Nankin-machi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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

Activities


Our pick of the best Nankin-machi Hotel Deals

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
3.5 out of 5
1-1-13 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is NZ$91 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
NZ$91
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,142 reviews)
"The only reason why i would not give it 5 stars is that they give you 2 pillows and the duvet is not long enough for the bed. Its extremely uncomfortable for tall people. But overall extremely nice"

Reviewed on 11 May 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 NZ$187 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$187
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,599 reviews)
"All our pre-arrival requests were met. Staff readily available.."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$117 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$117
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,059 reviews)
"My room views was spectacular. Bed was very comfy and ameties were great. I was on the 28th floor and could see the Osaka skylines. Although it is a bit far of a travel and a long walk like 15 mins to the train station( super crowded and confusing) going to Dotunburi (takes like 35 mins approx.) ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA UMEDA EKI TOWER〉
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
4 out of 5
1-12-8 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NZ$161 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$161
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
"The hotel was located in a convenient area with lots of dining options and local eats. It was close to Osaka station and walking distance from many retail stores. The staff were nice and courteous and the room amenities were very nice. I would easily book here again and recommend it to others."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Hotel Monterey Le Frere 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 NZ$221 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
NZ$221
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,405 reviews)
very convenient location
"facing the park and 5 min walk from the train station , surrounded by shops and restaurants it is a very convenient hotel by its location. rooms are big and nice"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
LIBER HOTEL OSAKA
LIBER HOTEL OSAKA
3.5 out of 5
1-1-35, Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NZ$138 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
NZ$138
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,397 reviews)
"Rail station across the street, and its an end point so its empty when you get on. Convenience stores are close and staff are helpful."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

LIBER HOTEL OSAKA
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

Kobe Tower showing a sunset, skyline and a city

Hatobacho

If you're spending some time in Hatobacho, Meriken Park and Kobe Tower are top sights worth seeing.

Hatobacho
Kobe Tower featuring a city, a skyscraper and modern architecture

Kobe City Centre

5/5(21 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kobe City Centre for its captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae Station or Motomachi Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

Kobe City Centre
Default Image

Sannomiya

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sannomiya for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station or Boeki Center Station and check out top sights like Ikuta Shrine.

Sannomiya
Kitano showing a city, shopping and street scenes

Kitano

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.

Kitano
Default Image

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.

Shinkaichi
Kobe featuring a city and street scenes

Chuo Ward

5/5(1 area review)

You might take some time to check out the waterfront views in Chuo Ward. Spend some time visiting top spots like Nunobiki Herb Park, and catch the metro at Shinkobe Station or Sannomiya Hanadokeimae Station to see more of the area.

Chuo Ward

Nankin-machi Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: