Uroko House and Uroko Art Museum

The Uroko House and Uroko Art Museum, which are now popular tourist attractions open to the general public, were originally built as luxury rental houses for foreigners. These are the first of such historic residential areas for foreigners that have been opened to the public and are officially registered as national cultural assets. Many of the outer walls covered with natural stone resembling “uroko”, which means “fish scales” in Japanese, gave the residences the nickname that it dons today, “Uroko House.” There is also an art museum inside whose interior is decorated in the gorgeous style of the time, along with various must-see collections works of art making it extremely popular among travelers.

(Source: greendaruma / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Uroko Fish Scale Exterior

Due to the effect of the natural stones on the outer walls that resemble “uroko”, which means “fish scales” in Japanese, the nickname, “Uroko House” was born and has been used ever since.

(Source: greendaruma / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Gorgeous Interior Collection

The gorgeous interior of the Uroko House and Uroko Art Museum are on display just as they were in their original use. Also on display are antique furniture, chinaware used by European royalty, and various other collections which are sure to impress.

(Source: ゆみ / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

3F Art Museum and Observation Room

On display in the art museum are various early modern works of art by well-known artists such as Henri Matisse and Maurice Utrillo. Also on the 3F is an observation room which offers stunning views of the Kobe cityscape and harbor. Certainly the beautiful scenes of Kobe from such elevation will leave one with great memories to take home.

(Source: Baggio / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Wild Boar Statue of Good Fortune, Porcellino

The bronze wild boar statue called, “Porcellino” located in the garden is known as a great power spot. It is said that the original statue of this wild boar from Greek mythology can be found in the Uffizi Art Museum in Italy. Touching the statue is believed to bring good fortune, so please be sure to stroke its snout on your visit.

(Source: sakahiroff / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

“Kazamidori no Yakata” Weathervane Mansion

Built in the Kitano-cho Hiroba is “Kazamidori no Yakata” (Weathervane Mansion) which is known for the weathervane atop its roof and beautiful red brick outer walls. This building is registered along with the Uroko House and Uroko Art Museum as a national important cultural property and is the symbol of Kobe Kitano.

(Source: greendaruma / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Address

2-20-4 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

View in Google Maps

Contact No.

+81-120-888-581

Access

20-min walk from the JR Sannomiya Station

Opening Hours / Holidays

9:30-18:00 (17:00 from October to March) Open all year round

Official Website

http://kobe-ijinkan.net

Time Required

60 minutes

Admission fee

1050 yen

(Source: greendaruma / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Uroko Fish Scale Exterior

Due to the effect of the natural stones on the outer walls that resemble “uroko”, which means “fish scales” in Japanese, the nickname, “Uroko House” was born and has been used ever since.

(Source: greendaruma / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )