Moegi House
A beautifully preserved 1903 Western-style mansion, former residence of a U.S. Consul General, offering stunning Kobe city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Moegi House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 1903 Western-style mansion, former residence of a U.S. Consul General, offering stunning Kobe city views.
"Admire the intricate designs and enjoy a wonderful view overlooking Kobe from the second floor."
🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine
Tickets are usually bought from a vending machine near the main gate. Easy and quick!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring the house and garden, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Second-Floor Sunroom
Second Floor
Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Kobe city from this elegant sunroom. Perfect for photos!
Architectural Details
Interior and Exterior
Admire the intricate arabesque staircase and luxurious mantlepiece, showcasing Western architectural grandeur.
Earthquake-Damaged Chimney
Garden
A poignant reminder of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, this damaged chimney stands as a historical marker.
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Planning Your Visit
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Tickets and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine
Tickets are usually bought from a vending machine near the main gate. Easy and quick!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring the house and garden, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the incredible city views from the second-floor sunroom. :camerawithflash:
🌳 Explore the Garden
Wander around the garden to see the unique chimney and enjoy the greenery. :evergreen_tree:
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Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine
Tickets are usually bought from a vending machine near the main gate. Easy and quick!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring the house and garden, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the incredible city views from the second-floor sunroom. :camerawithflash:
🌳 Explore the Garden
Wander around the garden to see the unique chimney and enjoy the greenery. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Moegi House for its beautiful Western architecture and the stunning city views from its second-floor sunroom. The historical significance, including the earthquake-damaged chimney, adds a poignant layer to the experience. While some find it lacking in extensive historical information, the reasonable entry fee and well-preserved interiors make it a worthwhile visit for architecture enthusiasts and those exploring Kobe's Ijinkan district.
"The house of Moegi was built as a residence of the Consul-General of the United States in 1903 and was designated as an important cultural asset of the country in 1980. A wooden two-story, preliminary boarded foreign-style hall, featuring two different bay windows (overhanging windows). Luxurious designs such as a staircase with an arabesque pattern and a heavy mantle piece are seen everywhere, and from the veranda on the second floor a wonderful view overlooking the city area of Kobe is spreading."
Supakorn Jaroenwongtrakoon
"This is the residence of former U.S. Consul General Hunter Sharpe, a beautiful pale green building. By purchasing the ticket, you can walk around the living room, bedrooms, and balcony of this house.
When you go out into the garden, you will see a chimney that fall
from the roof due to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster in 1995."
Hit U (HIT-1)
"The beautiful and luxurious light green two-story house was built in 1903 as the residence of the American Consul General.
Near the main gate of this house, there is a vending machine, you can buy a ticket to come inside. It costs JPY400.
For your information, there is a chimney which was damaged during the Kobe earthquake in 1995. And beside it, there is a washroom. Enjoy."
Junhyuk Song
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moegi House is about a 15-minute walk from JR or Hankyu Sannomiya Station. It's a pleasant stroll through the Kitano Ijinkan district. :walking:
Yes, Moegi House is also about a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station (Subway or Shinkansen). :bullettrain:
Walking from Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe stations is recommended to fully experience the charming neighborhood. Taxis are also an option. :taxi:
While there might be parking garages in the vicinity, walking is generally the most convenient way to access Moegi House and explore the area. :car:
Yes, the nearest stations are Sannomiya (JR/Hankyu) and Shin-Kobe (Subway/Shinkansen), both within a 15-minute walk. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is typically around JPY 400 per person. :yen:
Tickets are usually available for purchase from a vending machine located near the main entrance of the house. :ticket:
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during daytime hours. :clock3:
Yes, purchasing a ticket allows you to walk through the living rooms, bedrooms, and access the balcony. :door:
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the standard entry fee is quite reasonable. :moneybag:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Moegi House, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. :camerawithflash:
The second-floor sunroom offers a fantastic city view, and the intricate interior details like the staircase are also great photo opportunities. :iphone:
Yes, the damaged chimney in the garden is a significant historical feature and a popular spot for photos. :camera:
Late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography, especially from the sunroom. Weekday mornings are also good for fewer people in your shots. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone photography is typically not permitted in such historical and residential areas. Always check local regulations. :noentrysign:
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Moegi House was constructed in 1903. :calendar:
It was built as the residence for the U.S. Consul General Hunter Sharp. :flag_us:
Moegi House is a Western-style building, featuring a wooden two-story structure with distinctive bay windows. :building_construction:
Yes, Moegi House is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. :scroll:
The chimney was damaged during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and serves as a historical reminder of the event. :earthquake:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids might find the damaged chimney in the garden particularly intriguing as a visual story from the past. The ability to walk through the rooms and imagine life in the early 1900s can also spark their curiosity. The reasonable entry fee of JPY 400 makes it an affordable addition to your itinerary.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Furthermore, the house is easily reachable by a pleasant walk from Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe stations, saving on transportation costs.
The opportunity to see historical architecture and enjoy city views without a hefty price tag makes it a great value. :moneywithwings:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Architecture of Moegi House
The house's historical significance is further underscored by its designation as a National Important Cultural Property. While the interior showcases refined craftsmanship, the exterior also holds a poignant story. The garden features a chimney that was damaged during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, serving as a visible reminder of the city's resilience and history.
Visitors can freely explore the various rooms, including the living room and bedrooms, and step out onto the veranda. This allows for a comprehensive appreciation of the house's design and its historical context. The blend of architectural beauty and historical narrative makes Moegi House a unique cultural experience.
The Views and Vistas from Moegi House
The veranda on the second floor also extends this visual treat, allowing visitors to soak in the scenery. It’s a perfect spot to imagine the life of the former Consul General, overlooking the bustling port city. The combination of the house's elegant architecture and its strategic location creates a memorable visual experience.
Beyond the immediate city views, the surrounding garden offers a different kind of aesthetic appeal. While it contains the notable damaged chimney, it also provides a tranquil green space that complements the historical building. The overall visual appeal is a harmonious blend of man-made structures and natural elements.
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