"Kyu-Kyoryuchi"; Former Foreign Settlement in Kobe

 Kyu-Kyoryuchi was started as a foregin settlement in 1868, as a result of Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and US.  It brought huge influence and prosparity to Kobe.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_foreign_settlement

 Kyu-Kyoryuchi district is known as one of sightseeing spots in Kobe among Japanese travellers,  since old townscape is remained. Meanwhile, there are few foreign tourists, probably those old buidings are common or much more in the other countries. As most of you know, Japan is a country with many earthquakes, thus such stone stractures are fragile, actually they are pulled down year by year. I suppose such old buidings will dissapear completely in the future.

It is mainly busines district today, those streets is not so busy nor showy unlike other areas in daytime. 

I recommend to visit there after sunset, most stores are closed, though. 

Daimaru Department Store is developping brand shops in the west side of Kyu-Kyoryuchi. 

It is said young generations are losing interests in such luxury brands in Japan. No one knows future scenery of those areas.....