The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock
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The Ijinkan with its Weathercock is one of the most famous historic buildings in Kobe's Ijinkan district and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Overview
The Ijinkan with its Weathercock is a mansion built in 1904 by German trader Gottfried Thomas. Its imposing brick structure is based on the Neo-Baroque style, and its distinctive weather vane atop the roof is a well-known feature. The interior showcases period furniture and furnishings, offering a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. For example, the reception room features a fireplace and a magnificent chandelier actually used by Mr. Thomas. The study displays bookshelves where Thomas kept his favorite books and his desk from that era. Through these exhibits, you can sense the fusion of European culture at that time and Japanese culture. The Ijinkan with its Weathercock is a particularly popular tourist spot in Kobe's Ijinkan district. With its beautiful exterior, exhibits offering a glimpse into the past, and a café, it's full of highlights. If you visit Kobe, be sure to stop by the Ijinkan with its Weathercock.
Basic Information
- Address
- 3-13-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan Search for tourist attractions in Hyogo
- Access
- About a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway Yama-te Line. About a 5-minute walk from the Kitanozaka bus stop on the Kobe City Bus. Show route
- Op.Hours
- Currently closed for an extended period due to seismic retrofitting work. Reopening date is undecided.
- Cld.Days
- Closed for an extended period
- Fee
- Admission Fee: Adult ¥600, Child ¥300
- INFO
- While entry onto the premises is prohibited during the construction period, viewing the exterior is permitted.
Recommended nearby attractions
Former Sharp Residence (Kobayashi Family Residence)
0.053km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A beautiful colonial-style Western-style house in Kobe's Ijinkan district.
Former Hunter Residence
2.629km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A masterpiece of Meiji-era Western architecture!
The former Hunter Residence, one of the largest foreign-style houses in Kobe,
boasts a European castle-like presence, offering a refined experience steeped in history.
Yokanna Nagaya (French House)
0.173km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A striking Western-style building in the Kitano Ijinkan district, exuding a distinctly French atmosphere. It boasts a precious collection of Art Nouveau glass art and paintings from the École de Paris.
Uroko no Ie & Uroko Museum
0.215km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock Uroko no Ie (The Scale House) is the first Ijinkan to open to the public in Kobe. Its distinctive exterior, covered in natural slate that resembles fish scales, is a sight to behold! Step back in time as you explore the interior, preserved with original furniture and furnishings. Next door, the Uroko Museum displays works by renowned modern European painters such as Renoir and Buffet.
Rhine House (Former Drewell Residence)
0.157km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A historical Western-style house, built in the Taisho era, that was once the residence of a Frenchwoman. Beloved by Kobe citizens, it's affectionately known as the "Rhine House".
Schueke Residence
0.442km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A precious foreign-style house offering a glimpse into daily life in Kobe during the Meiji era.
Experience a time-slip in this beautiful space, like a movie set.
Yamate Hachiban-kan
0.226km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A unique Western-style building with three connected Tudor-style turrets. The interior is richly adorned with Western and Eastern sculptures (including works by Rodin and Bourdelle) and paintings.
Kitano Foreigners' Club
0.253km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock An iconic Western-style building in Kitano, which flourished as a foreign settlement in the Meiji era. Stroll through the charming, exotic streets and enjoy the retro atmosphere!
Nyoiji Temple
15.572km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock A historic temple with numerous structures designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The serene atmosphere of this ancient temple transports visitors to another time and place.
Senpukan
30.351km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock Experience the beauty of Meiji-era architecture and Western-style building design at this invaluable cultural treasure.
Nearby Hotels
Hotel Kitano Plaza Rokkoso
0.353km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockGreen Hill Hotel Urban
0.429km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockHotel Livemax Kobe-Sannomiya
0.465km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockFour Points Flex by Sheraton Kobe Sannomiya
0.491km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockKobe Kitano Hotel
0.547km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockHotel Piena Kobe
0.558km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockCapsule Hotel Kobe Sannomiya (Male Only)
0.566km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockTONARINO Hostel for Backpackers
0.592km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockHOTEL SUI KOBE SANNOMIYA by ABEST
0.626km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its WeathercockANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
0.696km from The Ijinkan (Former Thomas House) with its Weathercock