Hello everyone! It’s Wedding Avenue here!

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce our first installment of the new Kobe plan, featuring a photo wedding at the charming “Guggenheim Mansion” nestled in Shioya, Hyogo Prefecture!

Now, you might be wondering, “Shioya? Where’s that?” for those who haven’t heard of it or are unfamiliar with the area… Well, let us paint you a picture! Shioya is a picturesque port town situated right next to the Seto Ohashi Bridge, connecting Honshu and Shikoku, and it’s surrounded by vast mountains while facing the Osaka Bay. It’s been gaining attention lately as a “picture-perfect town” on social media and has even been chosen as the backdrop for popular movies!

But what truly makes it enchanting are its numerous slopes! You might think, “Living there sounds tough…” Well, if you take a little stroll, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views overlooking the Osaka Bay and Akashi Strait, with Kobe’s cityscape stretching along the coastline. It’s like stepping into a scene from an anime – absolutely stunning, don’t you think?

Now, let’s talk about the highlight of today’s showcase – the Guggenheim Mansion, a beloved estate considered a treasure by the residents of Shioya! Perched atop a slope, this Western-style mansion offers panoramic views of Shioya and beyond. It’s been featured in movies and dramas, and the ambiance inside the mansion is as captivating as the exterior. Plus, there are so many photogenic spots within the mansion that you’ll find it hard to capture them all in one visit!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the allure of the Guggenheim Mansion and explore the many photo spots it has to offer. Stay tuned till the end for the full tour! Let’s get started!

Let’s start from the entrance of the mansion!

The grand turquoise door stands proudly, exuding a vintage charm that sets the stage for a classical photo shoot. As the large doors swing open, they seem to welcome in the sights of the outside world—overlooking the Osaka Bay, the skies of Kobe, echoing sounds of passing trains, and the distinct scent of the seaside air, inviting you to immerse yourself in the streets of Shioya.

This unique blend of Western culture found in Kobe, with its developed districts, gives the city a resort-like atmosphere, adding to the sense of liberation and freedom.

At first glance, the mansion resembles a luxurious residence or villa, but you’d be surprised to learn its original purpose! Initially constructed as a home for foreign trade merchants, it served as a dormitory for employees for an extended period afterward! It’s quite unexpected to think of such a luxurious and stylish dormitory, isn’t it?

Today, it’s become a popular venue for weddings, live concerts, parties, and more, contributing to the development of the Shioya district! It’s like a door that welcomes in happiness and joy, beckoning good fortune.

Upon entering the entrance, you’ll immediately notice the staircase leading to the second floor! While we’ll explore the charms of the second floor later, let’s focus on the first floor for now!

Upon entering through the door to the left, you’ll find a spacious hall that suits a living space perfectly! Towards the back, there’s a room adorned with a grand piano, offering a simple yet artistic ambiance!! Although reminiscent of a royal chamber with its majestic design, it evokes a nostalgic feeling☻ Both areas are connected to a terrace, allowing you to bask in the warm, bright sunlight pouring in from outside and enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons!!

Additionally, on the first floor, there’s a perfect spot for photography adorned with a charming fireplace♪ Since not many homes have fireplaces, it’s quite uncommon to see one..! With its sense of luxury and exclusivity, it offers a unique experience that feels out of the ordinary, wouldn’t you agree?

After ascending the staircase that exudes the transitions of a century-long history, you’ll arrive at two spacious rooms awaiting you! Both rooms are so captivating that you’ll want to capture photos in each one, so let me introduce them sequentially!

Upon reaching the first floor after climbing the stairs, you’ll encounter a room dominated by white shelves, leaving a striking impression! Despite its simple design, it exudes a level of sophistication that sets it apart. What makes it particularly delightful is that the background isn’t cluttered with distracting elements, allowing any attire or accessory to shine in photos!

The symmetrical shelves on both sides not only lend a sharp and tidy impression but also provide a clean and parallel frame for photography, adding to its distinctive charm!

In weddings, white symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings as it remains untainted by any other color. Thus, this collection of white furniture makes for a perfect spot for wedding photography!

Beyond the room with the white shelves lies the hall where the organ is placed! Sitting in front of the vintage organ, reminiscent of an antique style, creates a photo reminiscent of a small concert! The sunlight pouring in from the window illuminates the two of you, and the lively melody makes your hearts dance♪ How about playing a love song together?

Exiting the organ room, you’ll find the iconic feature of the Guggenheim Mansion, the terrace with the five-arched windows! As the name suggests, these windows are arched and arranged in a sequence of five, embodying the Colonial style prevalent in the Western world during the 18th century. Known for its abundant natural light, the mansion maintains a bright and airy atmosphere, always keeping you connected to the outdoor scenery!

Moreover, situated atop a hill, the mansion offers breathtaking views of the vast sea, the coastline stretching across Shioya, and the cityscape. Such luxurious scenery! It’s no exaggeration to call it a resort facility, as it evokes feelings of tranquility and opulence. The green frames add a charming touch to the vista, making it even more delightful.

The doors leading between the rooms and the terrace are also unified in green, adding to the overall charm of the setting!

Once outside, you’re greeted by an array of freely growing plants!!

In contrast to the harmonious rooms unified by white furniture, the garden exhibits a delightful asymmetry! Observing this garden, you’ll notice both the ordered beauty and the natural allure of plants blooming and moving freely, offering two sides of nature’s charm! Perhaps this spot embodies the essence of the Guggenheim Mansion, which was constructed with a blend of Japanese and Western styles!

Capturing photos against the backdrop of these unusual plants, not commonly seen in Japan, could yield charming and playful images! ☻

oday, over 100 years have passed since the construction of the Guggenheim Mansion. Through numerous disasters and troubles, it has stood as a witness to the development of Kobe’s Shioya district from its elevated position. The Guggenheim Mansion, now considered a treasure, exudes charm and character, offering a picturesque location. But the town of Shioya itself, which gave birth to the Guggenheim Mansion, is also a delightful place!

In spring, the contrast between the sea and cherry blossoms is stunning, while in summer, trees bathed in sunlight turn lush green. As the weather cools, the town sheds its leaves, living instinctively like a newborn, honestly reflecting the seasons.

Near the mansion, there are train tracks, and the sight of trains running against the backdrop of the sea has sparked social media popularity. Perhaps it’s because such a view, rarely seen in the heart of the city, captivates the hearts of many.

Shioya’s town, with its captivating and timeless vistas, coupled with the allure of the Guggenheim Mansion, becomes a recommended destination where one can easily lose track of time and get lost in the beauty of the surroundings!

How was the Guggenheim House?

This historic Western-style mansion evokes a sense of familiarity, almost as if you’ve visited it before and it’s bringing back nostalgic memories. Despite being Western in style, the interior emphasizes Japanese aesthetics, creating a subdued atmosphere rather than extravagance, and exudes a refined beauty with a touch of Japanese influence.

Moreover, the streetscape of the harbor town of Shioya, which has grown alongside the Guggenheim House, offers a location where you can experience the gentleness of nature.

With its welcoming atmosphere, the Guggenheim House is the perfect place to capture photographs in a relaxed and natural way, reflecting your true self without any pretense.

I suggest spending some special moments at Shioya and the Guggenheim House.

In the next installment, we’ll introduce you to the most stylish area in Kobe, the former foreign settlement. Stay tuned for the next update! See you in the next article!

～ Workflow Until the Shoot ～

1.Visit Wedding Avenue Nagoya Store for Consultation and Quotation (Online consultation also available!)

2.Try on Outfits (Choose from both Nagoya store and Shinsaibashi store outfits)

3.On the day of the shoot, Hair and Makeup at Wedding Avenue Shinsaibashi Store

4.From Shinsaibashi store to Kobe, transportation by taxi or for those with their own vehicles, you may drive.

5.After the shoot, return to Shinsaibashi store for changing and data confirmation

※If you prefer to disband at the Guggenheim House, please consult us.