Guida
Rhoen House (the Former Drewell Residence) is a Western-style building that preserves the architectural elegance of the Meiji era, located in the prestigious Kitano district of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Constructed in 1915 (Taisho 4) as the residence for Mrs. J.R. Drewell, a French lady, it is now preserved as a certified traditional building by the City of Kobe. Today, it serves a dual purpose as an information center for the Kitano Ijinkan (Foreigner's Residence) district. One of its most attractive features is that admission is completely free, allowing visitors to easily step inside and experience the sophisticated Western-style lifestyle of the early 20th century.
The building was constructed for Mrs. J.R. Drewell, a French national born in 1857. After arriving in Japan in 1871 and marrying Mr. Drewell in 1882, she established this residence where she lived until her passing in 1920. The house saw various residents, including German citizens, over the years. The name "Rhoen House" was chosen through a public competition, inspired by the Rhine River in Germany (the home country of a former resident) and the straight, rhythmic lines of the building's exterior cladding. In 1978, the City of Kobe purchased the property to develop it into a regional information center.
The interior maintains the structural layout of a high-class residence from that era. 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 culinary life of the time. The second floor consists of three bedrooms, servant rooms, a bathroom, a water heating room, and a hallway. The architecture is a unique blend of Japanese traditional techniques and Western styles, featuring wooden hip-and-gable roofs, Japanese tiles, and horizontal weatherboarding. Additionally, the periodic art and illustration exhibitions held here add a contemporary layer of charm to this historic site.
To fully enjoy the harmony between the light streaming through the windows and the elegant interior, we recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours. While the atmosphere is pleasant in any season, if you plan to stroll through the Kitano streets, visiting in the cooler morning hours or the gentle afternoon light is ideal. Visiting during a scheduled art exhibition will allow you to enjoy a rich cultural experience that combines architectural history with modern artistic expression.
Beyond simple sightseeing, Rhoen House offers a way to learn about the history of the Kitano Ijinkan district. As an information center, it is an excellent place to plan your subsequent route through the surrounding historic mansions. The building also provides rest areas on each floor, allowing you to take a break in a serene, historical setting amidst your walk. Through the detailed architectural elements, period household items, and occasional art displays, you can enjoy a multi-faceted cultural experience.
Rhoen House is situated in the heart of Kobe's most famous historic district. The area is surrounded by many other significant landmarks, such as the Kobe Kitano Museum, "Bentley's House," the Platon Decorative Art Museum, and the famous "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 a highly recommended and convenient option.
As this is a historic wooden structure, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as there are stairs and uneven levels throughout the building. While admission is free, please have cash or a credit card ready for nearby shops and transportation. For information regarding English-language support or specific exhibition details, it is recommended to check official local resources. Please respect the building by following all signs regarding photography and contact with exhibits.