Kobe is renowned as an international city, as one of the first cities to open for trade with the West it’s been host to people from many foreign nations for over a hundred and fifty years. It’s also home to one of only three (official)Chinatowns in Japan! Priding itself as the most colorful and foreign-looking of the three(the other two are in Yokohama and Nagasaki), Kobe Chinatown is a short walk from Motomachi station. Consisting of two intersecting streets, stores and restaurants also extend into the alleys between. On the South, East and West sides the entrances are marked by impressive gates
South – Nanluo Gate
East – Changan Gate
West – Xian Gate
The North entrance doesn’t have a gate, and is instead guarded by two Lion statues
There’s a small square where the two main roads meet, here you’ll find a small pavillion plus stone statues of each of the animals of the Chinese zodiac – I’m 1983, year of the Pig, how about you?
The streets are lined with food stands, they’re everywhere! Even restaurants have set up a small stand outside to attract passing business.
Lots of cuddly pandas!
Chinese-style dog clothing? Not sure Pickles would be happy about wearing this stuff!
Life-size Bruce Lee model outside a souvenir shop
Stopped off for a bite to eat, bubble tea and a steamed bun!
This big board in the main square is not only a map, there’s information about the history of the area too. Kobe Chinatown is an interesting, colourful area well worth checking out.
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Love the life sized Bruce Lee, reminds me of the one at the peak in Hong Kong that my cousin broke the finger off.