Nankin-machi

Kobe

Chinatown featuring a city, street scenes and markets
Nankin-machi featuring street scenes, markets and a city
Nankin-machi which includes signage
Nankin-machi featuring heritage elements
Nankin-machi which includes signage

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


Nankin-machi Hotel Deals

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥8,509 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
¥8,509
¥10,296 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,925 reviews)
"Clean rooms and the connecting rooms are perfect for families."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ¥17,850 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
¥17,850
¥22,313 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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! (4,963 reviews)
Location wins
"The location of the hotel is excellent!"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
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 ¥11,570 per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
¥11,570
¥14,000 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
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! (2,173 reviews)
"Pros: 1) One block away from subway entrance, indoor walkway with many shops and restaurants, and Dotonbori. 2) Steps away from drug store, restaurants, and convenience store. 3) Buffet breakfast selection and drinks were good with Japanese and Western options. 4) Room size, quality and cleanliness ..."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
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 ¥12,977 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
¥12,977
¥16,845 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,859 reviews)
"ok"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ¥11,789 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
¥11,789
¥13,030 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,545 reviews)
"Amazing place! I accidentally left my earrings behind and they took the initiative to send them to my next hotel. Truly top-notch service — so impressed!"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

3 out of 5
2-4-10, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥9,009 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
¥9,009
¥9,910 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"已第二次入住,性價比高,地點方便,房間整潔,會再次入住"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
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.

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Nankin-machi