Holland House Kitano

As I continued my exploration of Kitano, I passed by the Holland House—one of the many distinctive Western-style residences that make this district so unique. By this point, I was feeling the effects of the uphill walk and the sheer number of fascinating houses, so I decided not to go inside, but the building’s charm was unmistakable from the outside.

The Holland House, also known as the Fragrance House Dutch Pavilion or Kaori-no-Ie Olandakan, is a beautifully preserved two-story residence built in 1918. Originally, it served as the home of the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and later housed other notable foreign residents. Its nostalgic architecture, with a hip roof and period details, stands out along Olandazaka—literally “Holland Hill”—and is designated as one of Kobe’s 100 Best Modern Residences.

The house is famous for its connection to Dutch culture and history. Visitors who enter can see rooms filled with antiques imported from the Netherlands, such as a 200-year-old piano, Dutch furniture, and household goods arranged as if the residents had just stepped out. There’s even a giant wooden shoe at the entrance, adding a whimsical touch. One of the unique experiences offered here is the chance to create a personalized fragrance, blending scents based on your preferences, birthday, and zodiac sign—a nod to both Dutch and Japanese traditions.

Although I didn’t go inside, just seeing the Holland House and its flower-lined entrance gave me a sense of the international spirit that defines Kitano. It’s easy to see why so many visitors are drawn to this area, with its colorful roofs, European-style street lamps, and the feeling of stepping into a different world. Even from the outside, the Holland House added another layer of charm to my Kitano walk, and I made a mental note to return and explore its fragrant, historic interiors on a future visit.