Kobe-KyuKyoryuchi

(former foreign settlement of Kobe)
Also see CyberTeen Article about Ijinkan

This area is in the center of Kobe in the area now famous for the light festival "luminarie" that is held every year commemorating the earthquake of 1995.

The Beginnings

At the end of the shogunate in the late 1850's Yokohama and Kobe opened their ports having made treaties with foreign countries. This ended the national isolation policy. This lead to the creation of the foreign residence area, so that there would be no dispute between the people of Kobe village and the foreigners. This living area would have houses for the foreigners and commercial areas. By 1868, the land was ready and the auction of the property began. Read more from the Japan Times.

From the beginning, the city planning was European. Briton Engineering's John William Hart was the designer; he created the European style of roads, parkways, street lamps, sewers, etc.

War

During the war, many foreigners left. After the war, restoration started, but it wasn't until late in the 50's when it went to a high level. By 1975, many were now being used as restaurants and office spaces and specialty stores. Since it's location near the port of Kobe makes it economically profitable, it continues to grow.

The Quake

In 1995 during the Osaka/Kobe Awazi earthquake, much of the area collapsed. The damage was huge. However, the area is now being restored, keeping the appearance that it had before, but with modern quake construction.

To see pictures of several of the restored residences, click here

What Was There and Remains?

Photo gallery of current area.

Data from Kobe City Museum
Sept 1999, The Story of the Enlightment of Kobe and Yokohama