The Main Building of Rokkodai
The Kobe University Main Building (神戸大学本館) is the main building of the former Kobe University of Commerce of 1932 in Rokkodaicho, Nada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on March 18, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a reinforced-concrete building of three storeys above ground and one below, with a building area of 2,041 square metres; registration number 28-0117.
A Scratch-Tiled Main Building
The Kobe University Main Building was built as the main building of the former Kobe University of Commerce, one of the forerunners of Kobe University (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Wings extend back behind its symmetrical front.
The walls are faced with scratch tiles, and a Lombard band of small arches runs below the eaves (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency describes it as a fine example of early Showa school architecture with a dignified design inside and out, and registered it as a model of design.
What to Look For
Look for the symmetrical front, the scratch-tiled walls and the Lombard band below the eaves (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Kobe University (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on campus visits or access to the building was found. The five buildings are covered together on the Kobe University Rokkodai Campus group page.
Q&A
- When was the Main Building built?
- In 1932 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What was it built as?
- The main building of the former Kobe University of Commerce.
- What does it look like?
- Scratch-tiled walls with a Lombard band below the eaves.
- How large is it?
- Three storeys above ground and one below, in reinforced concrete.
- When was the Kobe University Main Building registered?
- On March 18, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kobe University Main Building (神戸大学本館) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-1 Rokkodaicho, Nada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003/03/18 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 3 storeys + basement, 2,041 m² |
| Owner | Kobe University |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Kobe University Main Building (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003292
Last verified: 2026.10.19
