Kobe's Western Atmosphere - Kitano Foreign Houses

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