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Kobe’s famous Nankinmachi Chinatown is a must-visit tourist attraction in the Motomachi area of Chuo Ward. Alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki, it is one of Japan’s three great Chinatowns. Since the opening of Kobe Port in 1868, Chinese immigrants have built this district, creating a historic Chinatown comparable to those in Yokohama and Nagasaki.
The moment you step inside, you are transported to a little piece of China within Japan. Walking through the vibrant red and gold-decorated gates, you’ll be greeted by the fragrant aroma of sizzling delicacies, the lively voices of vendors, and the smiles of visitors, creating an immersive, travel-like experience.
This article introduces the best gourmet experiences, sightseeing highlights, and cultural events that make Nankinmachi an irresistible destination!
A visit to Nankinmachi is incomplete without indulging in street food. The most famous must-try items are butaman (pork buns) and kakuni man (braised pork buns). These iconic treats are favorites among tourists and locals alike. The juicy pork buns and soft, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork wrapped in fluffy dough are simply irresistible.
Other must-try delicacies include soup dumplings (xiao long bao) bursting with flavorful broth, crispy Peking duck wraps, and freshly fried Kobe beef croquettes. For those with a sweet tooth, Taiwanese-style desserts are abundant, and there are also Western-style pastries like cream puffs and éclairs.
Nankinmachi offers a diverse range of authentic Chinese and locally adapted street foods. As you stroll through the lively streets, be sure to try a variety of flavors from different stalls.
| Store Name | Signature Dish | Business Hours | Closed Days | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roushouki | Pork Bun | 10:00 am - 6:30 pm (Closes when sold out) | Irregular holidays | A famous shop in Nankinmachi since 1927. Their small yet juicy pork buns are loved by both tourists and locals. A legendary store selling over 10,000 buns per day, always with a long queue. | 2 - 1-14 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Kouran Nankinmachi Main Store | Braised Pork Bun & Kobe Beef Bun | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm (Street food sales) | Irregular holidays | Famous for their braised pork bun, filled with richly simmered pork belly. The sweet and savory sauce soaks in perfectly, matching the fluffy bun. | 2 - 10 - 6 Sakaemachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| YUNYUN | Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm | Irregular holidays (Closed Dec 30 - Jan 1) | A specialty store for Shanghai dim sum and Taiwanese cuisine. A must - visit for Nankinmachi street food! Their signature Shanghai - style soup dumplings have a chewy skin packed with meat juice. Other popular items include braised pork rice and spring rolls. | 1 - 3-17 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Chinese Cuisine Kahou | Peking Duck Crepe | 10:30 am - 10:00 pm | Open year - round | Popular for its easy - to - eat Peking duck crepe in Nankinmachi. Crispy duck skin and a special sweet - savory sauce wrapped in a soft crepe make for a perfect street food treat. They also offer soup dumplings and various dim sum dishes. | 2 - 4-3 Sakaemachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Kobe Croquette Motomachi Store | Croquette | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm | Irregular holidays | A famous shop in Nankinmachi serving freshly fried Kobe beef croquettes. Made with premium Wagyu beef, their crispy coating and juicy filling are exquisite. Menchi - katsu and cheese croquettes are also popular. | 2 - 4-1 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Est Royal Nankinmachi Main Store | Western Sweets | 10:00 am - 6:30 pm | Irregular holidays | A Western confectionery shop from Kobe, offering perfect street food sweets. Their crispy choux cream pastries filled with rich cream and chocolate - covered éclairs are especially popular. | 1 - 5-3 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
Nankinmachi’s bite-sized street foods make it easy to explore and taste various dishes. Popular shops tend to have long lines, so visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Beyond street food, Nankinmachi is home to several renowned Chinese restaurants where you can savor authentic dishes. Whether it’s a Cantonese restaurant with over 60 years of history, a Shanghai eatery famous for its soup dumplings, or a legendary gyoza (dumpling) shop with a unique miso dipping sauce, each establishment offers something special.
From delicate Cantonese seafood to spicy Sichuan cuisine, and luxurious shark fin and hairy crab dishes, Nankinmachi is a treasure trove of Chinese culinary delights. Whether you opt for a round-table dining experience with friends and family or try a casual yet authentic dish loved by locals, Nankinmachi’s gourmet offerings will not disappoint.
| Store Name | Category | Business Hours | Closed Days | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minsei | Cantonese Cuisine | 11:30 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) | A long - established Cantonese restaurant in Kobe for over 60 years. Using the finest ingredients such as A5 - grade Kobe beef, shark fin, and bird’s nest, their exquisite Cantonese dishes are a must - try. Their signature squid tempura is a must - have. | 1 - 3-3 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Ryukasou | Shanghai Cuisine | 11:30 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Wednesday | A popular restaurant in Nankinmachi serving authentic Shanghai cuisine. From juicy soup dumplings to Shanghai crab and shark fin dishes, there is a variety of delicacies to enjoy. A calm atmosphere makes it a favorite among both tourists and locals. | 1 - 4-8 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Youkou Hanten | Shanghai & Cantonese Cuisine | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm | Open year - round | A long - established restaurant founded in 1980, specializing in Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine. Famous for their shark fin dishes, with popular options like shark fin soup, chili shrimp, and mapo tofu. Generous portions at reasonable prices make it a popular choice. | 2 - 2-3 Motomachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Kouran | General Chinese Cuisine | Weekdays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Weekends & Holidays 11:00 am - 7:00 pm | Irregular holidays | A well - known restaurant originating in Nankinmachi, now expanding in Kobe and Osaka. Founded by Japanese entrepreneurs, it offers a variety of authentic Chinese dishes. Their signature "Kobe Nankinmachi Ramen," pan - fried dumplings, and fried rice are popular, and the casual atmosphere makes it easy to visit. | 2 - 10 - 6 Sakaemachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
| Ganso Gyozaen | Gyoza Specialty Store | 11:45 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) | A legendary gyoza specialty store founded in 1953, known as the birthplace of "Miso Dipping Sauce Gyoza" in Japan. In addition to gyoza, their slow - cooked pork belly fried rice and pork bun are also highly popular. Enjoy their traditional flavors in a relaxed setting. | 2 - 8-11 Sakaemachi - dori, Chuo - ku, Kobe |
Many restaurants in Nankinmachi offer large round-table seating, perfect for group dining. Since popular spots often have long wait times, making a reservation in advance is recommended.
Stepping into Nankinmachi feels like entering a vibrant Chinese city. The streets are adorned with red and gold decorations, dragon and lion carvings on buildings, and numerous Chinese-character signs, creating an authentic Chinese atmosphere.
Lanterns line the streets, illuminating the area beautifully at night. During the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, performances like lion dances and traditional Chinese music enhance the exotic ambiance.
The lively market stalls, enthusiastic calls from vendors, and the mingling of visitors from various nationalities make Nankinmachi a truly unique and immersive cultural experience.
Simply walking through Nankinmachi is a joy. Whether you’re dining, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
One of Nankinmachi’s highlights is its stunning Chinese-style architecture, especially the three grand entrance gates and the central plaza pavilion, which serve as symbols of the area.
This majestic eastern gate was completed in 1985 as a symbol of Japan-China friendship. It is the first “Han Baiyu” (white marble) gate approved for export by the Chinese government.
The gate features intricate dragon and cloud carvings, crafted by over 100 artisans over 18 months. Its elaborate design and vibrant colors make it a popular photo spot.
Built in 2005, the Xi’an Gate marks the western entrance of Nankinmachi and serves as a symbol of recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Modeled after Northern Song Dynasty architecture, it features the word “Guangfu” (Restoration), symbolizing resilience.
At night, the illuminated gate creates a magical atmosphere, reminding visitors of the strength and recovery of Kobe’s Chinatown.
Located at the southern end of Nankinmachi, Haiei Gate was built in 1982 as a symbol of post-war revival. Originally named “South Tower Gate,” it was renamed in 2006 and features the plaque “Hishou” (Soaring).
Standing 7.6 meters tall, this grand gate was crafted in Taiwan and decorated with exquisite carvings. In 2009, LED lighting was installed, giving it a breathtaking nighttime glow.
At the center of Nankinmachi lies Nankinmachi Plaza, a beautifully designed public square. The focal point is an octagonal pavilion, surrounded by Chinese guardian lion statues, making it a popular photo spot.
Nankinmachi hosts various cultural events throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience traditional Chinese festivals. The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival are the most anticipated celebrations.
Nankinmachi’s biggest annual event, held from late January to early February, celebrates the Chinese New Year. The festival features lion dances, dragon dances, Peking opera, and erhu performances, bringing an authentic Chinese New Year atmosphere.
Held from mid-September to early October, this traditional Chinese moon festival is a time to enjoy mooncakes, lantern displays, and live performances at Nankinmachi Plaza.
A winter tradition in Nankinmachi, this event decorates the entire Chinatown with countless glowing lanterns, creating a romantic and enchanting ambiance.
Motomachi Shopping Street in the Early 1900s | Source: The New York Public Library
Nankinmachi traces its roots to 1868, when Kobe Port opened. At the time, China (Qing Dynasty) did not have a trade treaty with Japan, meaning Chinese immigrants could not reside in the foreign settlement. Instead, they settled in the western part of the settlement, establishing a community with general stores and restaurants.
Kobe, unlike Yokohama and Nagasaki, developed its Chinatown as a “merchant district.” With many immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, the culinary foundation of Nankinmachi was established with Cantonese and Fujianese cuisine.
In its early years, Nankinmachi flourished as “Kansai’s Kitchen.” However, the 1945 Kobe Air Raids devastated the area. After the war, black markets and foreign bars replaced the once-thriving Chinatown.
In the late 1970s, local business owners launched a revitalization effort, officially uniting the district under the name “Nankinmachi.” With the formation of the Nankinmachi Shopping District Promotion Association, the modern Chinatown was reborn.
The 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake dealt another heavy blow, but thanks to community efforts, Nankinmachi quickly recovered. The Nankinmachi Plaza, built as part of the reconstruction efforts, became a new symbol of resilience.
Today, Nankinmachi continues to thrive, attracting visitors from across Japan as one of the country’s three major Chinatowns, offering authentic cuisine, rich history, and cultural charm.
As you walk through the historic streets, take a moment to reflect on the resilience and evolution of Nankinmachi over 150 years.
Nankinmachi is centrally located in Kobe, making it highly accessible. The closest station, Motomachi Station, is just a 2–3 minute walk away.
The nearest train station is JR and Hanshin “Motomachi Station,” located just a short walk from Nankinmachi.
Lines serving Motomachi Station:
Alternatively, Sannomiya Station is a 15-minute walk away, making it easy to explore both Sannomiya and Nankinmachi in one visit.
For visitors arriving by car, there are several paid parking lots around Nankinmachi, such as the Daimaru Kobe Parking.
Nankinmachi is also a perfect starting point for sightseeing in Kobe, with attractions like Motomachi Shopping Street, Kobe City Museum, and Meriken Park all within walking distance.
Nankinmachi combines excellent accessibility with a wealth of tourist attractions. When visiting Kobe, make sure to stop by this easily accessible spot!
Nankinmachi offers a diverse range of Chinese cuisine, from authentic restaurants to casual street food. For street food, the best time to visit is around 10 AM just after stores open, when you’re more likely to avoid queues. For authentic Chinese restaurants, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend lunches when it gets particularly crowded.
Accessibility is another of Nankinmachi’s strengths. It’s just 2-3 minutes on foot from Motomachi Station and within walking distance from Sannomiya. This easy access has made it a longtime favorite among travelers.
Don’t miss the traditional Chinese events like the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lantern Fair. Visiting during these events will show you a different side of Nankinmachi. Check the official Nankinmachi website for event schedules.
Nankinmachi also serves as an ideal base for exploring Kobe. With accommodation nearby and popular tourist spots like Motomachi Shopping Street, Kobe City Museum, and Meriken Park within walking distance, you can enjoy both the local Chinese cuisine and Kobe sightseeing.
Nankinmachi is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, alongside those in Yokohama and Nagasaki. Its authentic flavors and historic streetscape make it one of Kobe’s premier tourist areas. Use this article’s information about shops, access, and events to plan your visit to Nankinmachi.
