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Coordinates: 34°41′17″N 135°11′17″E / 34.68806°N 135.18806°E / 34.68806; 135.18806
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'''Kobe Chinatown''' ('''Nankin-machi''' "[[Nanjing]] town") ({{lang-ja|'''南京町'''}}; [[Simplified Chinese]]: 南京町) is located in [[Kobe, Japan]]. One of only 3 designated [[Chinatowns]] in [[Japan]], Nankinmachi is situated south of [[Motomachi, Kobe|Motomachi]] station adjacent to the elegant [[Daimaru]] Department Store. This small, yet lively enclave is home to not only one of the few remaining Chinese communities in the nation, it is also a major tourist attraction. The area is packed with over 100 Chinese restaurants, shops, a Chinese [[temple]](関帝廟), making it a great place to browse for [[Asia]]n trinkets, CDs, and old vinyl records.
'''Kobe Chinatown''' ('''Nankin-machi''' "[[Nanjing]] town") ({{lang-ja|'''南京町'''}}; [[Simplified Chinese]]: 南京町) in [[Kobe, Japan]] is one of only three designated [[Chinatown]]s in Japan. It is located south of [[Motomachi, Kobe|Motomachi]] station adjacent to the [[Daimaru]] Department Store and is a major tourist attraction. The area has over a hundred Chinese restaurants, shops, and a Chinese temple (関帝廟).

Unlike its counterparts in Yokohama and Nagasaki, Kobe's Nankinmachi sets itself apart as being the most colorful and foreign-looking [[Chinatown]] in all of [[Japan]].
Unlike its counterparts in Yokohama and Nagasaki, Kobe's Nankinmachi sets itself apart as being the most colorful and foreign-looking Chinatown in all of Japan.

==History==
==History==
Nankinmachi's origins date back to 1868, when [[Kobe]]'s port was opened to foreigners, including Chinese immigrants from [[Guangzhou|Canton]], [[Fujian|Fukien]], and Samgong (Guangzhou, Fujian, Sanjiang). The newcomers settled in the western end of [[Kobe]]'s foreign district, which soon became the focal point for subsequent Chinese migrants. During that time, the Chinese people were referred to as "people from [[Nanking]]" by the [[Japanese People|Japanese]], hence the name "Nankinmachi"([[Nanking]] Town). By the early 1920s, Nankinmachi was a vibrant area bustling with businesses, restaurants, and homes. That all changed, however, during the next two decades when many Chinese returned to [[China]] in response to [[Japan]]'s expansion of Northeastern [[China]], the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], and [[World War II]]. Destroyed during the allied bombings of [[Kobe]], Nankinmachi was re-built after the war by the remaining Chinese community that stayed behind. In [[1995]], it was severely damaged during the horrific [[Great Hanshin Earthquake]] which killed nearly 6,000 people. It was quickly re-built, and once again thrives as the center of Chinese culture and activity throughout the [[Kansai region]]. There are currently 10,000 people residing in [[Kobe]]'s [[Chinatown]].
Nankinmachi originated in 1868, when Kobe's port was opened to foreigners including Chinese immigrants from [[Guangzhou|Canton]], [[Fujian|Fukien]], and Samgong (Guangzhou, Fujian, Sanjiang). The newcomers settled in the western end of Kobe's foreign district, which soon became the focal point for subsequent Chinese migrants. During that time, the Chinese people were referred to as "people from [[Nanking]]" by the Japanese, hence the name "Nankinmachi"(Nanking Town). By the early 1920s, Nankinmachi was a vibrant area bustling with businesses, restaurants, and homes. That all changed, however, during the next two decades when many Chinese returned to China in response to Japan's expansion of Northeastern China, the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], and World War II. Destroyed during the allied bombings of Kobe, Nankinmachi was re-built after the war by the remaining Chinese community that stayed behind. In 1995, it was severely damaged during the [[Great Hanshin Earthquake]]. It was quickly re-built, and once again thrives as the center of Chinese culture and activity throughout the [[Kansai region]]. There are currently 10,000 people residing in Kobe's Chinatown.


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
⚫
Like other Chinatowns throughout the world, Nankinmachi is not only an area for the Chinese community, but also a tourist attraction. The important role it plays in Kobe's cultural landscape was demonstrated in 1985 by the erecting of an archway, [[Changan]] Gate(長安門). Subsequent projects include the addition of a pair of lions, granite floors, and other initiatives. Three archway demarcate Nankinmachi proper: Changan Gate in the east, [[Xian]] Gate to the west, and [[Nanluo]] Gate from the south. There is no archway at the northern entrance, which is guarded by a pair of lions. A [[pavilion]] with stone carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs marks the intersecting point of the north-south/east-west axis of Nankinmachi. This is a popular resting place for visitors, as well as a favorite spot for taking photographs.
[[Image:Kobe Nankinmachi Steamed Dumplings.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Steamed Panda Dumplings in Nankinmachi.]]
⚫
Like other [[Chinatowns]] throughout the world, Nankinmachi is not only an area for the Chinese community, but also a tourist attraction. The important role it plays in [[Kobe]]'s cultural landscape was demonstrated in [[1985]] by the erecting of an archway, [[Changan]] Gate(長安門). Subsequent projects include the addition of a pair of lions, granite floors, and other initiatives. Three Archways demarcates Nankinmachi proper; [[Changan]] Gate in the east, [[Xian]] Gate to the west, and [[Nanluo]] Gate from the south. There is no archway at the northern entrance, which is guarded by a pair of lions. A [[pavilion]] with stone carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs mark the intersecting point of the north-south/east-west axis of Nankinmachi. This is a popular resting place for visitors, as well as a favorite spot for taking photographs.


==Culture==
==Culture==
[[Image:Kobe Nankinmachi at night.jpg|thumb|200px|Kobe Chinatown in the evening.]]
[[Image:Kobe Nankinmachi at night.jpg|thumb|200px|Kobe Chinatown in the evening.]]
Many establishments such as [[mahjong]] clubs and souvenir shops abound throughout Nankinmachi, but none are as prevalent as food businesses. Along the streets of Nankinmachi are restaurants and stalls that serve both Chinese and [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] food.
Many establishments such as [[mahjong]] clubs and souvenir shops abound throughout Nankinmachi, but none are as prevalent as food businesses. Along the streets of Nankinmachi are restaurants and stalls that serve both Chinese and [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese food]].

Most shops also show off their cuisine on display stands for potential customers.
Some examples include [[dim sum]], [[dumplings]], [[buns]], and Chinese Pastries. During the [[Lunar Year]] and the Mid Autumn season, 2 major festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, [[New Year]] delicacies and Moon Cakes appear, creating a festive mood in Nankinmachi. Though not of the caliber and standard of other [[Chinatowns]], Nankinmachi is nonetheless a very charming place with all the typical characteristics of the great [[Chinatowns]] of the world.
Most shops show off their cuisine on display stands for potential customers. Some examples include [[dim sum]], [[dumplings]], buns, and Chinese pastries. During the [[Lunar Year]] and the Mid Autumn season, 2 major festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, New Year delicacies and Moon Cakes appear.<ref>[http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_nankinmachi.html Chinatownology Website]</ref><ref>Dar, Alyse: "Insight Guides Japan, 5th ed.", page 239. APA Publications, 2009.</ref><ref>Simon, Richmond and Dodd, Jan: "The Rough Guide to Japan, 4th ed.", page 627, Rough Guides Publications, 2008.</ref>
<ref>[http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_nankinmachi.html Chinatownology Website]</ref>
<ref>Dar, Alyse: "Insight Guides Japan, 5th ed.", page 239. APA Publications, 2009.</ref>
<ref>Simon, Richmond and Dodd, Jan: "The Rough Guide to Japan, 4th ed.", page 627, Rough Guides Publications, 2008.</ref>


==Train==
==Transport==
*[[JR Kobe Line]], [[Motomachi Station (Hyogo)|Motomachi Station]] (3min from [[Sannomiya Station]],25min from [[Osaka Station]])
[[Motomachi Station (Hyogo)|Motomachi train station]] is 3 min from [[Sannomiya Station]], 25 min from [[Osaka Station]] on the [[JR Kobe Line]], and 30 min from [[Umeda Station]] on the [[Hanshin Main Line]].
*[[Hanshin Main Line]], [[Motomachi Station (Hyogo)|Motomachi Station]] (3min from [[Sannomiya Station]],30min from [[Umeda Station]])


⚫
On the [[Hanshin Expressway]]: 3 Kobe Route, Kyobashi Exit and on the 5 Wangan Route, [[Rokko Island]] Exit
==Highway==
*[[Hanshin Expressway]] 3 Kobe Route, Kyobashi Exit
⚫
*[[Hanshin Expressway]] 5 Wangan Route, [[Rokko Island]] Exit


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 18:41, 24 December 2011

Kobe Chinatown
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese南京町
Literal meaningNanking town
Japanese name
Kanji南京町
Hiraganaなんきんまち

Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi "Nanjing town") (Japanese: 南京町; Simplified Chinese: 南京町) in Kobe, Japan is one of only three designated Chinatowns in Japan. It is located south of Motomachi station adjacent to the Daimaru Department Store and is a major tourist attraction. The area has over a hundred Chinese restaurants, shops, and a Chinese temple (関帝廟).

Unlike its counterparts in Yokohama and Nagasaki, Kobe's Nankinmachi sets itself apart as being the most colorful and foreign-looking Chinatown in all of Japan.

History

Nankinmachi originated in 1868, when Kobe's port was opened to foreigners including Chinese immigrants from Canton, Fukien, and Samgong (Guangzhou, Fujian, Sanjiang). The newcomers settled in the western end of Kobe's foreign district, which soon became the focal point for subsequent Chinese migrants. During that time, the Chinese people were referred to as "people from Nanking" by the Japanese, hence the name "Nankinmachi"(Nanking Town). By the early 1920s, Nankinmachi was a vibrant area bustling with businesses, restaurants, and homes. That all changed, however, during the next two decades when many Chinese returned to China in response to Japan's expansion of Northeastern China, the Second Sino-Japanese War, and World War II. Destroyed during the allied bombings of Kobe, Nankinmachi was re-built after the war by the remaining Chinese community that stayed behind. In 1995, it was severely damaged during the Great Hanshin Earthquake. It was quickly re-built, and once again thrives as the center of Chinese culture and activity throughout the Kansai region. There are currently 10,000 people residing in Kobe's Chinatown.

Characteristics

Like other Chinatowns throughout the world, Nankinmachi is not only an area for the Chinese community, but also a tourist attraction. The important role it plays in Kobe's cultural landscape was demonstrated in 1985 by the erecting of an archway, Changan Gate(長安門). Subsequent projects include the addition of a pair of lions, granite floors, and other initiatives. Three archway demarcate Nankinmachi proper: Changan Gate in the east, Xian Gate to the west, and Nanluo Gate from the south. There is no archway at the northern entrance, which is guarded by a pair of lions. A pavilion with stone carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs marks the intersecting point of the north-south/east-west axis of Nankinmachi. This is a popular resting place for visitors, as well as a favorite spot for taking photographs.

Culture

Kobe Chinatown in the evening.

Many establishments such as mahjong clubs and souvenir shops abound throughout Nankinmachi, but none are as prevalent as food businesses. Along the streets of Nankinmachi are restaurants and stalls that serve both Chinese and Japanese food.

Most shops show off their cuisine on display stands for potential customers. Some examples include dim sum, dumplings, buns, and Chinese pastries. During the Lunar Year and the Mid Autumn season, 2 major festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, New Year delicacies and Moon Cakes appear.[1][2][3]

Transport

Motomachi train station is 3 min from Sannomiya Station, 25 min from Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line, and 30 min from Umeda Station on the Hanshin Main Line.

On the Hanshin Expressway: 3 Kobe Route, Kyobashi Exit and on the 5 Wangan Route, Rokko Island Exit

See also


References

  1. ^ Chinatownology Website
  2. ^ Dar, Alyse: "Insight Guides Japan, 5th ed.", page 239. APA Publications, 2009.
  3. ^ Simon, Richmond and Dodd, Jan: "The Rough Guide to Japan, 4th ed.", page 627, Rough Guides Publications, 2008.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kobe Chinatown.

34°41′17″N 135°11′17″E / 34.68806°N 135.18806°E / 34.68806; 135.18806

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