"Kobe no Tobira" (神戸のとびら), a platform for locally organized tourism programs operated by the Kobe Tourism Bureau (a general incorporated foundation), has announced a new bus tour tied to a milestone cultural property designation. The main building of the Hakogi family residence (箱木家住宅主屋) in Kita-ku, commonly known as "Hakogi Sennenke" (箱木千年家), is an Important Cultural Property that is set to become the first residential building in the country designated a National Treasure structure. Should the designation go through, it will also become Kobe's second National Treasure building, after the main hall of Taisanji Temple (太山寺). To mark the occasion, "Kobe no Tobira" has begun selling tickets for a half-day bus tour visiting Hakogi Sennenke, the National Treasure main hall of Taisanji, and Taisanji Coffee Roasting Room (太山寺珈琲焙煎室), a specialty coffee shop along the temple's approach.
Tour Overview: Hakogi Sennenke, Set to Become Japan's First Residential National Treasure, and Special Access to National Treasure Taisanji
- Date: Sunday, September 6
- Capacity: 18 people (first-come, first-served)
- Price: ¥7,700
Hakogi Sennenke
The main building of the house where the Hakogi family — said to have been local lords who governed the Yamada-sho area — lived for generations. Built around the 14th century, it is the oldest surviving residential building in Japan. A staff member from Kobe City's Cultural Property Division accompanies the tour, explaining the process behind the National Treasure designation and the building's architectural features, and also introduces the adjoining detached parlor, itself an Important Cultural Property.
Taisanji
Taisanji's main hall is highly regarded as an eclectic building combining Japanese (wayo) and Chinese Tang (karayo) architectural styles, and was designated a National Treasure in 1955. The tour includes a viewing of the main hall as well as special access — arranged specifically for this program — to the interiors of Rakan-do Hall and Amida-do Hall, which are not normally open to the public.
Taisanji Coffee Roasting Room
Located along the approach to Taisanji, this specialty coffee shop uses carefully selected beans from dedicated producers, drawing on the shop's experience and knowledge to roast only as much as needed at a time in a nature-filled setting. Guests can enjoy the shop owner's coffee in an outdoor space surrounded by greenery.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the reservation form on the official website, where participants enter their name, phone number, and number of participants.
Kobe no Tobira official website: https://kobe-door.feel-kobe.jp/
Applications are not accepted by phone or fax, and a cancellation fee applies after a set date.
