"Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kinano Ijinkan" is the only one concept starbucks shop in Japan registered as a tangible cultural property. Enjoy a cup of coffee and nostalgic atmosphere!

In the Kitano area of Kobe, there is a townscape which has several western buildings that stands out from the residential houses and contemporary architecture of the neighbourhood. It is the Kitano Ijinkan, there are western style houses that were built during the Meiji period, and is a popular sightseeing place in Kobe.

In this Kitano Ijinkan area, Starbucks Coffee Kitano Ijinkan is located, which is the only one Starbucks Coffee shop to be registered as a Japanese tangible cultural property.

The building was originally called the "Kitano Monogatarikan" and was used as a memorial library, but now it is operated as a Starbucks Coffee "Concept store". The features of the building are charming place which the interior and exterior were inspired by the foreigners who lived here during the Meiji era, and it has become a nice place to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and coffee or tea in afternoon.

The Kitano Ijinkan is now a popular sightseeing destination for tourists, where people come to enjoy both the coffee and take the picture of the building.

We would like to introduce you the exotic and nostalgic aspects of the exterior and interior design of the building, and its attractive features.

Table of Contents for this Article

１，Basic Information about Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
２，Useful Information about Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
３，The only one Tangible Cultural Property of western-style house in Japan!
４，Photo Gallery of the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
５，Recommended ways to enjoy coffee at the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
６，Access Information to Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

１，Basic Information about the Starbucks Coffee Kitano Ijinkan

Name: Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
Name in English: STARBUCKS COFFEE KOBE KITANO IJINKAN
Prefecture: Hyogo prefecture
Area: Kobe city (Kitano area)
Address: 3-1-31, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Telephone Number: 078-230-6320
Closed Days: None
Hours: 8：00 ～ 22：00
Average Price：¥300～／person
Official Website：http://www.starbucks.co.jp/store/search/detail.php?id=940

２，Useful Information about Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

Recommendation Raking of EnjoyJapan!: Definitely recommended if you are in the Kobe area!
Within a 10 minute walk from the station: ☓
Free Wi-Fi: 〇 ※Registration required (Free)

※For information about Wi-Fi, click the links below
Japanese：http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/index_jp.html
English：http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/index_en.html

Credit cards: Accepted
Seating: 82 seats
Occasion: Lunch, afternoon tea
Accompanied by: Friends/ Family/ Date/ Alone
Staff who can speak foreign languages: Unknown
Smoking: No smoking except for the terrace
Parking: Not available *parking available in the neighbourhood
To got: 〇

３，The only one Tangible Cultural Property of western-style house In Japan!

This Starbucks was originally a house that was built in 1907 and the owner was an American. The building was unfortunately destroyed by the Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995, but it was rebuilt on the Kitano hillside in 2001, and turned into a Starbucks Coffee since then.

It is the only one Starbucks Coffee shop to have been registered as Japaneses tangible cultural property, and is loved not only by Kobe people, but by everyone who visits the location from around the world.

Even after having been turned into a Starbucks Coffee shop, the building retains its nostalgic structure and atmosphere. The dining room, guest room, lounge and hallways of the 1st and 2nd floor of the house still remain the western style architecture and each rooms have specially selected items such as paintings and designs.

There are 13 Starbucks Coffee shops in Japan that embody the idea of a 'concept store', but the Starbucks in the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan is only one Starbucks Coffee registered as a Tangible Cultural Property so it is most well known and popular among them.

Also, there are 2 other Starbucks concept shop in Kyoto in Kansai area. "Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Sanjo-Ohashi" which has Kyoto's summer tradition "Kamo-river Noryo-doko(summer time dinning by the river)" and Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku" which we can enjoy coffee and magnificent view of the temple together. Both shops are in the very unique location so please check them out.　

４，Photo Gallery of the Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

Here, we show the photos of what you will see when you walk into the Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

The beautiful white and green exterior

This Starbucks logo is specially made for this shop so it fits right in with the atmosphere and design of the building itself.

The original beautiful western-style atmosphere is remains inside the shop

The 1st floor and 2nd floor has different atmosphere and you will be definitely excited to spend the time in this Starbucks Coffee shop when you walk in and see the charming interior, old and chic sofas and tables, and even the gorgeous chandelier on the ceiling.

５，Recommended Ways of enjoy the coffee at Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

The Kitano area is also known as "Ijinkan Street" because it was a residential area for foreigners who were living in Japan. These western-style houses had been transformed into institutions or facilities in 1970's, and since then, the Kitano Ijinkan has become a popular tourist destination.

When you walk through the streets of Kitano, you will find the dainty little cafes, restaurants, bakeries, clothing stores, and many more, so we highly recommend coming down and enjoying the scenery as you walk around the area.


Ijinkan Street

The Kitano hill in front of the Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan


Kitano Ijinkan


Kitano Ijinkan

After you walk around the streets of Kitano, let's have a coffee or tea at Starbucks Coffee Kitano Ijinkan. The inside consists of two floors which provides selection of the rooms which has different atmosphere by each. There are comfortable sofas seats and tables seats with pleasant sunlight that comes from the leaves of a tree. On sunny days, you can also step outside and sit on the patio.

The small details inside the store such as the painting, books, antique decoration and chandeliers will make your Starbucks Coffee experience that much more special when you spend it in the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan. There is also a selection of tumblers and cups that are only offered in the Starbucks in Kobe area, so make sure to check them out.

Don't forget to take a picture of the building on your way out!

６，Access Information to the Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

Address: 3-1-31, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Telephone Number: 078-230-6320
Transportation:

(by Train)
11 minute walk from the JR Kobe Line "Sannomiya" station East exit
12 minute walk from the Hankyu Kobe Line "Hankyu Sannomiya" station East exit

(by Bus)
Kobe municipal bus "Kitano Ijinkan"

l※Bus schedule:
　Kobe municipal bus website (Japanese)／http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/life/access/transport/bus/rosen_01.html