Featured Hotels Near Old Kobe Residency 15th Hall

Stay at the Kobe Port Ritz-Carlton Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Old Foreign Settlement No. 15 House. The hotel blends Victorian architecture with modern luxury, offering panoramic views of Kobe Harbor and surrounding hills. Guests enjoy private dock access and complimentary concierge services. Nearby, Motomachi Shopping Street is within a 10-minute stroll, perfect for sampling local Kobe beef and Western-style pastries. The hotel also offers curated tours to the No. 15 House, providing deep insights into the Meiji-era foreign settlement history and architectural heritage.

Take the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line from Kobe Station to "Jūryōchi Station," then transfer to the same line. The journey takes about 12 minutes. Exit and walk along Motomachi-dori for approximately 8 minutes to reach the No. 15 House. This route passes Kobe Daimaru Department Store and Nankin-machi, offering a vibrant mix of Western-style architecture and local culture. For convenience, a taxi takes only 6 minutes (¥600–800) and is ideal for luggage or evening visits. Tourist buses also operate from Kobe Station Plaza, providing direct access.

The No. 15 House hosts regular exhibitions on Meiji-era foreign life and tea ceremony workshops, immersing visitors in cross-cultural exchanges. Original features like wooden floors and fireplaces are preserved, with multilingual guided tours explaining its role as a British Consul residence. Weekend events include costume photo zones, where guests can rent Western formal wear or kimonos for photos in front of the historic building. Nearby, the Kobe Bunko Library offers themed book displays and author talks, providing insight into Kobe’s modern intellectual history.

Visit the Kobe Port Tower, part of the same harbor cultural zone, offering panoramic views of Kobe Bay and the city skyline. The site features interactive children’s exhibits and an aquarium with marine life displays, ideal for families. Just a 10-minute walk away, Kobe Harborland boasts a Ferris wheel, amusement rides, and a large shopping complex, plus nightly light shows and musical fountains. Strolling along the Kobe Harbor Promenade reveals charming cafés and artisan shops, perfect for relaxed family breaks.

Try Ristorante Sogno near Motomachi-dori, renowned for authentic Italian cuisine, including handmade pasta and charcoal-grilled steak. Housed in a renovated 100-year-old building, it preserves original timber beams and stained-glass windows, evoking a cozy European countryside vibe. Another option is Kobe Beef Steakhouse Takahashi, specializing in premium Kobe beef cooked over traditional charcoal, delivering melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Both are within a 10-minute walk, perfect for a romantic evening stroll back to your hotel under the old settlement’s quiet lights.

Absolutely! The No. 15 House features classic British colonial architecture with red brick walls and gabled roofs, creating stunning visuals during golden hour. Interior highlights include original fireplaces and antique furnishings, perfect for indoor photography. Nearby Motomachi-dori and Kobe Harbor Promenade are popular spots, especially during winter festivals with festive lights and Christmas decorations. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens, and visit between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM for optimal lighting and atmospheric shots.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kobe is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Shijūban-kan. Its elegant blend of Victorian architecture and modern luxury offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Kobe Harbor and historic foreign settlement district. The hotel provides exclusive guided tours to explore the intricate details of Shijūban-kan, including its Meiji-era Western-style design and colonial history.

Another excellent option is Kobe Motomachi Onsen Hotel, situated nearby, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort. It features private onsen baths and cultural experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in both historical ambiance and relaxation. Both properties offer complimentary shuttle services to major attractions, ensuring seamless access to the area’s highlights.

Take the Kobe Municipal Subway Kōkō Line (Port Island Line) to Sannomiya Station, then transfer to a local bus or walk about 15 minutes to reach Shijūban-kan. For convenience, hop on the Kobe City Loop Tourist Bus, which stops near the Old Foreign Settlement area and takes only 10 minutes from Kobe Station, featuring multilingual commentary.

Alternatively, rent an electric bicycle from nearby shops—ideal for leisurely exploration of the entire historic district. This allows you to visit other landmarks like Ijin-kan, Kobe Port Tower, and scenic cobblestone alleys at your own pace while soaking in the unique Meiji-era European atmosphere.

At Shijūban-kan, visitors can join Meiji-era lifestyle workshops hosted by local cultural associations, including dressing in Western attire, learning etiquette and afternoon tea ceremonies, and sampling authentic English high tea. The venue features an immersive exhibition hall using holographic technology to recreate daily life of foreign residents in the late 19th century.

Every Saturday, the Ijin-kan Night Illumination Festival transforms the site with warm golden lights, accompanied by live jazz music, evoking the romantic charm of the colonial era. Guided tours offer bilingual commentary, helping international travelers understand Kobe’s significance as a treaty port and its rich legacy of cross-cultural exchange.