What to know
Nankinmachi (南京町) is a compact Chinatown in central Kobe and a hub for the Chinese community in the Kansai Region. The area was developed by Chinese merchants who settled near Kobe Port after the port opened to foreign trade in 1868. As the Chinatown grew, it became known as Nankinmachi after Nanjing, the former Chinese capital.
Nankinmachi is a popular tourist attraction and a lively shopping and dining district. Two main streets run through the area, meeting at a small central plaza. They are lined with shops, restaurants, and food stalls selling popular items such as steamed buns (manju), ramen, tapioca drinks, and various other Chinese dishes, many of which have been adapted to Japanese tastes.
Nankinmachi is located a five-minute walk south of Motomachi Station, a ten-minute walk southwest of Sannomiya Station, or a five-minute walk north of Meriken Park.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Varies by shop. Typically 10:30 to 19:00
- Closed
- Varies by shop. Many shops have no closing days.
- Admission
- English name
- Nankinmachi
- Original name
- Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.