Built in the early 20th century, the Weathercock House was the private residence of German trader Gottfried Thomas (G. Thomas). With its solid brick structure and the iconic weathercock standing atop its spire, it is a national Important Cultural Property and a symbolic landmark of Kobe’s foreign residence district.

Following its restoration after damage sustained in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the site now offers a limited-capacity heritage program. This experience connects the building’s historical narrative with perspectives for the future, making it suitable for curated cultural and educational group visits.

Originally designed with formal reception rooms and a dining area on the ground floor, and private living spaces such as bedrooms and a children’s room on the upper floor, this former foreign residence is now open to the public as a museum.

From autumn 2025, a special, exclusive-use experience will be introduced, allowing the historic property to be reserved on closing days or outside regular opening hours. The first program is a recreated historical breakfast experience, held in the second-floor “Breakfast Room” overlooking Kobe Port. Guests can enjoy a refined morning setting that evokes the lifestyle of the period.

※A recreated menu has been developed in collaboration with Kobe Portopia Hotel.

The Kitano district, where Western-style foreign residences stand alongside places of worship representing Islam, Judaism, and Catholicism within walking distance, serves as a model area for sustainable tourism. The neighborhood embodies key SDGs themes, including multicultural coexistence, heritage conservation, adaptive reuse of cultural assets, and opportunities for international and intercultural education.

This plan can be enhanced with a guided walking tour after breakfast, led by a subject-matter expert who provides in-depth commentary on the area’s historical and cultural highlights.

The Kitano area, where the history and culture of Kobe, an international port city, breathe, is a charming district where exotic Western-style houses stand side by side with diverse religious facilities.

Strolling through this historic townscape allows visitors to deeply feel the international and diverse past of Kobe, which opened its port during the Meiji era. The scenery woven by various national architectural styles offers an extraordinary impression and profound historical insight to visitors. Furthermore, by descending the hill to the Former Foreign Settlement, you will discover even more magnificent Meiji-era Western architecture, allowing you to spend time condensed with the unique charm of Kobe as a port city.

For more detailed itinerary planning in Kobe, please refer to the Kobe Convention & Visitors Association's information site: 
https://www.feel-kobe.jp/en/

★★★ CONSULTING ★★★
Please contact the DMCs that make up the consortium for planning meetings or incentive tours that include this unique venue.
By selecting the number of participants, preferred dates, budget, and other details in the “CONSULTING FORM” at the bottom of the page and submitting your request, our staff will assist you in creating a customized plan through a dedicated chat.