Kobe Retro and Modern Architecture: Mikage Public Hall, a landmark of Mikage

Modern architecture” is nostalgic in some way and has a beauty that cannot be found in today’s buildings. Did you know that there are many buildings in Kobe that evoke such a sense of time and atmosphere? This time, the author visited the Mikage Public Hall in Higashinada Ward. Here are some of the highlights and charms of the Mikage Public Hall, with plenty of photos!

The Mikage Public Hall has an elegant yet somewhat relaxing appearance with its many round shapes and arches. The classic building suddenly appeared in front of me as I was walking along the river for about 5 minutes from Ishiyagawa Station on the Hanshin Railway, so I could get there without hesitation even though it was my first visit!

The building was completed in 1933 and designed by Eiji Shimizu, who also worked on the “Former Kobe Municipal Raw Silk Inspection Station.

Anyone can enter the building free of charge, and the hall and meeting rooms inside are usually used as a place for citizens to rent. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a high-ceilinged hall and a marble staircase.

The marble with its beautiful black pattern is a sight to behold.

The building was renovated in April 2016 for reasons of aging and barrier-free access, but the handrails, lighting, and arches still have the modern Showa period feel to them, and you can’t stop taking pictures of them!

Climbing up to the third floor, you will find a spacious ceiling with lighted windows that provide plenty of natural light, making the space bright and comfortable.

The ceiling has spacious lighting windows that provide plenty of natural light, making it a bright and pleasant space.

It is also nice to look up from the basement.

In fact, there is a long-established Western-style restaurant “Kokaido Shokudo” in the basement, which has been in business since its construction and is also very popular.

It would be a good idea to try the long-loved specialty ” omelette rice” while visiting the restaurant.

On the same floor, there is also a “Jigoro Kano Memorial Corner” and a “Mikage Local History Room” related to Jigoro Kano, the father of judo, so those who want to learn more about Mikage and Jigoro Kano should not miss them! You can learn from a variety of valuable materials right in front of you.

There were also panels explaining the history of Mikage Public Hall and Mikage!

As I carefully looked around the quiet museum, I suddenly forgot my daily life and had a moment as if I had stepped back in time.

As a place where the history of Kobe and its buildings still lives on, this is a recommended spot not only for those interested in architecture, but also for those who want to spend some quiet time.

We recommend circling around the building to admire the exterior, which is full of designs of the time, so when you visit, be sure to circle around the building and observe what it looks like.

Detailed Information

Location

Kobe Mikage Public Hall
(4-4 Mikageishi-cho, Higashinada-ku, Kobe)
Google Map

Hours of operation

9:00 – 21:00
*Mikage Local History and History Room and Jigoro Kano Memorial Corner are open until 17:00

Admission

Free of charge

Closed

Tuesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)

• Kobe Mikage Municipal Mikage Public Hall Official Website https://mikage-kokaido.jp/