture and Japanese charm, enhanced by springtime flowers ✔ Great photo spots and lovely cafés where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere 📍 Address: Kitano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan #Kobe #Japan #KitanoIjinkan #SpringTravel #HistoricalDistrict #Hyogo