Kitano Ijinkan-gai

Welcome to Kitano Ijinkan-gai, a unique historic district nestled at the base of Mount Rokko. The name 'Ijinkan-gai' literally translates to 'Foreigners' Residences Street,' and as you walk through these winding, uphill lanes,…

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Kitano is the Weathercock House, formerly the residence of the German merchant Gottfried Thomas. Built in 1909, this house is a rare example of a brick-built Ijinkan, standing out from…

Continuing our ascent, we reach the Uroko House, or the 'House of Scales.' This building is famous for its distinctive exterior, which is covered in over 3,000 pieces of natural slate stone that resemble the scales of a fish.…

The Rhine House, built in 1915 for a French resident, is a classic example of the wooden weatherboard Ijinkan that define much of Kitano. Its name comes from the 'Rhine' pattern of its exterior walls, a term popular during the…

The Moegi House, also known as the 'Light Green House' due to its distinctive pistachio-colored exterior, was built in 1903 as the residence of the American Consul General, Hunter Sharp. This two-story wooden villa is an…

In the midst of this predominantly Western-style district lies the Kitano Tenman-jinja, a Shinto shrine that dates back to the late 12th century. This site provides a fascinating cultural contrast, as the traditional Japanese…

One of the more unique residences in the district is the Platon Decorative Museum, also known as the 'Italian House.' Unlike many of the other Ijinkan which were built by merchants or diplomats, this house was converted into a…

As we conclude our journey through Kitano Ijinkan-gai, let us reflect on the enduring significance of this hillside district. We have walked through the 'exotic' streets, admired the weathercocks of the German merchants, touched…