Chinatown (Nankinmachi), A Historic Hub of Chinese Culture and Cuisine

1-2 Echibancho-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo-ken, Japan

Japan also has Chinatown

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Introduction

Nankin-machi is a narrow area located between Motomachi-dori and Sakaemachi-dori in Kobe, Japan. It is also the registered trademark of Nankin-machi Shopping Street Revitalization Association. With a history of 140 years, Nankin-machi is approximately 200 meters long from east to west and about 110 meters long from north to south, with around 100 Chinese restaurants, food stores, and grocery shops. The shops and the lanterns on the street are decorated in Chinese style, with red, blue, yellow, green, and gold colors dominating the decorations. During holidays, local residents and tourists flock to this area, especially during the Chinese New Year in February, where they can enjoy performances such as dragon dances and lion dances, creating a festive atmosphere. Nankin-machi is one of Japan's three major Chinatowns, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown.