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Kitano Workshop Town (Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Kitano Kobo no Machi is a manufacturing and tourism complex created using a former school building in the Kitano area of Kobe. While retaining the retro school atmosphere, it is home to a collection of local traditional crafts, food stores, souvenir shops, cafes, and workshops, and its main attraction is that tourists can easily experience the "fun of making things." The exterior of the building and the interior design, such as the wood and tiles, are highly photogenic, making it a great place to stop by during your stroll.
Highlights
- Crafts experience: There is a wide variety of experiences to suit all ages and skill levels, including candle making, glasswork, stamp making, leather goods, and Japanese sweets making. There are also many programs that can be enjoyed by parents and children.
- Shops: Local craft artists, confectionery shops, general stores, traditional craft retailers, etc. You can find original souvenirs and handmade products.
- Retro school atmosphere: The interior, corridors, and classrooms that make use of the old school building are a great spot for taking tourist photos.
- Cafes and snack bars: There are cafes and snack bars where you can take a break between walks and enjoy menus made with local ingredients.
- Seasonal Events: Special workshops and seasonal events are sometimes held, so you can enjoy them according to the time of your visit (please check the official website for event status).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin Sannomiya (Kobe-Sannomiya) Station, about a 10-15 minute walk (the most common route is uphill towards Kitanozaka).
- By Shinkansen: Accessible from Shin-Kobe Station by subway or on foot up a slope (it is quite a distance if you walk).
- Bus/Taxi: It is convenient to take a city bus or taxi from Sannomiya Station towards Kitano. You can also take a bus on a tourist route.
- By car: The Kitano area has narrow roads and limited parking, so it is recommended to visit by public transportation. Paid parking is available nearby.
- Note: The Kitano area has many slopes and cobblestone streets, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Shop only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Participate in one experience (workshop): 1.5 to 2.5 hours (time required depends on the experience)
- Take your time and enjoy the cafe: about 2 hours
Nearby spots
- Kitano Ijinkan-gai (Weathercock House, Moegi House, Uroko House, etc.) — Historic buildings full of exotic atmosphere are scattered here and there.
- Kitanozaka/Tor Road — A walking street lined with stylish cafes and boutiques.
- Nankinmachi (Chinatown) — Easily accessible from Sannomiya, you can enjoy eating your way around and Chinese cuisine.
- Old Foreign Settlement Area — This area is home to many Western-style buildings and shops, making it ideal for shopping and visiting cafes.
- Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden/Ropeway (towards Shin-Kobe) — A spot where you can enjoy the night view and nature.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It tends to get crowded on weekends, holidays, and tourist seasons (Golden Week, autumn foliage season, New Year's holiday). Reservations for experiences tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
- Barrier-free access: As the facility is an old school building, there are steps and stairs, and barrier-free access is limited in some areas of the facility as a whole. Please check in advance if you will be using a wheelchair or stroller.
- Photography: Generally, photography is permitted both inside and outside the building, but please check with staff or observe proper etiquette before taking photos of other customers or products in the store during workshops.
- Pets: Some stores do not allow pets. Please check in advance if you wish to bring pets into the store.
- Clothing and Walking: The Kitano area has many slopes and cobblestone streets, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be careful in rainy weather as some areas may be slippery.
- Check the latest information: Business hours, availability of experiences, fees, and regular holidays may change. Please check the official website or call before visiting for the latest information.
(Note) Please check the official website for the latest information on specific opening hours, experience programs, reservation methods, whether or not there is an admission fee, and other information.
