Kobe Kitano Museum: A Glimpse into Kobe's International Past

The Kobe Kitano Museum is located in Kitano, a charming hilltop district in Kobe known for its well-preserved Western-style residences, or *ijinkan*. This unique museum is housed in a historic building constructed in 1898, which originally served as the official residence of the U.S. Consulate until 1978. After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, the building was renovated and reopened as the Kobe Kitano Museum. The museum's exhibits focus on the history and culture of the Kitano *ijinkan* district, highlighting its international character and the influence of foreign residents who settled here after the Port of Kobe opened to foreign trade. You can explore the museum's collection of art and historical materials, which provide insights into the lives and experiences of these early foreign settlers. The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions, including works by artists from the Montmartre district of Paris, with which Kobe has a friendship exchange agreement. One of the unique aspects of the Kobe Kitano Museum is the building itself. Known as the 'White House' due to its white exterior, it is one of the few remaining wooden, one-story *ijinkan* in the Kitano area. The museum also features a pleasant open-air café with a great view of the surrounding *ijinkan* district.