Nankin-machi

Kobe
Nankin-machi
Experience the sights, smells and flavors of one of Japan’s liveliest Chinatowns. Discover street food, restaurants, shopping and traditional celebrations.

More than 100 restaurants and dozens of shops make up Kobe’s Chinatown, also known as Nankinmachi. Three ornate gates decorated with traditional Chinese decorations and fierce dragons mark the entrances to this district, which is among the biggest Chinatowns in Japan. Discover aromatic street food and restaurants serving classic dishes from many provinces of China as well as shops, a temple and a central pavilion adorned with the signs of the zodiac.

Step inside Chinatown and leave the traditions and cuisines of Japan behind you. The district, which measures 360 feet (110 meters) by 890 feet (270 meters), is a noisy, bustling place where authentic Chinese culture prevails. The origins of Kobe’s Chinatown date back to 1868. It was then, after a long period of national isolation, that Kobe opened as a treaty port and welcomed Western foreigners. Chinese immigrants flocked to the fringes of this area, which became known as Nankinmachi. While the district was evacuated and destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1950s and has been a flourishing and popular destination ever since.

Sample the diverse food offered, with dishes hailing from provinces around China including Guangdong, Beijing, Sichuan and Shanghai Municipality. Discover well-loved favorites such as Peking duck, steamed buns (manju), dim sum, spring rolls and noodles.

Bargain with the jovial vendors while shopping for traditional Chinese souvenirs. Shops decorated with hanging red lanterns sell all manner of merchandise, from Chinese tea and incense to People's Liberation Army caps and colorful silk pajamas.

Visit during one of the annual events to witness the exuberance and energy of Chinese festivities. Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Fair and Mid-Autumn Festival are just some of the events featuring Chinese performing arts, fantastic costumes and the main square’s elaborately lit pavilion. Join the large crowds drawn by these festive Chinese celebrations.

Walk just a few minutes from Motomachi subway station in the Motomachidori district to Kobe’s Chinatown. Many restaurants and shops are open late into the evening.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Nankin-machi

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
3.5 out of 5
1-1-13 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P2,871 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P2,871
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,054 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Staff was friendly & made an effort to try to help us when we had questions. The free breakfast was good. Room is small as expected (note that you cannot open your luggage all the way unless it’s in the bed) you make it work though and it’s not too bad. Location is great close to ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundable
The price is P5,513 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P5,513
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,363 reviews)
Hankyu Respire - it can't get any better than this
"This was our third stay at this Hotel. The location works well for our family bec it's easy for my husband to return to our room when he gets tired of following me around while I shop. Lululemon is just around the corner together with a lot of the Boutiques which sell Made in Japan clothing at Lucua. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
3.5 out of 5
1-1-35 Shibata 1, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Fully refundable
The price is P4,281 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P4,281
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,382 reviews)
"Conveniently located near train and bus station. Multiple people at reception to help so no wait time to check in. Great view from my room."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
4 out of 5
6-2-52 Shimaya Konohana-ku, Osaka
The price is P6,042 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
P6,042
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,296 reviews)
"Great hotel. They just need to add vegetarian and vegan option in their menu."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Hotel Nikko Osaka
Hotel Nikko Osaka
4 out of 5
1-3-3 Nishi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,880 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P5,880
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,831 reviews)
"The room was very warm and turning on the AC didn’t really cool down the room. There were stains on the walls and on the fabric of the bench. The shower curtain smelled of mold and the sleep wear provided smelled of old set in smoke from smokers. Location of the hotel is good but for the price, I ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Hotel Nikko Osaka
APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA UMEDA EKI TOWER〉
APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA UMEDA EKI TOWER〉
3 out of 5
2-8-32 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P3,209 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
P3,209
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (917 reviews)
Love Osaka
"Room and especially the bathroom was small but the cleanliness makes up for it!! I would definitely stay here again!!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA UMEDA EKI TOWER〉
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Nankin-machi

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Spend some time visiting places like Ikuta Shrine while getting to know Sannomiya, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station to see more of the area.

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You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Kitano. You might want to make time for a stop at Shin-Kobe Ropeway or Kitano Ijinkan Street.

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Shinkaichi

While there might not be top attractions in Shinkaichi, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kobe Culture Hall and Harborland Park.

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Chuo Ward

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Nankin-machi