Hello everyone! It’s Wedding Avenue here! Today, we’re excited to introduce the second part of our Kobe plan—a photo wedding in Kobe’s stylish district, the Former Foreign Settlement!

For those of you living in the Kanto region, you might not be familiar with the Former Foreign Settlement, and that’s completely understandable. It’s located just a 10-minute train ride from Shin-Kobe Station, often called the gateway to Hyogo Prefecture with the Shinkansen running through it. And it’s within a 10-minute walk from Sannomiya, Kobe’s bustling downtown area!

Over 150 years ago, when Kobe Port opened, this area flourished. What’s remarkable is that the modern Western-style scenery from that time still remains unchanged!

Around 1850, when Japan ended its isolation policy, Kobe was chosen as one of the five ports to be opened to foreign trade. Western culture, at the forefront of modernity at that time, flooded into Kobe, transforming it into a city reminiscent of modern European cities!

The 126 plots of land designated back then still exist today, and despite major disasters and subsequent rebuilding efforts, the cityscape has retained the charm of its modern Western-style architecture. Designated as a Kobe cityscape preservation area, it’s a lively, vibrant, and unique neighborhood that enchants everyone who visits!

In this article, we’ll explore what kind of photo weddings you can have in Kobe’s central district, the Former Foreign Settlement. We’ve packed this article with lots of information, so stay with us till the end! Let’s dive in!

Standing proudly on the intersection, No. 38 Mansion is actually the epitome of chic photo spots in the former foreign settlement area! Currently part of a department store, it houses the renowned boutique “Hermès,” which everyone admires, but it was originally built as a bank and has been repurposed from its former banking days!

True to its banking architecture, the building exudes a dignified atmosphere with its brick-like appearance, while its open design with expansive windows and the mysterious, welcoming aura accumulated over the years make it an ideal photo spot!

Despite undergoing extensive renovation works, the exterior of the building, which is both a local asset and a symbol, remains unchanged from its original appearance, contributing to the unified beauty of the entire district. The contrast between the old facade and the newly replaced windows adds to the chicness of the landscape!

This concludes the introduction to No. 38 Mansion, where Western attire shines beautifully under natural light!

Next, let me introduce this building on No. 15 Street!

This building, constructed in 1880, is an incredibly famous and popular photo spot on social media platforms. It’s also designated as an important cultural property, serving as the core of this area and preserving the essence, form, and history of the former settlement district for future generations. Even after much of the building collapsed due to earthquakes, it was meticulously restored by the efforts of national, municipal, and skilled craftsmen, utilizing original materials to fully recreate its historical appearance!

Comprising a ground floor and a second floor, the building embodies a typical colonial style with influences from classical British architecture. Features like the expansive veranda on the second floor, protruding stone columns, and stone-like exterior add to its stylish design, providing visual delight to onlookers!

Inside, there’s a restaurant, and the building is illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. With its open entrance and romantic ambiance, you can elevate your photography to a higher level of sophistication and elegance!

Next, let me introduce you to another popular photo spot—the Mitsui Building front!

Constructed using materials imported from overseas, the ground floor built in stone masonry style and the charming second floor adorned with terracotta decorations evoke a sense of nostalgia♪ The Mitsui Building has remained largely unchanged since its construction, retaining its original appearance as an office building, garnering significant acclaim and popularity over the years!

Celebrating its 100th anniversary since construction last year!! Just like the Mitsui Building, capturing timeless moments in your photoshoot is highly recommended, symbolizing longevity and prosperity for both of you♪

Let’s continue our journey! Next up is the corridor known as the Arched Walkway at the entrance of Daimaru Kobe Store on Tor Road, leading to the open terrace café!

Named for its ceiling arches, this area exudes a palace-like atmosphere♪ It offers a charmingly classical and sophisticated backdrop for your photoshoot! The soft illumination during the evening creates an artistic ambiance, and in winter, the ceiling sparkles with the decoration of illuminations, adding a glamorous touch to the surroundings!☆彡

Contrary to its serene daytime ambiance, it transforms into a luxurious and romantic setting under the dazzling lights♡

Tor Road, derived from “TO ART,” is meticulously designed, and even the building itself is a work of art, sure to excite anyone who beholds it! Why not capture your special moments against this chic and elegant backdrop that perfectly complements your finest Western attire?

The former foreign settlement is a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning views and a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Throughout the year, the city is bustling with activities, including art exhibitions, photo events, and visits from luxurious cruise ships docking at the nearby Kobe Port. During winter, around 40,000 lights decorate the streets, making it one of the top illumination spots in Kobe!

Just running through the streets like in the photo can create a scene straight out of a drama! Even strolling through the city enjoying a date looks incredibly picturesque. Why not capture your memories at your favorite spots or special places together?

In the old foreign settlement area, there are benches set up to provide a little relaxation for the two of you when you’re tired from the shoot! With facilities and environment tailored for the bustling city atmosphere, it ensures peace of mind even during long photo sessions!

Just enjoying the fashionable streetscape is delightful, and this spot is like a magical backdrop that instantly turns into a picturesque scene. Taking a short break here can help alleviate the fatigue from the unfamiliar shoot and allow for more natural, relaxed photos. It’s not just about capturing images but also about engraving wonderful memories for both of you. So, there’s no doubt that it will be a fantastic and enjoyable photoshoot experience!

The charm of street photography lies in capturing your everyday selves!

Even crossing the street at the pedestrian crossing becomes magical when set against the backdrop of lush nature around. Though you’re not transported to another world, the ordinary streetscape becomes exceptionally picturesque!

In a city brimming with exotic charm, a photo shoot in such a locale elevates the ordinary moments of your daily life into something extraordinary. Why not indulge in this special experience, dressed in your favorite outfits, and savor those beautiful moments together?

The charm of the old foreign settlement lies in its transformation with the passing of time! Whether capturing the bright atmosphere of daytime, the breathtaking sunset in the evening, or the romantic scenes illuminated by lights at night, each moment holds its own uniqueness.

Each setting promises to be special, offering a luxurious experience akin to being abroad. Soak in the refreshing views reminiscent of being overseas from various angles and savor every moment!

Address: 30 Hassamacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, 650-0036, Japan

Closed on: None Application Fee: Free

How was it?

The charm of the Old Foreign Settlement lies in the unique photo opportunities it offers! Whether it’s capturing a European-style atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else, taking stylish photos against century-old historical buildings, creating romantic scenes reminiscent of a date in the city, or simply capturing the special moments between the two of you, each photo will surely become a cherished memory.

That concludes our introduction to the Kobe plan, with the Old Foreign Settlement being the focus of our second installment! Stay tuned for the final part, where we’ll introduce the Nunobiki Herb Garden!! Please stay tuned until the next update~!!