Moegi no Yakata, also known as the Former Sharp Residence, is a historic Western-style mansion located in Kitano-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan on December 18, 1980, the building is admired for its distinctive architecture, elegant decorative details, and fascinating history. It is one of the notable historic residences in Kobe’s Kitano district, an area known for its former foreign residences, or ijinkan.
The Former Sharp Residence stands immediately west of the famous Weathercock House, another landmark of Kitano. In contrast to the Weathercock House’s imposing Neo-Baroque appearance, Moegi no Yakata features a light and graceful two-story design characteristic of the Colonial style. Baroque influences can be seen in its elaborate decorative details, while elements of Japanese design add an intriguing cultural dimension.
Among its most distinctive features are two bay windows with different designs and a staircase decorated with mosaic patterns. These details reflect the craftsmanship and refined taste associated with the Western-style residences built in Kobe during the early twentieth century.
The mansion was built in 1903 as the residence of Hunter Sharp, the United States consul general in Kobe. It is attributed to the architect A. N. Hansell. When first constructed, its white exterior earned it the nickname “White Western House.” The property later passed into German ownership before being acquired in 1944 by Hideo Kobayashi, then president of Kobe Electric Railway. Kobayashi lived there until 1978.
In 1980, the building was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan under the name “Kobayashi Residence (Former Sharp Residence).” The designation covers not only the building but also its surrounding grounds, measuring 803.6 square meters.
During major restoration work that began in 1987, investigators uncovered evidence of the mansion’s original exterior color. In 1989, the walls were repainted in moegi, a soft yellow-green traditionally associated with fresh foliage. The building subsequently became widely known as Moegi no Yakata, meaning the “Yellow-Green Mansion.”
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 caused significant damage to the mansion. All three chimneys collapsed, and cracks appeared in the exterior walls. Restoration work took approximately one year to complete.
One of the collapsed chimneys has been preserved in the garden in its damaged state. It serves as a reminder of the earthquake and the importance of preserving Kobe’s historic buildings for future generations.
Moegi no Yakata combines Colonial-style architecture with Baroque decorative influences. Its two differently designed bay windows create visual interest, while the mosaic-decorated staircase demonstrates the attention given to interior design. Japanese elements are also incorporated into the building, reflecting the cultural exchange that characterized Kobe when foreign residents established homes in the city.
The mansion’s yellow-green exterior is another defining feature. Although it was originally known as the White Western House, the restoration of its original color in 1989 gave it a new identity. Today, the distinctive facade makes it one of the most recognizable historic residences in Kitano.
Hunter Sharp, the mansion’s first owner, was born in Hartford, North Carolina, in the United States, in 1861. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, he came to Japan in 1886 and married in Kobe in 1900. He commissioned the residence in 1903 before leaving Japan in 1908.
Sharp subsequently served as a consul in several European cities, including Moscow, Lyon, and Edinburgh. He died in Edinburgh in 1923. His former residence remains a tangible reminder of the international connections that helped shape Kobe’s history and architecture.
April to November: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
December to March: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: The second Wednesday of each month.
From Shin-Kobe Station: Approximately a 10-minute walk. Shin-Kobe is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and Kobe Municipal Subway.
From Sannomiya Station: Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Sannomiya, Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya, Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya, Kobe Municipal Subway Sannomiya, Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae, or the Port Liner Sannomiya Station.
Moegi no Yakata is an excellent stop for visitors exploring the Kitano district on foot. Its architecture and history offer a glimpse into Kobe’s international past and the blend of Western and Japanese influences that shaped this distinctive neighborhood.