Guide
Raine no Kan (Former Drewell Residence) is a Western-style building that showcases the architectural styles of the Meiji era, located in the Kitano district of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It was constructed in 1915 (Taisho 4) as the residence of Mrs. J.R. Drewell, a French woman. Today, it is preserved as a certified traditional building by Kobe City and serves as an information center for the Kitano Ijinkan-gai area. One of its greatest draws is that admission is completely free, allowing visitors to easily step into and experience the Western-style lifestyle of that era.
The building was built for Mrs. J.R. Drewell, a Frenchwoman born in 1857. After arriving in Japan in 1871 and remarrying Mr. Drewell in 1882, she established this residence. She lived here until her passing in 1920. The building was later inhabited by German residents, and the name 'Raine no Kan' (House of the Rhine) was chosen through a public contest. The name is inspired by the Rhine River in Germany—the home country of a former resident—and the linear, rhythmic design of the building's exterior siding. In 1978, Kobe City purchased the property to develop it into a local information center.
The interior maintains a structure that vividly conveys the lifestyle of the period. The first floor features a kitchen, dining room, living room, drawing, a veranda, and an entrance hall, creating a space that evokes the social and dining customs of the time. The second floor houses three bedrooms, a servant's room, a bathroom, a water heating room, and a hall. The architecture features a blend of Japanese traditional techniques and Western styles, characterized by wooden hip-and-gable roofing and clapboard siding. Additionally, the periodic art and illustration exhibitions offer a fresh, contemporary charm to the historic setting.
Visiting during the bright daylight hours allows you to enjoy the harmony between the natural light streaming through the windows and the elegant Western-style interior. While the atmosphere is peaceful year-round, we recommend visiting during the cooler morning hours or the gentle afternoon hours to enjoy walking through the Kitano streets. Visiting during a period when art exhibitions are being held will allow you to experience both the architecture and the local culture simultaneously.
Beyond just viewing the architecture, you can learn about the history of the Kitano Ijinkan-gai. As the building functions as an information center, it is an ideal place to plan your route for visiting other nearby historic mansions. There are also rest areas on each floor, allowing you to take a break in a tranquil, historical setting amidst your stroll through the district. You can enjoy a multi-faceted cultural experience through the architectural details, period household items, and seasonal art displays.
Raine no Kan is located in the heart of Kobe's iconic Kitano Ijinkan-gai. Nearby attractions include the Kobe Kitano Museum, 'Ben no Ie' (House of Ben), the Platonic Decorative Museum, and the 'Uroko House/Uroko Museum.' Exploring these sites will deepen your understanding of the history of the foreign settlements in Kobe. For easy travel between these spots, the City Loop Bus is highly recommended.
As this is a historic wooden building, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as there are stairs and uneven surfaces. While there is no admission fee, please have cash, a transit IC card, or a credit card ready for nearby shops and transportation. While English-language information is available, it is always good to check the latest exhibition details. Please respect the historic structure and follow any posted signs regarding photography and contact with exhibits.