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Weathercock House

Symbol of Kitano Ijinkan Area

In 1909, German businessman Thomas built the Weathercock House in Kitano, Kobe. It is the only red brick building among Kitano Ijinkan foreign houses, and its pinnacle and Cock-shaped weathervane have become the symbol of the district. The interior of the Weathercock House is luxurious and grand, and most of the furniture in the house is original.

Kazamidori no Yakata 風見鶏の館, the Weathercock House, also known as the Former Thomas Residence, was built in 1909 by German businessman Thomas in Kitano, Kobe. With its striking red facade and fence, the Weathercock House is The Only Red Brick Building among all the Kitano Ijinkan foreign houses北野異人館.

The pinnacle of the building, which is located at the top end of the mountain road in Kitano Ijinkan Street, and the Weathervane in the shape of a rooster at the top have become The Symbol of the Kitano District.

Cock on the Roof

Manywhere Trivia:
In Japanese culture, a fence sitter is called a Weathercock, which is the nickname of the former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone.

Influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, the interior of the Weathercock House is exquisite and luxurious. The upper and lower floors are divided into more than ten rooms according to function, with a living room, sitting room, dining room, bedroom, and children’s room, and most of the furniture inside is original.