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[Kobe City] The mansion “Plato Museum of Decorative Arts (Italian Pavilion)” built in the Taisho period is full of photogenic spots

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Among the Kitano Ijinkan District, a popular tourist spot in Kobe, the Plato Museum of Decorative Arts (Italian Pavilion), which displays many beautiful antique works mainly from Italy, is also a popular spot to stand out. We will introduce the highlights of the ``Plato Museum of Decorative Arts.''

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"Plato Museum of Decorative Arts" is a mansion originally built in 1915 (Taisho 4) as Mr. Aboi's personal residence. It is currently open as a museum displaying antique art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including furniture, furnishings, paintings, and sculptures.

The biggest feature of this facility is that the owner's family actually lives there. This is the only public Ijinkan in the Kitano Ijinkan area where people live. The maids who act as guides are also surprising because they are real maids who actually work for the owner's family.

The reception room immediately after entering<br>
The reception room immediately after entering

The ``Plato Museum of Decorative Arts'' has beautiful works of art displayed throughout the museum, creating a mesmerizing space that makes you feel like you are visiting an aristocratic mansion.

The interior of the museum is filled with beautiful items, including paintings by famous artists such as Millet and Rousseau, and sculptures by Rodin and Claudion. No matter where you take a photo, it will be a picture.

Rousseau's autograph drawing<br>
Rousseau's autograph drawing

The tables in the dining room on the first floor are luxuriously set according to the season, and are very nice. After the museum closes, the owner's family sometimes eats and invites guests for dinner parties.

Furniture with Renaissance-style carvings also has a strong presence. Take a close look at the collection of silverware and demitasse cups on the shelves.

Silverware lined up in the cupboard<br>
Silverware lined up in the cupboard

Next, let's go up to the second floor. The second floor has a powder room, bedroom, study, and living room. Every room is stylish and has a wonderful space lined with wonderful antique items. I can't help but take pictures.

There is also a large perfume bottle in the powder room.<br>
There is also a large perfume bottle in the powder room.
Bedroom lined with adorable teddy bears<br>
Bedroom lined with adorable teddy bears

This is a ``Chinoiserie-style study'', and mainly Ming Dynasty furniture and furnishings are on display. ``Chinoiserie'' is a Chinese style design that was popular among European aristocrats and wealthy people.

The living room, which was used as a place to drink tea after meals, is also decorated with furniture reminiscent of China.

Go down two floors to the basement. The basement contains 18th century brandy from the Napoleonic era, a wine cellar containing approximately 500 bottles of wine, and rare exhibits such as a solid gold crown.

2005 carat topaz<br>
2005 carat topaz

While touring the museum, I couldn't stop admiring the beautiful items, which made me say, ``How wonderful!'' from beginning to end. Please enjoy your tour of the facility while listening carefully to the story of the maid who will act as your guide.

Enjoy an elegant cafe time on the terrace

The ``Plato Museum of Decorative Arts'' is worth seeing just by touring the interior, but when you visit the facility, you should definitely stop by the cafe. Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the restaurant is located on the garden terrace overlooking the pool. You can enjoy sweets such as cakes and baked goods made by the owner's wife, as well as drinks such as tea and coffee.

The cafe's popular ``Cookie Set'' (1,300 yen) is a set of today's cookie and drink. Set drinks include coffee, tea, ginger ale, and orange juice.

In addition, this ``Cafe Affogato'' (900 yen) is also one of the popular menu items. An Italian dessert made by pouring warm espresso coffee over vanilla ice cream and adding brandy for flavor.

The bittersweet espresso flavor and the sweetness of the cold vanilla ice cream go together perfectly for an elegant taste. Enjoying tea while looking out at the garden is a truly luxurious experience. If you want to spend an elegant time, please come here.

You can also take out baked goods such as cookies. We also recommend buying some as souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Cafe business hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only 11:30-16:00

Access information

The Plato Museum of Decorative Arts is located about a 10-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station on the Shinkansen and subway. If you take the City Loop, it's a 5-minute walk from the Kitano Ijinkan stop.

The City Loop is a tour bus that takes you to the main sightseeing spots in Kobe, so it is recommended when sightseeing in Kobe. Information on how to ride the bus, bus stops, discounted tickets, etc. can be found on our website.

Click here for purchase and details of Kobe 1-day bus ticket

This ticket is recommended for those who are considering touring around Himeji and Hyogo prefectures other than Kobe! Kobe 1-day bus ticket contents + A mobile ticket that allows you to ride unlimited Shinki Bus routes for 1,000 yen per day. *Limited to foreign visitors tourists visiting Japan

Click here for purchase and details of Hyogo Amazing Pass

There is no parking lot. If you are driving, please use the nearby coin parking.

``Plato Museum of Decorative Arts'' has a spacious space that makes you feel as if you have entered another world. The luxurious interior of the museum is lined with numerous works of art, and the interior changes depending on the season, so you'll be able to enjoy it no matter how many times you visit. We highly recommend this facility to anyone who loves antiques or wants to go to a spot that stands out.

(Writer Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is information as of July 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

basic information

Plato Museum of Decorative Arts (Italian Pavilion)

Address: 1-6-15 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 078-271-3346

Business hours: 10:00-17:00

*The schedule is subject to change. Please be sure to check the official website.

Closed: Tuesdays Admission fee: 800 yen

Access: ・20 minutes walk from Sannomiya Station on each line ・10 minutes walk from Shinkansen/Subway Shin-Kobe Station ・5 minutes walk from City Loop "Kitano Ijinkan" bus stop

Parking: None

HP: https://www.kobeijinkan.com/ijinkan_list/platon

SNS: Instagram

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