[Kobe City] Ijinkan is a nationally designated important cultural property! Visit the former American Consul General's residence "Moegi no Yakata"

• Table of Contents
• A Western-style mansion that was the residence of former U.S. Consul General Hunter
• The second floor balcony is a viewing spot with a panoramic view of Kobe city.
• How to get to "Moegi no Yakata"
• Great value bus tickets
• basic information

A Western-style mansion that was the residence of former U.S. Consul General Hunter

If you walk north from Sannomiya Station on all lines towards the mountain side, you will come across Kitano Ijinkan-gai, a district dotted with Western-style houses built by foreign visitors in the Meiji and Taisho periods. The exotic atmosphere of the streets makes it one of Kobe's most popular tourist spots. One of the buildings that stands out among them is Moegi no Yakata, with its beautiful pale green exterior. Built in 1903 (Meiji 36), the Western-style building was constructed as the private residence of U.S. Consul General Hunter Sharp, and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1980 (Showa 55).

The exterior of the building seen from the main gate

"Moegi no Yakata" is characterized by its intricate designs that can be seen throughout the building, including two different shaped bay windows, a staircase decorated with arabesque patterns, and mantelpiece fireplaces with different tile patterns in each room.

The design of the open balcony ceiling is also distinctive.

It was originally called the "White Foreigner's House," but during renovations in 1987, it was discovered that the exterior siding was a pale green. It was later restored to its original color and given its current name. It has also been used as a filming location for numerous movies and dramas, including the NHK morning drama "Beppin-san" that aired in 2016, and autographs of actors who have visited the building are on display. On the first floor there is a reception room, dining room, and study, as well as a kitchen and serving room in the private area.

When you take off your shoes and go inside, the first thing you'll see is a massive staircase. Looking closely, you'll see that the staircase is decorated with intricate arabesque patterns, giving it a strong presence.

The wood used is cherry wood, which is known for its strength. When viewed from the front, Hunter's attention to detail can be seen in the way the patterns are arranged so that they do not overlap.

The first floor was mainly used to entertain guests, and each room is impressive for its extravagant design. The ceilings are 3.74m high, creating a spacious space. The entrances to each room are designed to resemble a gate, and it is said that the concept was that each room was like a house, inviting guests in.

Each room also has a window chair where you can sit by the window.

Mr. Sharp actually lived there for about four years, and after that the house changed hands several times, from Germans to Japanese, Americans, and Germans. The current owners of the house, the Kobayashi family (former Kobe Electric Railway president Kobayashi Hideo), took possession of the house in 1944 (Showa 19), and lived there until 1978 (Showa 53). Therefore, some of the furnishings that were owned by the Kobayashi family are on display inside the house.

Of particular note are the marble bust and piano in the dining room. The marble bust was once owned by Mussolini, the Italian fascist leader! It is said that Mr. Suga Tatehiko, the Japanese painter and grandfather of Mrs. Kobayashi, brought it back from Italy in exchange for one of his own works.

The 88-key piano, also on display in the dining room, is a rare item that was made during Chopin's time. Chopin lived from 1810 to 1849, so this piece is about 170 years old. Take your time to explore the museum, paying attention to these precious pieces of furniture.

The second floor balcony is a viewing spot with a panoramic view of Kobe city.

While the first floor was used to entertain guests, the second floor was a private space with bedrooms, children's rooms, a living room, and a dressing room.

The fireplaces in each room are so beautifully designed!

The highlight of the second floor is the fireplaces in each room. The mantelpieces around the fireplaces are decorated with tiles made by the British company Minton, and each room has a different mantelpiece design.

The balcony on the second floor is a popular photo spot that often appears in guidebooks. With a view of the Kobe cityscape outside the window, it is often used for magazine and movie shoots.

If you look closely at the window glass, you will notice that it has some distortion here and there. This glass was made in the Meiji period and, unlike modern glass, it has a somewhat retro feel to it.

There is also a hammock hook near the balcony window frame.

Also, because this is a balcony, it was built with the assumption that rain would get in, so it is slightly sloped to make it easier for rainwater to flow away. The standing boards under the windows can also be removed, and are designed to improve ventilation. If you pay attention to such small details while touring, you will enjoy the house even more.

In addition, in the garden of "Moegi no Yakata", there is an exhibit of the chimney that collapsed during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which has been preserved in its original state. The walls of the building were built using a rare method called the "German clapboard construction method", in which overlapping boards are laid so that there are no uneven surfaces, so be sure to check it out as well.

How to get to "Moegi no Yakata"

Moegi no Yakata is located about a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station. If you are using the City Loop, it is about a 5-minute walk from the Kitano Ijinkan stop.

If you are coming by car, please use the nearby paid parking lot as there is no parking lot. "Moegi no Yakata" allows you to learn about the lifestyles of foreign visitors during the Meiji period. The interior of the building, where Mr. Thomas' attention to detail can be felt everywhere, is dotted with elaborate designs and is full of things to see.

As part of the Hyogo Tenoir project, a special tour is being held until the end of September, including the closed areas of the neighboring Kazamidori-no-Yakata and Moegi-no-Yakata. If you would like to tour the museum while listening to an explanation, why not join us?

Great value bus tickets

Kobe 1-day bus ticket

The City Loop is a sightseeing bus that goes around the main tourist spots in Kobe. It is a great value ticket for those who are planning to do some sightseeing in Kobe! If you present a 1-day or 2-day pass, you can also get a discount on the admission fee to Moegi no Yakata.

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

Hyogo Amazing PassThis ticket is recommended for those who are considering touring Himeji and Hyogo prefecture in addition to Kobe! This mobile ticket allows unlimited rides on the Kobe 1-day bus ticket and Shinki Bus route buses for 2,500 yen per day. This is a great deal for those who are planning to visit Kobe city and beyond!

Click here for details and to purchase the Hyogo Amazing Pass

Special tour reference: Hyogo Terroir Travel "Weathercock House & Moegi House Backyard Tour"

(Writer: Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is current as of July 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may be subject to change.

basic information

Moegi no Yakata

Address: 3-10-11 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 078-855-5221

Business hours: 9:30-18:00 (entry until 17:45)

Closed: 3rd Wednesday and Thursday of February

Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger

*350 yen for those with a City Loop 1-day pass

Access: 15 minutes on foot from Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station on all lines. 5 minutes from the Kitano Ijinkan stop on the City Loop.

Parking: None

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

Social Media: Instagram