Ijinkan Uroko Group Visitor Center

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone planning a visit to Kobe Kitano, it would be to start at the Ijinkan Uroko Group Visitor Center. Looking back, I realize how helpful it would have been to stop there first—it's the perfect place to pick up maps, get information, and purchase combination tickets for the historic Western-style mansions in the area. With so many unique *ijinkan* houses and galleries scattered around Kitano, having a plan makes the experience much more enjoyable and efficient.

But on my visit, I dove straight into exploring, wandering up the slopes and discovering the district house by house. The uphill walk and the sheer number of fascinating buildings quickly wore me out. By the time I realized how much ground there was to cover, I was already feeling exhausted from all the climbing and sightseeing.

So, instead of continuing further, I decided to make my way back down the hill and look for something to eat. Kitano is blessed with plenty of great dining options, from elegant coffee houses to bakeries and restaurants serving Kobe’s famous beef. Sometimes, a good meal is the best way to recharge after a day of exploring history and architecture.