TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kobe Nankinmachi is a Chinatown located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is one of Japan's most representative Chinatowns, alongside those in Yokohama and Nagasaki. Since the opening of Kobe Port in 1868 (early Meiji period), it has been formed as a result of traders and residents from China gathering here, and is now a well-established tourist destination lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Characterized by colorful pailou (Chinese-style gates), paper lanterns, and food and drink booths lined up tightly along narrow streets, the area's appeal lies in the fact that you can easily enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, dim sum, and sweets.
Highlights
- Chinese-style archways and lanterns: The red lanterns decorating the East Gate, South Gate, West Gate, and other gates and streets are great photo spots.
- Food stalls and restaurants: Popular food stalls include pork buns (meat buns), pan-fried xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), sesame dumplings, and fried crab claws.
- Events in the square: Traditional events such as lion dances, dragon dances, and lighting festivals are held around the Chinese New Year (varies depending on the season).
- Chinese Food and Souvenir Shop: A specialty store selling Chinese food, spices, miscellaneous goods, crafts, and other unique items.
- Combining it with a stroll around the surrounding area: The location is great as you can visit Motomachi Shopping Street, the former foreign settlement, Kitano Ijinkan, and other places.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: About a 3-minute walk from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station (convenient as there is a street directly connected to Nankinmachi from the exit).
- From Sannomiya: 10-15 minutes on foot from JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin Sannomiya (Kobe-Sannomiya) Station, or one stop on the JR line (travel time varies depending on whether you take the rapid or local train).
- From the airport: We recommend taking the limousine bus or train from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport via Sannomiya.
- Visiting by car: There are parking lots in the area, but they are limited in number and tend to fill up during peak hours. It is more convenient to use public transportation.
- Approximate business hours: Varies by store, but food stalls are generally open from around 10:00 to 18:00, while restaurants are generally open from noon to night (around 11:00 to 21:00).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Mainly eating around: 30 minutes to 1 hour (take into account waiting times as popular restaurants may have long lines).
- Eat and drink and relax: 1-2 hours (depending on whether you eat or not and the queue).
- Sightseeing including surrounding spots: Motomachi Shopping Street, the former foreign settlement, and Kitano area will take half a day to a full day.
Nearby spots
- Motomachi Shopping Street: An arcade shopping street that is convenient for shopping and visiting cafes.
- Former Foreign Settlement: An area lined with modern architecture, cafes, and boutiques.
- Kitano Ijinkan-gai: A tourist attraction lined with foreign-style Western-style buildings (accessible on foot or by bus).
- Harborland Meriken Park: A seaside tourist spot with a port tower and shopping mall.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded during the Chinese New Year, Golden Week, weekends, and lunchtimes. Expect long queues at popular food stalls and stores.
- Manners when queuing: Because the aisles are narrow, please be considerate and stay as close to the edge of the line as possible, and do not obstruct other pedestrians. When stopping to take photos, please do so in a place that does not obstruct other pedestrians.
- Payment: More and more stores are now accepting credit cards, but small food stalls and privately owned shops may only accept cash. It's a good idea to have some coins on hand.
- Food and drink precautions: Food at food stalls can be hot and oily, so be careful not to get burned or stain your clothes. If you have any allergies, please check with the staff in advance.
- Garbage disposal: There are limited public trash cans, so please follow the instructions of each store or take your trash home with you.
- Bad weather: As most of the stalls are outdoors, the number of stalls may be reduced in rainy or windy weather.
