Uroko House & Uroko Museum
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Uroko House & Uroko Museum

3.9
·1k reviews·Kobe, Japan

A historic European-style house in Kobe, famed for its unique fish-scale exterior and panoramic city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring Mornings

Cherry blossoms add beauty

CrowdMedium
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Uroko House & Uroko Museum

Uroko House & Uroko Museum

Best Time

Spring Mornings

Cherry blossoms add beauty

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic European-style house in Kobe, famed for its unique fish-scale exterior and panoramic city views.

3.9
(1k reviews)

"Beautiful and unique with a breathtaking view, an enjoyable way to kill 1 or 2 hours."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to Uroko House is steep. Prioritize comfort for the uphill climb.

💰 Cash for Souvenirs

The souvenir shop has a minimum purchase of ¥1000 for credit card use. Bring cash!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 1,079 reviews

Type

Museum

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Fish-Scale Exterior

Unique Fish-Scale Exterior

Exterior

Admire the distinctive slate roof resembling fish scales, a truly unique architectural feature.

Antique European Furnishings

Antique European Furnishings

Interior

Explore rooms filled with antique furniture and art, once used as a rental house for foreigners.

Panoramic Kobe Views

Panoramic Kobe Views

Third Floor

Enjoy breathtaking views of Kobe city from the observation deck on the third floor.

Wild Boar Statue

Wild Boar Statue

Courtyard

Find the wild boar statue, believed to bring good luck to visitors.

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Planning Your Visit

The Climb to Uroko House

Be prepared for a steep uphill walk to reach Uroko House. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for the ascent. The views from the top are rewarding, but the climb can be challenging for some.

Value for Money?

While Uroko House offers a unique glimpse into European-style architecture and history, some visitors find the admission price a bit high for the size of the museum. Consider if the experience aligns with your budget and interests.

Best Times

When
Spring Mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms add beauty
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Best city views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kobe daytrip✨ #CapCut #kobe #suma #hyogo #amusementpark #神戸 #兵庫県 #須磨 #遊園地 #おすすめ #fypシ #fyp #japan #日本
@kimmychan25
13.4K likes • 524.4K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to Uroko House is steep. Prioritize comfort for the uphill climb. Reddit

💰 Cash for Souvenirs

The souvenir shop has a minimum purchase of ¥1000 for credit card use. Bring cash! Reddit

Living in Kobe is a unique experience. 🤩 Read more about life in Japan on our blog! 🇯🇵 #gogonihon #studyjapanese #studyinjapan
@gogonihon
10.9K likes • 398.8K views
Uroko House and Uroko Museum | National Registered Cultural Property. Originally Iuxurious rental house for foreigners. Antique furniture and ceramic wares treasured by European Royal Families will catch your eye. #Kobe #KobeJapan #LatePost #LateUpload #Throwback
reymund.lara
0 likes • 255 views

📸 Capture the Exterior

The unique fish-scale architecture is a major draw. Don't miss photographing it! Instagram

⏳ Allow Extra Time

Factor in time for the walk, exploring the house, and enjoying the views. Reddit

北野異人館-1 うろこの家/展望ギャラリー Kitano Ijinkan, Kobe-1 Uroko House and Observation Gallery ・ 有馬温泉での同級会という機会を得て、限られた時間でしたが神戸北野異人館を散策してきました(5/19)。あいにくの天気でしたが、楽しい時間を過ごせました。横浜山手西洋館には地理的にも何度か行きましたが、それとはまた違った雰囲気でした。うろこの家は29年前の阪神大震災で他の施設とともに大被害を受けたと聞いてましたが、その面影もなく復興の素晴らしさを痛感しました。 ・ Taking an opportunity to go to Arima Onsen (Hot Spa) for a class reunion, and although I had limited time, I took a stroll around Kob...
yoshika_takeda
9 likes • 134 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to Uroko House is steep. Prioritize comfort for the uphill climb. Reddit

💰 Cash for Souvenirs

The souvenir shop has a minimum purchase of ¥1000 for credit card use. Bring cash! Reddit

📸 Capture the Exterior

The unique fish-scale architecture is a major draw. Don't miss photographing it! Instagram

⏳ Allow Extra Time

Factor in time for the walk, exploring the house, and enjoying the views. Reddit

🧐 Check for Special Exhibits

Sometimes there are special exhibitions or events, like Halloween decorations. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Uroko House is praised for its unique fish-scale architecture and the beautiful city views from its observation deck. Visitors appreciate the historical European-style interior and the lucky wild boar statue. However, some find the admission price a bit high for the museum's size, and the steep uphill walk to reach it can be challenging.

"It is in fact a hike to get there, rather steep. It is a little pricy for the size of the Museum, but it is also beautiful and unique with a breathtaking view. Not exactly a “must see” attraction, but an enjoyable way to kill 1 or 2 hours."

Mike McGovern, Esq.

"Staff is polite and the house is objectively interesting both for domestic tourists and foreigners curious to see a European style XIX century house in the middle of Japan. But the price is quite notable compared to how much you actually get to see, and the souvenir shop doesn't accept credit cards below ¥1000. Also there's only one toilet (the whole area has very few public toilets due to its eccentricity and high altitude) and it's incredibly small and dense (but I still appreciate that it was there in the first place).

You might want to ask yourself how badly you want to visit this place, especially if it entails a detour of some sort"

Hild E.

"Quite a hike to reach this place and quite expensive for a small museum but still an interesting place nonetheless. Was cool to see the interior that supposedly inspired the Tohsaka house from the fate stay night series"

Collin Tan

What People Like

Unique fish-scale exterior
Panoramic Kobe views
Antique European interiors

What People Dislike

Steep uphill walk
Pricey admission for size
Limited toilet facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Uroko House is located in the Kitano Ijinkan district. You can reach it by walking uphill from Sannomiya Station. Be prepared for a steep climb, as many visitors note the significant hike involved. Reddit Consider taking a bus or taxi part of the way if the walk is a concern.

Parking in the Kitano Ijinkan area can be limited and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation and walk to the house. Reddit

Many visitors explore the Kitano Ijinkan area on foot, enjoying the European-style architecture. Uroko House is one of several historic buildings in the district. Instagram

Public toilets are scarce in the high-altitude Kitano Ijinkan area. While Uroko House has one, it's small. Plan accordingly. Reddit

Due to the steep inclines and historic nature of the building, navigating with a stroller might be challenging. It's best to check with the venue directly or be prepared to carry it.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply for Uroko House. While some visitors mention it being a bit pricey for the size, it's considered an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two. Reddit

Some visitors have mentioned using a 'happy memory pass' for free entry to certain places, though availability and specifics may vary. It's worth inquiring about any multi-attraction passes. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the Kitano Ijinkan houses are open during daytime hours. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets are typically purchased on-site at Uroko House. Advance booking is usually not required unless part of a special tour package.

Yes, Uroko House features an observation gallery on its third floor, offering panoramic views of Kobe city. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Uroko House, allowing you to capture the antique furnishings and unique atmosphere. Instagram

The exterior with its fish-scale roof is a must-photograph. Inside, focus on the antique furniture and art. The view from the third-floor observation deck is also a great photo opportunity. Instagram

While general photography is permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding restricted areas or flash photography. Instagram

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos with the wild boar statue in the courtyard, which is believed to bring good luck. Reddit

Many visitors capture the unique architecture, the antique interiors, and the city views. Some also enjoy taking artistic shots of the details within the house. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

Uroko House was originally built as a luxurious rental house for foreigners in the late 19th century. It's a designated National Registered Cultural Property. Instagram

The most striking feature is its exterior, covered in slate tiles that resemble fish scales, giving it the name 'Uroko' (scale). Instagram

The house displays a collection of antique furniture, ceramic wares, and art, many of which were treasured by European Royal Families. Instagram

Some visitors have noted that the interior of Uroko House is said to have inspired the Tohsaka house from the 'Fate/stay night' series. Reddit

Yes, Uroko House, like many structures in Kobe, sustained damage during the Great Hanshin Earthquake but has since been restored. Instagram

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