Kitano Ijinkan Former Hunter House
At Kitano Ijinkan Former Hunter House
Located in Kobe’s historic Kitano Ijinkan district, Kitano Ijinkan – Former Hunter Residence offers an exclusive wedding experience within a private Western-style residence with over 130 years of history.
Built by British entrepreneur E. H. Hunter for his beloved wife, the residence is known as a rare Japanese-style Ijinkan, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden.
Designated as a traditional historic building and normally closed to the public, this exceptional venue allows guests to step into a place rarely experienced.
Here, where a sense of nostalgia remains unchanged through the passing of time, couples can share truly special moments with their most cherished guests.
A Limited-Availability Wedding at a Private Japanese-Style Residence in Kitano
Surrounded by lush greenery, Kitano Ijinkan – Former Hunter Residence appears quietly at the top of Kitano’s hillside, just minutes from central Kobe and Sannomiya.
Among the historic Ijinkan residences, this Japanese-style mansion is exceptionally rare—truly one of a kind. Designated as a Traditional Historic Building, its dignified presence reflects the charm and grace of a bygone era.
Overlooking a serene garden embraced by trees, the residence offers an elegant and intimate setting for a refined wedding experience.
Japanese Grace Meets Western Elegance
Beneath the garden’s twin cherry trees, a day that marks the beginning of marriage.
Built over 130 years ago by British entrepreneur E.H. Hunter for his beloved wife, this historic residence offers a serene garden where the seasons quietly unfold. Known as Meoto-zakura, the two cherry trees stand side by side, watching over the couple as they share heartfelt moments with their guests.
A place that remains unchanged through time, and one to which the couple can return—years, even decades after their wedding.
A Special Day, Served in Japanese-French Style
A refined fusion of Japanese and Western flavors brings elegance to the celebration.
From vibrant starters to delicate desserts, the course is crafted to delight guests of all generations. Light French cuisine, gently accented with Japanese essence, offers a warm and sophisticated dining experience for your wedding day.
CEREMONY
Chapel
up to 60 guests
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
up to 60 guests
BANQUET
Banquet (Main Hall)
up to 70 guests
Kitano Ijinkan Former Hunter House
| Address | 3-1 Ojicho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0838, Japan (Located within Oji Zoo) Note: To preserve this Traditional Historic Building and ensure an exclusive experience, wedding viewing details are provided directly by our salon. |
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| Access | By Train Approx. 3-minute walk from Oji-koen Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line. Approx. 5-minute walk from Nada Station on the JR Kobe Line. Approx. 10-minute walk from Iwaya Station on the Hanshin Main Line. From Shinkansen (Bullet Train) & Airports Approx. 10-minute by taxi from Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station. Conveniently located just minutes away from central Kobe (Sannomiya). |
| Capacity | Ceremony (Garden / Meoto-zakura Ceremony): Up to 40 guests Reception / Dining (Private Indoor Dining): Seated from 2 to 40 guests Perfectly scaled for intimate, refined, and exclusive weddings shared with your most cherished guests. |
| Facilities | Property Type: Designated Traditional Historic Building / Important Cultural Property with over 130 years of history (A rare Japanese-style Western mansion). Ceremony Venue: Private Garden surrounded by lush greenery (Outdoor ceremonies beneath the symbolic Meoto-zakura cherry trees). |