What is Nankinmachi?
Nankinmachi is Japan's oldest Chinatown, located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Since the opening of Kobe Port in 1868, it has developed with a backdrop of Chinese culture and is now a tourist attraction with over 200 restaurants and shops.
This area is a compact town with a size of about 270 meters east-west and about 110 meters north-south, where you can enjoy a concentrated Chinese atmosphere.
In addition to Chinese cuisine, there are many shops selling souvenirs and miscellaneous goods, offering diverse experiences to visitors.
Attractions of Nankinmachi
1. Enjoy Authentic Chinese Cuisine
At Nankinmachi, you can taste authentic Chinese cuisine.
A wide variety of dishes are available, including dim sum, ramen, Peking duck, and mapo tofu.
Recommended Gourmet:
- Pork Buns (Nikuman)
- A Nankinmachi specialty, characterized by its fluffy and juicy taste. Many popular shops have long lines.
- Xiaolongbao
- A dish attractive for its bursting soup and chewy skin.
- Pan-fried Xiaolongbao
- A delicious snack with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
2. Exotic Streetscape
The entire town of Nankinmachi is decorated with traditional Chinese designs.
The streets are adorned with red lanterns, dragon sculptures, and pagoda-style architecture, creating an exotic atmosphere.
In the center, there are iconic gates like "Chang'an Gate" and "Xi'an Gate," which are also popular photo spots.
3. Enjoy Street Food
Another charm of Nankinmachi is that you can easily enjoy street food.
Stalls selling dim sum and sweets line the streets, allowing you to snack on small dishes while exploring the area.
Especially during weekends and events, it is bustling with many tourists.
4. Seasonal Events
Nankinmachi hosts events where you can experience Chinese culture.
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): An event celebrating the Chinese New Year with lion dances and dragon dances.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: A festival to enjoy traditional Chinese mooncakes.
- Lantern Festival: The entire Nankinmachi is beautifully decorated with enchanting lanterns.
5. Souvenir Shopping
In Nankinmachi, you can purchase souvenirs such as Chinese goods, seasonings, and sweets.
Items with panda motifs and Chinese tea sets are particularly popular among tourists.
How to Access
Access by Train
- About a 5-minute walk from JR Kobe Line "Motomachi Station"
- Nankinmachi is very close to the station, making it easily accessible.
- About a 5-minute walk from Hanshin Electric Railway "Motomachi Station"
- It is conveniently within walking distance of other tourist spots.
Access by Car
- About a 40-minute drive from central Osaka.
- There are paid parking lots around Nankinmachi, but it is recommended to use public transportation as it gets crowded on weekends and holidays.
How to Enjoy Nankinmachi
1. Indulge in Gourmet Food
Enjoying a relaxed meal at a restaurant is nice, but strolling and sampling food from stalls and stands is the real charm of Nankinmachi.
Be sure to savor the variety of flavors, including pork buns, xiaolongbao, and spring rolls.
2. Visit Photo Spots
Nankinmachi has many photogenic spots.
"Chang'an Gate," "Xi'an Gate," and the "Guan Di Temple" in the central square are must-sees.
3. Enjoy Events
Depending on the time of your visit, you may be able to enjoy special events in Nankinmachi.
During the Spring Festival, traditional Chinese performances and illuminations light up the town.
4. Experience Chinese Culture
Nankinmachi is also a place where you can feel Chinese culture and history.
While exploring the town, you can learn about Chinese culture through explanatory boards and exhibits.
Useful Information for Travelers
- Business Hours
- Business hours vary by store, but many are open from around 10:00 to 20:00.
- Recommended Visiting Time
- During the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) or the Mid-Autumn Festival in autumn, you can enjoy Nankinmachi to the fullest.
- It's relatively less crowded on weekdays during the day, allowing for a leisurely stroll.
- Clothing and Belongings
- Nankinmachi's main tourist style is street food, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Visiting with minimal luggage will make your experience more comfortable.
- Notes
- Dispose of garbage from street food in designated trash bins.
- During crowded times, be sure to follow the rules and avoid conflicts with other tourists.
Summary
Nankinmachi is an essential spot for Kobe tourism, where you can enjoy delicious Chinese food and an exotic atmosphere at the same time.
From street food and events to photogenic streetscapes, Nankinmachi offers a variety of ways to enjoy a special experience.
With convenient access, you can have a fulfilling visit even in a short time.
Enjoy a unique trip where you can experience Chinese culture while in Japan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take to explore Nankinmachi?
It's a compact area, so you can explore the main spots in about 1-2 hours.
However, if you plan to enjoy meals and events, it's better to allocate a bit more time.
Q2. Is English support available?
Some stores have staff who can speak English.
Additionally, there are English descriptions on tourist information boards and pamphlets, so you can feel at ease.
Q3. Can children enjoy Nankinmachi?
Yes, Nankinmachi is recommended for families as well.
The street food and vibrant streetscape will be enjoyable for children too.
Experience a special time where Japan and China intersect in Nankinmachi!
