Kobe Chinatown 南京町

Kobe's historical Chinatown, known as Nankin-machi, came into being during the city's early days of international trade and cultural evolution.

Very centrally located, Nankin-machi is a five-minute walk north of Meriken Park, a five-minute walk south of Motomachi Station, or a 15-minute walk southwest of Sannomiya Station.

Situated on the southern end of Motomachi Station close to Daimaru department store, Kobe's Chinatown developed largely because the city is a port hub open to international influence, and Chinese merchants were a significant presence here.

Home to a number of cultural events, Nankin-machi comes alive during Chinese New Year celebrations, the Mid-autumn Festival, the Lantern Fair, and the Koryu-shunpei Festival.

The Nankin-machi area drew plenty of Chinese merchants, who settled in the city following its opening to trade in 1868. The area offers a fascinating mix of Chinese and Japanese cultures. Stretching 270 meters from east to west and 110 meters from north to south, this pocket of Kobe is filled with unusual foods, shops, and entertainment options.