Guide
The Former Sharp House, located in the historic Kitano area of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is a stunning Western-style residence. It is affectionately known as "Moegi no Yakata" (The Light-Green House) due to its beautiful exterior color. Built in 1903 as the residence for Hunter Sharp, the United States Consul General, the building is a classic example of Colonial-style architecture. Unlike the heavy, grand Neo-Baroque buildings often found nearby, this house possesses a light, elegant, and graceful presence. Today, it stands as a designated Important Cultural Property, serving as a precious heritage site that preserves the architectural techniques and lifestyle of the early 20th century.
The history of this residence traces back to the lives of American diplomats in the early 1900s. Designed by A.N. Hansel, it was constructed specifically for the U.S. Consul General, Hunter Sharp. Later, in 1944, the property passed from a German owner to Hideo Kobayashi, the president of Kobe Electric Railway, and remained a residence until 1978. Because of this history, it is also known as the "Kobayashi Family Residence." In 1980, the building and its vast grounds were designated as an Important Cultural Property. While it was once referred to as the "White Ijinkan," restoration work in the late 1980s revealed that the original color of the exterior was actually a soft "Moegi" (light green), leading to its current name.
The interior is adorned with luxurious details from a bygone era. Notable features include two distinctively designed bay windows and a beautiful staircase decorated with intricate mosaic patterns. These elements, influenced by Baroque styles, showcase the high level of craftsmanship of the time. One of the most breathtaking features is the second-floor sunroom. Bathed in natural light, the sunroom offers a wonderful view of the Kobe cityscape, allowing visitors to imagine the scenery enjoyed by the residents of the past. Additionally, the house bears the marks of history; a section of the garden preserves the remains of three chimneys that collapsed during the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, serving as a silent witness to the region's history.
While beautiful in any season, we highly recommend visiting during the daytime when sunlight is strongest. The way the sun illuminates the sunroom and reflects off the light-green walls creates a truly magical atmosphere. Depending on the season, you can feel the changing atmosphere of the surrounding Kitano district. Since the building closes in the evening, visiting during bright daylight hours is essential to fully appreciate the intricate architectural details and colors.
Visitors can experience the exotic atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras firsthand. The primary experience is observing the delicate interior decorations and the architectural structure that reflects the lifestyle of the time. Walking through the garden and seeing the traces of the earthquake provides a profound connection to both the building's history and the memory of the natural disaster. It is a journey through time, as if walking in the footsteps of the diplomats and residents who once lived here.
The Former Sharp House is situated within the "Kitano Ijinkan-gai" (Kitano Foreign Residence District), one of Kobe's most iconic sightseeing areas. It is located near the "Weathercock House" (Kazami Torii no Yakata), which features a heavy Neo-Baroque style. Visiting both allows you to compare the differences between Colonial and Neo-Baroque architecture. The surrounding streets are also filled with stylish cafes and shops, perfect for a relaxing stroll through an exotic, international neighborhood.
Because the building contains stairs and uneven surfaces, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. As this is a protected historical site, please respect the rules of the facility. Payments can be made via cash or credit card. While some English signage may be available, most staff interactions are primarily in Japanese. No prior reservation is required, but since opening hours can change depending on the season, we recommend checking the official website before your visit.