The interior has a nostalgic vibe, and you can really feel what life was like for foreigners who lived here back in the day.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Weathercock House
A symbolic landmark of the Kitano Ijinkan district.
3.58
1
Famed for the weathercock perched atop its spire, this residence is one of the signature Western-style houses of the area. Built around 1909 by German trader Gottfried Thomas as his personal home, it is the only surviving ijinkan in the Kitano-Yamamoto district featuring a brick exterior. The vivid brickwork, the stone-masonry entrance porch, and the half-timbering on the second floor give the house a stately presence that sets it apart from other ijinkan.
The interior recreates the atmosphere of its original construction period, rooted in traditional German design. At the same time, elements such as the metal door handles on the first-floor rooms, the decorative column capitals on the entry porch, and the chandelier in the reception room show the influence of Art Nouveau, which flourished from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Celebrated for its beautiful architecture, the house is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. On weekends, knowledgeable staff members lead guided tours, allowing visitors to appreciate the building from a variety of perspectives.
Highlights
-
A symbolic landmark of the Kitano Ijinkan district, known for the weathercock atop its spire.
-
Its beautiful architectural style has earned it designation as a National Important Cultural Property.
-
On weekends, guided tours are offered to showcase the house’s charm from various perspectives.
Photos
-
The weathercock atop the spire is the house’s defining feature.
-
Take note of the interior, which recreates the atmosphere of the time it was built.
-
You’ll also notice Art Nouveau influences in the finer details of the design.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have brochures or signage in foreign languages? If so, which languages are available?
A
Yes. We offer multilingual brochures and signage in Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Kobe free Wi-Fi is available
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
There are no restrooms inside the house. Please use the facilities at the tourist information center located in front of the building.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A
It is possible on the same day.
Reviews
1
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 風見鶏の館
- Postal Code
- 650-0002
- Address
- 3-13-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo
- Telephone
- 078-242-3223
- Closed
- Third Tuesday of every month（If it is a national holiday, the next day is closed）
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:45pm)
- Admission
-
Adults 500 yen; free for high school students and younger
Combined ticket for Weathercock House and Moegi House: 650 yen - Access
- About 15 minutes walk from JR Sannomiya station, Hankyu Sannomiya station and Hanshin Kobe Sannomiya station
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)