Kitano-cho

Japan was pretty much closed to a lot of foreign trade until the 1860's. Once the country "opened," many foreigners rushed in. Apparently there was not a lot to Kobe prior to the 1860's but the city grew after that. It is a really ideal port area. Althought the city has had it trouble over the last 100+ years (earthquakes, etc.) there are still remnants of these early foreign settlers. One is the Kitano neighborhood.
Maybe not the first foreign enclave, but this neighborhood is known throughout Japan - many other people come from within Japan to see it. This neighborhood is in the mountain foothills and was a little bit of a hike for us. We weren't complaining because it was a beautiful sunny day. We went by an odd little temple (sorry ladies, no admittance if it is that time of the month) and saw a balcony with a fruit tree beginning to bloom. Further up the hill, the neighborhood took on a more European character. Felt less and less like Japan as we got to the center of the neighborhood. Toured a couple of early 20th century homes - very interesting! Had lunch at a little Italian style cafe and then hiked back into town.