Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

Nankinmachi (南京町), Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown, is a colorful cultural enclave nestled just a short walk from Motomachi Station. Established in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants who settled in the area after Kobe Port opened to international trade in 1868, Nankinmachi quickly developed into a thriving hub of Chinese life and commerce in the Kansai Region. Its name is derived from Nanjing, once the capital of China, and today the district reflects over a century of cross-cultural exchange. Traditional Chinese architecture, red lanterns, and stone guardian lions mark the entrances to this compact yet lively neighborhood, giving it an atmosphere that’s both exotic and welcoming.

Travelers visit Nankinmachi to soak in its festive street energy and sample a wide array of Chinese street food and snacks. The district’s two main pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with bustling food stalls and casual eateries serving everything from steamed pork buns (manju) and crispy spring rolls to sweet-and-spicy mapo tofu, tapioca bubble tea, and Chinese-style ramen. Many dishes have been locally adapted, blending Chinese recipes with Japanese ingredients and aesthetics, resulting in a distinctive culinary fusion found only in Kobe. During seasonal festivals like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, the district bursts to life with traditional performances, lantern displays, and special menus that draw crowds from all over the region.