If you only have time to visit a few houses in Kitano Ijikan-gai, ensure the Platon Decorative Arts Museum (プラトン装飾美術館) is on the list. The fundamental difference between the Platon Decorative Arts Museum and the other Western-style houses in the area is that this one is privately owned. Probably because of this, the staff welcoming you at the door are all in butler/maid costumes! This is how it would be 100 years ago if you were visiting a wealthy friend (´▽｀*).
About Platon Decorative Arts Museum
Why did we say rich? Aside from the staff, this house is full of expensive Italian furniture, paintings, and sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries!
Apparently, the owner gathered all the collections in the house based on his taste. To summarise the highlights of the house:
- The paintings in the house are mainly artworks of the Impressionist and Barbizon school painters, such as Rousseau, Millet, Coro, and Bonnard.
- Renaissance style Furniture, fireplace, and sculptures by the Italian sculptor Victor Emone
- Silverware, tableware, gold-plated glasses, and genuine antiques up close.
The glory of this house reminds us of how Toyotomi Hideyoshi decorated Osaka Castle in a way that is just so shiny, with the building and the garden decorated with golden artwork. You will find gold on the doorknobs and door panels as well (´▽｀*)!
Platon Decorative Arts Museum’s Cafe
On the garden terrace facing the pool, there is a small cafe where you can relax and overlook the equally lavish garden. They also serve light meals during lunchtime, but we haven’t been able to confirm if they have any vegetarian options. So when you get there, utilize the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to check with the staff (^_-)-☆.
Tip: Check with the staff to see if you can enjoy the cafe’s menu in the dining area in the basement for an even more luxurious experience!
Platon Decorative Arts Museum’s Unusual Pathway to the Basement
Remember to check out the basement as well. Because of the chill underground, it was previously the house’s food storage and is now another luxurious dining area and a wine cellar. But that isn’t the point. Check out the pathway to the basement because it is no ordinary path. It is actually a fictitious back alley with shop signs over your head!
Platon Decorative Arts Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information
- Platon Decorative Arts Museum is open from
- 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays
- 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays
- The admission fee is
- 700 yen for adults
- 500 yen for high school students
- 200 yen for elementary school students
- The house is a 10-minute walk from JR and Kobe City Subway’s Shin-Kobe Station (新神戸駅).
- If you are taking the Kobe City Loop Bus, it is a 5-minute walk from the Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館) stop.
Other Interesting Attractions in Kitano Ijinkan-gai
On the way to Kitano Tanman Shrine, you would have walked past a couple of attractions in Kitano Ijinkan-gai. The area, one of Kobe’s top tourist destinations, has a couple more spots worth your time. Not only can you peek into the lifestyles of those European aristocrats two centuries ago, but some houses are where you pose for hilarious photos! It is the part of Kobe where you will have so much fun!
So, refer to our Kitano Ijinkan-gai article for more information!
Explore Other Place and Hidden Gems in Kobe
The port city of Kobe has many other popular attractions and hidden gems that are worthwhile exploring. For example, for those who love nature, the Nunobiki Falls ranked the same as the Kegon Falls in Nikkō National Park, is probably the next spot you want to visit.
The Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge in the photo to the right has bridge climbing tours for those who are looking for some magnificent views and thrill!
To find out more about this amazing city, please refer to our article on Kobe (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
