Kobe’s Chinatown, or Nankin-machi as it is known, is a bustling and exciting precinct in the heart of the city that no visitor to Kobe should miss. It is regarded as one of Japan’s best.
This fully themed area is home to over 100 restaurants, dozens of street food stalls, mahjong clubs, a Chinese temple, and an incredible array of shops selling groceries, clothing, homewares, and novelty items.
Like many other Chinatowns in Japan, this one was established by Chinese traders—primarily from Nanjing—who arrived in port cities to trade goods. Many later settled, and their community grew, forming what we now know as Chinatown.
Located in the Motomachi section of the city, Chinatown stretches several blocks in every direction. The streets are adorned with Chinese lanterns, and three traditional Chinese entrance gates mark the area, including the beautiful Changan Gate. The district is full of colour, energy, and enticing aromas, especially from the steamed dumplings sold by street vendors. Around lunchtime, particularly on weekends, the crowds can be enormous. The street food is affordable, sometimes unfamiliar, but always delicious.
At the intersection of the north-south and east-west streets stands a beautiful pavilion featuring 12 stone carvings representing the Chinese zodiac. Though the area is usually busy, this pavilion serves as a popular meeting place.
Many street vendors set up their businesses after the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which severely damaged the area. To continue trading, they operated from makeshift stalls outside their buildings. This practice became so popular that it remained a staple of the district.
The food in Chinatown is excellent, with seafood being a particular specialty—fresh, flavourful, and highly sought after. People are often willing to wait in long lines just to dine at their favourite restaurant.
Kobe’s Chinatown is also home to several major events throughout the year, the biggest being Chinese New Year (Shunsetu Sai). This spectacular celebration features fireworks, lion and dragon dances, and attracts thousands of visitors every day during the festival.
Access:
Head East from the West Exit of Motomachi station on the JR Kobe Line, Kobe Chinatown extends several blocks past the covered street of Kyusaigokukaido shopping street.
