Uroko-no-Ie and the Uroko Museum of Art are historic attractions in Kitano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Known for their distinctive architecture and impressive art collections, they offer visitors a glimpse into the Western culture that flourished in Kobe following the opening of the city to international trade.
Uroko-no-Ie was the first foreign-style residence in Kobe to open to the public. Its name, which means “House of Scales,” comes from the natural slate covering its exterior walls. The overlapping pieces resemble fish scales, giving the building its distinctive appearance and making it one of the most recognizable Western-style residences in Kobe’s Kitano district.
The residence was built around 1905 in Kobe’s former foreign settlement as an upscale rental home for foreign residents. During the Taisho era (1912–1926), it was relocated to its present location in Kitano-cho and became the residence of a German man named R. Hallier. For this reason, it is also known as the Former Hallier Residence, although the name Uroko-no-Ie is now more widely used.
The building is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan and has also been selected for Hyogo Prefecture’s list of 100 outstanding residences. Its traditional Western architectural design, natural slate walls, gabled roof, and black ceramic roof tiles make it an important example of Kobe’s historic foreign residences.
The interior of Uroko-no-Ie contains historically significant furniture, furnishings, and decorative objects that reflect the tastes and lifestyles of earlier generations. Highlights include fine porcelain from Meissen and glass art by renowned artists and makers such as Émile Gallé and Tiffany.
These collections offer insight into Western decorative arts and the cultural influences that shaped Kobe during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Together with the building’s distinctive exterior, they make the residence an appealing destination for visitors interested in architecture, history, and art.
Uroko-no-Ie is also known among video game enthusiasts because it was used for location research and as a model for settings in the Windows games Fate/stay night and Rewrite. This connection has made the historic residence a popular destination for fans who wish to visit places associated with these works.
The Uroko Museum of Art stands immediately west of Uroko-no-Ie, on elevated ground approximately 150 meters above sea level. Its third floor features paintings by Yu Horie, while the museum’s elevated position offers sweeping views of Kobe Port and the surrounding cityscape.
The museum combines the enjoyment of fine art with scenic views, providing a different perspective on Kobe’s cultural landscape. It is a worthwhile stop for visitors exploring the historic Western-style residences of Kitano.
The museum’s collection includes oil paintings by prominent European artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Constant Troyon, Georges Rouault, Moïse Kisling, Henri Matisse, Maurice Utrillo, and Bernard Buffet. Russian paintings are also represented, offering visitors a broad introduction to modern European art.
Works by Japanese painter Yu Horie are displayed as well, adding another dimension to the collection. The range of artists and styles makes the museum an appealing destination for art lovers interested in both European and Japanese painting.
Notable works include Maurice Utrillo’s Mimi’s House, Bernard Buffet’s Portrait of Annabella, and Constant Troyon’s Landscape with Hunters in Fontainebleau. Other works include The Church of Tash by Radovic, Portrait of Marie Laurencin by Edmond-François Aman-Jean, and Nude with a Red Throw by Moïse Kisling.
The collection also features Maurice Denis’s Mother and Child, Henri Matisse’s Flowers in Nice, Andrew Wyeth’s The Stairs (1917), and Eugène Carrière’s Memories. Additional works include Sketching by Nasriif, The Fortune-Teller of Boulogne by Tran, The Breeze by Raphaël Collin, Memories by Salentin, and Stormy Weather, Then Clear Skies by Noël.
Yu Horie’s works, including Rebecca, Believe, and The Last Supper, are also part of the collection. Together, these paintings provide an opportunity to explore a variety of artistic traditions and subjects in a historic setting overlooking Kobe.
Uroko-no-Ie is a two-story wooden residence with a tower section, built around 1905. Its most distinctive architectural feature is the natural slate covering the exterior walls, arranged in overlapping layers that resemble fish scales. The gabled roof and black ceramic roof tiles further enhance its traditional Western-style appearance.
Situated in Kitano-cho, an area known for its historic foreign residences, Uroko-no-Ie and the Uroko Museum of Art are ideal stops for travelers who want to discover Kobe’s international heritage, historic architecture, and art collections in one visit.
Several other attractions are located nearby, including the Kitano-cho Yamamoto-dori Historic District, the Platon Decorative Arts Museum, the former Drewell Residence (Rhein-no-Yakata), and Yamate Hachibankan, formerly known as the Sansen Residence. Exploring these sites together provides a deeper understanding of the foreign communities and architectural styles that helped shape modern Kobe.
With its unusual fish-scale exterior, historic furnishings, fine-art collections, and panoramic views of Kobe Port, Uroko-no-Ie and the Uroko Museum of Art offer a memorable cultural experience in one of the city’s most distinctive historic neighborhoods.