Moegi no Yakata (Former Sharp Residence)

Architecture and Distinctive Design

Located immediately west of the famous Weathercock House, Moegi no Yakata offers a lighter, more open appearance than its imposing neighbor, which is known for its Neo-Baroque architecture. The residence is primarily Colonial in style, with Baroque ornamentation adding richness and elegance to its interior and exterior.

The two bay windows, each with a different design, are among the building’s most striking features. The decorative staircase, elaborate finishes, and other carefully crafted details reflect the luxurious tastes of the period. Elements of Japanese design were also incorporated, illustrating the cultural exchange that shaped Kobe when foreign residents established homes in the city.

The History of Moegi no Yakata

Construction and Early Residents

The mansion was built in 1903 for Hunter Sharp, an American diplomat serving as consul general in Kobe. It is believed to have been designed by A. N. Hansell, an architect associated with many Western-style residences in the city. With its original white exterior, the building was once known as the White Foreign Residence.

After Sharp’s departure from Japan, the property passed into German ownership. In 1944, Hideo Kobayashi, president of Kobe Electric Railway, acquired the residence and lived there until 1978.

National Cultural Property Designation and Restoration

In 1980, the building was designated a National Important Cultural Property under the name Kobayashi Residence (Former Sharp Residence). The designation also covered the surrounding grounds, measuring 803.6 square meters.

During extensive partial dismantling and restoration work that began in 1987, investigators uncovered evidence of the mansion’s original exterior color. In 1989, the walls were repainted in moegi, a soft yellowish green traditionally associated with fresh spring leaves. The building subsequently became widely known as Moegi no Yakata, meaning the House of Moegi.

Damage from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 1995 caused considerable damage to the residence. All three chimneys collapsed, and cracks appeared in the exterior walls. Restoration work took approximately one year.

One of the collapsed chimneys has been preserved in the garden, where it serves as a reminder of the earthquake and its impact on Kobe’s historic buildings.

Hunter Sharp: The Mansion’s First Resident

Hunter Sharp, the original resident of Moegi no Yakata, was born in 1861 in Hertford, North Carolina, in the United States. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, he came to Japan in 1886 and married in Kobe in 1900. He commissioned the residence in 1903 before leaving Japan in 1908.

Sharp subsequently served as a consul in several European cities, including Moscow, Lyon, and Edinburgh. He died in Edinburgh in 1923. His career reflects the international diplomatic connections that helped shape Kobe’s development as a major port city.

Enjoy the Views from the Second-Floor Veranda

In addition to its architectural details, Moegi no Yakata is notable for its second-floor veranda, which offers a panoramic view of Kobe’s urban landscape. The combination of historic interiors, decorative craftsmanship, and city views makes the residence a rewarding stop for architecture enthusiasts and travelers interested in Kobe’s multicultural heritage.

Access to Moegi no Yakata

Moegi no Yakata is located at 3-10-11 Kitano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and Kobe Municipal Subway. The various stations around Sannomiya, including JR Sannomiya, Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya, Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya, and the municipal subway stations, are approximately a 15-minute walk away.

The mansion is an ideal stop when exploring the Kitano Ijinkan district, a neighborhood known for its historic Western-style residences dating from the period when Kobe opened to international trade.