Kitanocho: Kobe's European-Influenced Historic District
Explore Kobe's Kitanocho: A historic district blending Japanese and European charm with preserved Western-style houses and scenic views.
Kitanocho is a charming historical district in Kobe, Japan, nestled at the foot of the Rokko mountain range. This area is known for its well-preserved Western-style houses (Ijinkan) built by foreign merchants and diplomats who settled in Kobe after the port opened to international trade in the late 19th century.
A brief summary to Kitanocho
- Kobe, Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Hyogo, JP
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the streets are less crowded and the atmosphere is particularly enchanting.
- Purchase a combination ticket to save money if you plan to visit several of the Ijinkan (Western-style houses).
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Kitanocho is located on a hill with some steep streets.
- Check the opening hours of individual houses in advance, as they may vary.
- Consider visiting Kitano Tenman Shrine for panoramic views and a touch of Japanese culture amidst the Western-style architecture.
Getting There
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Walking
Kitanocho is easily accessible on foot from both Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe stations. From Sannomiya Station, walk north for about 10-15 minutes, crossing the footbridge. From Shin-Kobe Station, it's about a 15-minute walk downhill. The area is compact and best explored on foot.
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Public Transport
The Kobe City Loop Bus provides a convenient way to reach Kitanocho from Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe Station. Take the bus and get off at a stop near Kitanocho. A single ride costs 300 yen for adults, or consider a 1-day pass for 800 yen or a 2-day pass for 1200 yen for unlimited rides on both the City Loop and Port Loop buses. Alternatively, take a Kobe City Bus for 230 yen.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe stations. A taxi ride from either station to Kitanocho takes approximately 5 minutes. The base fare for taxis in Kobe starts around 600 yen for the first 2km.
Discover more about Kitanocho
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Hassam House
1.2 km
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5-chōme-7-3 Mikagehonmachi
6.1 km
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Taiko Bridge
12.0 km
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Goshikizuka Tumulus
15.4 km
Step back in time at Kobe's Goshikizuka Tumulus, the largest keyhole-shaped tomb in Hyogo, offering history and stunning Akashi Strait views.
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge
18.0 km
Experience the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, a symbol of Japanese engineering and resilience, offering stunning views and a glimpse into bridge-building technology.
Eshima
19.8 km
Discover Eshima Island off Awaji's coast: a mythical landmark, geological wonder, and scenic gem steeped in Japanese history.
Road Station Awaji
20.0 km
Enjoy local flavors and stunning views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at this convenient roadside oasis on Awaji Island.
Matsuhonosato Hot Spring
20.6 km
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Esaki Lighthouse
20.9 km
Discover the historic Esaki Lighthouse on Awaji Island, offering scenic views and a glimpse into Japan's maritime past.
Awaji Highway Oasis
21.1 km
A scenic highway oasis on Awaji Island offering local cuisine, shopping, and stunning views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and surrounding landscapes.
Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park
21.7 km
Explore themed attractions and seasonal blooms at this expansive park on Japan's legendary Awaji Island, offering fun for all ages.
Yumekko land
21.7 km
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Awajishima Anime Park
22.3 km
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Nijigen no Mori
22.3 km
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Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park
22.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kitanochō Square
0.1 km
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Kobe Trick Art Museum
0.1 km
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Weathercock House (The Former Thomas House)
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Weathercock House in Kobe, a historical landmark showcasing Western architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Kitano Ijinkan-Gai
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting blend of Western architecture and Japanese culture at Kitano Ijinkan-Gai in Kobe, a historical landmark steeped in charm.
Kitano Tenman Shrine
0.1 km
Explore the serene beauty of Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe, a tranquil Shinto shrine steeped in history and spiritual significance.
The English House
0.1 km
Discover the Victorian elegance of The English House in Kobe, where history and architecture blend beautifully in a serene garden setting.
Kobe Kitano Museum
0.1 km
Explore the rich history and culture of Kobe at the Kitano Museum, featuring stunning architecture and diverse art exhibitions.
Moegi House
0.1 km
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Uroko House
0.1 km
Explore Uroko House in Kobe's Kitano district: A unique Western-style mansion with antique collections and panoramic city views.
Uroko Museum
0.2 km
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Kitano Gaikokujin Club
0.2 km
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Minato Miharashidai
0.3 km
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Kitano Trail
0.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kitano Trail in Kobe, Japan, where scenic hikes meet stunning city views and natural wonders.
Kobe Central Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit
0.4 km
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
0.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Hyoe's Burgers + Fries
0.5 km
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Wakkoqu
0.6 km
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但馬牛とぼく 坐 「the」
0.7 km
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Green House Silva
0.7 km
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Kobe Kikusui Teppanyaki Restaurant
0.8 km
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Genkichi Kobe Beef
0.8 km
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KOKUBU Steak House
0.8 km
Experience unparalleled flavors at KOKUBU Steak House in Kobe - where top-quality beef meets exquisite dining.
Tor Road Steak Aoyama
0.9 km
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Tosa Shimizu World
0.9 km
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Misono Kobe Main Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience authentic teppanyaki at Misono Kobe Main Restaurant – where culinary tradition meets modern elegance in the heart of Kobe.
Kobe Beef Steak Ishida. Ikutashinmichi-shop
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate Kobe beef experience at Ishida: where tradition meets exceptional flavor in every bite.
Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya
1.0 km
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Kobe Beef Koujyu
1.0 km
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Wanto Burger
1.0 km
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Kobe Beef Kiyama
1.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Daimaru Kobe
1.4 km
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Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
17.6 km
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★雑貨販売 KOMONO倶楽部(squareショップも) 三井住友あいおい生命代理店は２０１９年１月廃止
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Naruto x Boruto park Nijigen no mori
22.0 km
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Bazar Osaka
22.5 km
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Tempozan Market Place
22.5 km
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Universal Studios Souvenirs
22.7 km
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Little Osaka
22.9 km
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Universal Citywalk Osaka
22.9 km
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Kansai Tabinikki Itami Airport Store
25.0 km
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KENBI
27.2 km
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UMEDA SKYBLDG GALLERY SHOP
27.4 km
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Saradakantsuchiyamaekimaeten
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INDIGENA
27.6 km
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Disney Store LUCUA1100 Osaka
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
VIEW BAR
2.4 km
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バー スティーズ
27.6 km
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7BASE
27.6 km
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BAR HIRAMATSU UMEDA
27.7 km
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くうねるん&A.E.bar
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【本町 バー】Osaka Salon Bar（大阪サロンバー）
27.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Osaka at the charming Osaka Salon Bar, where exquisite drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.
B bar Umeda
28.0 km
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Sherlock Holmes
28.0 km
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Highball Bar Umeda 1923
28.0 km
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Bar K
28.0 km
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Bar UK
28.0 km
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Bar Juniper
28.1 km
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The Bar Elixir-k
28.2 km
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Tom&Jerry Bar
28.3 km
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SUNTORY OLD BAR
28.3 km
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