Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

南京町

Nankinmachi is Kobe's Chinatown and one of the three largest Chinatowns in Japan. Its streets were built by people who came from China after the Port of Kobe opened in the Meiji period. The area is about 270 meters long and full of food stalls, shops and colorful Chinese gates. At night, lanterns and lights make the streets bright and lively.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

Opening hours differ by shop.

Getting there

About 2 minutes on foot from Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae Station (subway Kaigan Line).

About 5 minutes on foot from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Please do not eat or drink while walking around.
Free restrooms are available.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Popular foods here include butaman steamed pork buns, along with xiaolongbao soup dumplings, Peking duck and shark fin soup.
The long-established shop Roushouki is said to have sold the first butaman (pork bun) in Japan.
Street food and market snacks often contain pork, lard or alcohol (such as mirin or sake), even when this is not obvious. Ask before you buy.
Some markets and shopping streets ask visitors not to eat while walking. Eat at the stall or in a rest area.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Hyogo and the verified places to pray nearby.