Ijinkans of Kobe - European influence in Taisho Japan

Today, we spent the morning hours strolling through the Foreigners' Mansions district in Kobe, an area rich in history and culture. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this part of Kobe became home to foreign merchants and diplomats, as Japan opened its doors to international trade. However, the local Japanese population largely preferred to keep the foreign settlement confined to this specific area, resulting in a neighborhood of European-style mansions that stand in contrast to traditional Japanese architecture. Today, many of these historic houses have been preserved and are open to the public, each offering a glimpse into the lives of the European expatriates who once lived here. These mansions are decorated in a variety of styles, reflecting the cultural influences of different European countries and individuals who made their homes in Kobe during that time. It's amazin to see how Japanese visitors, especially young students on school trips, perceive and engage with these Western traditions. It's a unique fusion of cultures. For example, one of the most popular figures associated with Western culture in Japan is Sherlock Holmes. There's an entire English-style mansion dedicated to the detective, complete with exhibits showcasing the stories and myths surrounding the character. It’s amusing to see how a fictional English detective has become so iconic in Japan, offering a lens through which many young people perceive English and European culture. Similarly, the French mansion is dedicated to more modern icons of French culture, such as Louis Vuitton. The house itself is decorated with French fashion and design influences, mixing Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Everything is basically a huge mixture of very different styles and art movements squeezed into one single place. I guess this is what's happening if you need to summarize an entire country's history and art into 79 sqm on two floors. But if you're located 10000 km away, that's the best effort you can make, and it's better than not being exposed at all. Oh, and please don't forget to touch the nose of the wild boar and pass between the two lions, that brings luck for sure.

Since these mansions are located on the side of the mountain they also provide a decent view to the city.