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JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE

State-Designated Important Cultural Propertydetail

Weathercock House

 G. Thomas was a trader living in Kobe when he arraged construction of the weathercock House. The House is unique among Ijinkan (foreign houses) in the Kitano Yamamoto region for its brick outer wall. It differs from the other Ijinkan houses in its grand appearance with its bright colored brick walls, heaped stone porch, and the half timber (wood frame ) on the second floor. The weathercock on the spire is well known throughout the Kitano region.

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Former Thomas' House



 The metal rooster does more the indicate the wind direction, it also wards off evil spirits, and promotes Christian doctrine with its advacation of caution and respect of nature.







 The former Thomas' House has an entrance hall, parlor living room,dining room, and study on the first floor,and a bedroom for the couple, nursery, guest room and a breakfast room on the second floor.



 Although the design of each room is unique, the house as a whole is influenced by German traditionalism, while reflecting the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th century and early 20the century.



 On the first floor visitors will see the Art Nouveau metallic knobs on each entrance door, as well as the ornamentation at the top of the pillars on the porch, the chandelier-adorned living room and a caricature of the baseboard in the study reflect the period as well.







  Evoking a medieval castle theme are the wood beams on the celing, and the ornate sideboard and fireplace ornamentation tha are themselves worth the visit.











 Prominent early 20th century German architect G.de Lalande designed the Thomas House along with other famous works in Japna.



 From December 1983 to March 1985, an extensive restoration returned the house to near its original condition.
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Detail

Hours 9:00-18:00
Close First Tuesday of Febrauary and June
Admission adults 500yen
Access 15 minutes walk northwest of Sannomiya Station (JR and Hanshin, Hankyuu Railway) and a five minute walk west of SinKobe Staion (Shinkansen, Kobe Subway)
Adress 3-13-3 Kitano-cho, Chuoh-ku, Kobe