Japan Guide
Kansai
Kōbe City Museum
This museum, ten minutes' walk south of either Sannomiya or Motomachi stations, contains a finely detailed scale model of early twentieth-century Kōbe and many woodblock prints from the same era. The highlight of the museum, however, is its collection of Namban (southern barbarian) art. These paintings, prints and screens – some of extraordinary detail and beauty – by Japanese artists of the late sixteenth and seventeenth century, show how they were influenced by the art of the first Europeans, or "southern barbarians", to come to Japan. Most of the pieces are so precious that they're only displayed for short periods each year. Check the website for exhibition dates. Opening time: Tues– Sun 10am–4.30pmPrice: ¥200 
078-391-0035 
www.city.Kobe.jp/cityoffice/57/museum