Former Foreign Settlement Building No. 15, Colonial architecture building in Naniwa-machi, Japan

The building is a colonial structure in Naniwa-machi from the era of foreign settlements in Kobe, featuring tall windows, ornate facades, and Western construction techniques from 1880. The brick structure with multiple floors has kept its original layout and was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The structure was built in 1880 and served as a workplace for international diplomats and merchants during the foreign settlement era in Kobe. It reflects the period when Japan opened its ports and allowed foreign businesspeople to live in designated districts.

The building shows how Western architecture arrived in Japan during the Meiji period and blended with local building traditions. Visitors can still see today how the facade and windows have retained European style elements.

The structure is located in Kobe's historic trading district and is accessible on foot when walking through the older neighborhood. Since it is a protected cultural monument, it can be viewed from the outside, with the best view from street level.

The building's windows were constructed in a Western style with large glass panes, which was unusual for Japanese houses of that era. This shows how the structure was specifically designed for foreign residents who were accustomed to different lighting conditions.