Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Former Foreign Residences)

When the port of Kobe opened in 1868, the "Kobe Kitano Ijin-gai (foreign city)" developed as a land of foreign settlement. Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, the town has a unique mix of Western and Japanese style buildings. About 30 Western-style buildings have been preserved in their original state, and 16 are open to the public.

Each house has a very different design. The "Weathercock House" has a symbolic weathercock. The beautiful yellow exterior walls of "Moegi House" maintain their original state. The "Uroko House" exterior walls are covered with about 3,000 natural stone slates that look like fish scales. Just looking at the building is fun enough, but it is also lovely to look down on the cityscape of Kobe from inside the buildings. From the quaint buildings and cityscape, you can catch a glimpse of the foreigner's lifestyle from their own cultures.

There is also a wide range of attractions. You can sit on the "Saturn Chair" at the "Yamate Hachiban-kan" said to make your wish come true. Maybe make original perfume at the "Dutch Museum and Fragrance House," or take fun photos at the "Kobe Mysterious Consulate of Trick Art."
Walking around the stylish cityscape will give you a theme park-like experience.