Kobe Kitano is famous for its Taisho Era European mansions, but the area also has associations with jazz. Jazz music first came to Japan through Kobe because it was an international port. In 1923, the first ever Japanese jazz band was formed in Kobe. Many Jazz legends have visited Kobe including Duke Ellington and Louie Armstrong. Since 1982 Kitano has been the site of a big annual jazz festival named "Kobe Jazz Street", which takes place in autumn. All that is why you can see statues of jazz musicians near Moegi House.
Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood
I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...
