Kitano Tourist Information Center

The Kitano Tourist Information Center is a tourist information office in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, and a great place to stop when visiting the Kitano Ijinkan (foreign residence) district. Access is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kobe Line Sannomiya Station and from Hankyu Railway / Hanshin Railway Kobe-Sannomiya Station. It is located on the first floor of a building next to Kitano-cho Plaza, just east of the Weathercock House (Kazamidori-no-Yakata), after heading north up Kitano-zaka and Tenjin-zaka slopes. In addition to an information counter and a souvenir corner, the center has plenty of maps and brochures. The Kitano Ijinkan area is built on sloping terrain rising from the flatlands toward the mountains, with many narrow, winding uphill streets and limited sightlines, so it’s best to check maps and local information here before you start sightseeing. You can also purchase the “Kobe Machiaruki Ticket,” which comes with many perks for Kobe sightseeing. Besides touring Western-style houses/ijinkan such as the Uroko House & Observation Gallery and the Kobe Trick Art “Mysterious Consulate,” another fun way to enjoy the Kitano area is tasting international cuisine. You can savor traditional flavors from renowned restaurants serving French, Italian, Swiss, Chinese, Indian, and other cuisines.