Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi, Settsu Travel Guide

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Explore Kobe's Nankin-machi: A vibrant Chinatown offering a unique blend of Chinese culture, delicious street food, and traditional festivals.

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Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi

Explore Kobe's vibrant Chinatown, Nankin-machi, one of Japan's three major Chinatowns. Established in 1868, it offers a mix of Chinese and Japanese culture with bustling streets filled with food stalls, restaurants, and shops. Experience festivals, traditional architecture, and the unique flavors of this historic district.

A brief summary to Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi

1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Kobe, 1 Chome Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Hyogo, 650-0023, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi.

Try the street food! Nankin-machi is famous for its diverse and delicious street food, including pork buns (butaman), dumplings (gyoza), and spring rolls.
Visit during a festival to experience the vibrant cultural performances and atmosphere.
Explore the side streets for hidden gems and unique shops.
Go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
Check out the Azumaya pavilion in Nankin-machi Square, a popular meeting spot and photo opportunity.

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Explore Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Motomachi Station (JR Kobe Line, Hanshin Main Line, Kobe Kosoku Line), Nankin-machi is a short 3-minute walk south. From Sannomiya Station, walk southwest for about 10 minutes. From Meriken Park, walk north for about 5 minutes to reach Nankin-machi.
Public Transport

Take the JR Kobe Line, Hanshin Main Line, or Kobe Kosoku Line to Motomachi Station. The City Loop bus also stops near Nankin-machi; a single ride costs ¥300, or a day pass is available for ¥800. The Kobe Municipal Subway also provides access, with the closest stations being Motomachi and Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae. A one-day pass for the subway and city buses costs ¥1,040.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kobe. From Sannomiya Station to Nankin-machi, a taxi ride typically costs between ¥700 and ¥900, depending on traffic. The base fare for taxis in Kobe starts at ¥670 for the first 2km, with an additional ¥280 per kilometer thereafter.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023. Paid parking lots are available near Nankin-machi, such as Daimaru Kobe Parking. Parking fees vary, so check rates upon arrival. Be aware that parking lots around Nankin-machi can be crowded.

Discover more about Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi

Nankin-machi, Kobe's vibrant Chinatown, offers a unique glimpse into Chinese culture within Japan. Established in 1868 by Chinese merchants who settled near Kobe Port, it's now a bustling district packed with over 100 shops and restaurants. The name "Nankin-machi" comes from Nanjing, the former Chinese capital.Nankin-machi is compact, stretching 270 meters east to west and 110 meters north to south. The streets are lined with traditional Chinese architecture, colorful lanterns, and the aroma of delicious street food. The heart of Nankin-machi is Nankin-machi Square, featuring the Azumaya pavilion, a hexagonal gazebo adorned with dragon drawings and statues of the Chinese zodiac.Throughout the year, Nankin-machi hosts various festivals, including the Chinese New Year (Shunsetsu-sai), Spring Festival (Koryushunpu-sai), and Mid-Autumn Festival, with dragon dances, martial arts, and traditional performances. The Lantern Festival illuminates the streets with hundreds of red lanterns during winter.Nankin-machi suffered damage during World War II and the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 but has since been rebuilt as a symbol of resilience. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, offering a blend of Chinese and Japanese culture and flavors.