A One-Day Stroll Through Kobe: Experiencing Exotic Charm in a Port City

Kitano Ijinkan Street: Strolling Through Elegant Western Architecture

The streets in Kitano Ijinkan were lined with trees and gas lamps, creating a distinctly Western atmosphere.

On January 1, 1868, Kobe Port officially opened to foreign trade, and areas like Kitanocho were designated as foreign settlements. The streets in these areas were lined with trees and gas lamps, creating a distinctly Western atmosphere. The term "Ijin" refers to the residences of foreigners, and during the peak period, Kitano Ijinkan Street was home to over 300 such buildings. Today, about 30 remain, and 20 are open to the public. Each building is uniquely designed, and walking through the sloping streets offers a truly immersive experience of this Western-style neighbourhood.

The streets in Kitano Ijinkan were lined with trees and gas lamps, creating a distinctly Western atmosphere.

Built in 1909 for a German merchant, Weathercock House is the only surviving brick-constructed Ijinkan building in Kitano. It is an iconic symbol of the area with its red brick exterior, stone-constructed entrance, and European-style furnishings. The famous weathercock atop the roof is instantly recognizable.

Weathercock House is the only surviving brick-constructed Ijinkan building in Kitano.

Weathercock House Address: 3-13-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Last entry at 16:45,Close on the third Tuesday every month) Admission Fee: 500 yen

Website: https://kobe-kazamidori.com/language/

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-Gai

Website: http://www.kobeijinkan.com/ijinkan_list

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Best City Views of Kobe

Located near Kitano Ijinkan Street, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is said to be over 800 years old and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. The shrine sits atop the highest point of Kitano, next to Weathercock House. A designated "Best Photography Spot" by the shrine’s water basin offers a breathtaking view of Kobe Harbor and the cityscape. During cherry blossom season, the shrine's entrance, adorned with a torii gate, is surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms, creating a stunning scene.

During cherry blossom season, the shrine's entrance, adorned with a torii gate, is surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms. A designated "Best Photography Spot" by the shrine’s water basin offers a breathtaking view of Kobe Harbor and the cityscape.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Address: 3-12-1, Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, 650-0002 Opening Hours: 07:30–17:00 Admission: Free

Website: https://www.kobe-kitano.net/

Affordable Teppanyaki: Savor the Taste of Kobe Beef

Kobe beef, one of Japan’s top three wagyu varieties, is known for its tender texture and marbled fat that melts in your mouth. To enjoy Kobe beef at a reasonable price, head to the famous STEAKLAND which has three locations in Kobe . The lunch sets, starting at just 3,500 yen, are especially popular for offering a great value on authentic Kobe beef.

If you want to enjoy Kobe beef at a reasonable price, head to the famous Steak Land, which has three locations in Kobe. Kobe beef, one of Japan’s top three wagyu varieties, is known for its tender texture and marbled fat that melts in your mouth.

STEAKLAND Kobe Address: 1-9-17, Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi Sannomiya encouragement of new industry building 6F

Opening Hours:11:00—14:00,17:00—22:00

Address: 1-8-2, Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi Miyaba building 1F, 2F

Opening Hours:11:00—22:00

Address: 1-7-20, Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi Maekawa Building 1F

Opening Hours:17:00—22:00(Close on Sunday)

Website: https://steakland-kobe.jp/en/