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Name

• 南京町春節祭
• Nankinmachi Chinese New Year Festival (Kobe)

History

Nankinmachi (南京町), Kobe’s Chinatown (Kōbe (神戸)), developed in the late 19th century around the port, with the settlement of Chinese communities and the growth of trade. It became one of Japan’s major Chinatowns alongside Yokohama (横浜) and Nagasaki (長崎). After World War II—and especially from the 1980s—the area was revitalized as a tourism-focused Chinatown (monumental gates, urban redesign, signage), with Nankinmachi Hiroba (南京町広場) as its central square.

The Nankinmachi Shunsetsu-sai (南京町春節祭) began in 1987 (Shōwa era, 昭和). Its aim is twofold: to let the local Chinese community celebrate Shunsetsu (春節), the Lunar New Year, while introducing these traditions to the wider public. The festival follows the lunar calendar (kyūreki (旧暦)) and always includes kyūreki ganjitsu (旧暦元日), the first day of the lunar year. Its visuals and sounds are instantly recognizable: red good-luck decorations, festive music, and signature performances such as the lion dance shishimai (獅子舞) and dragon dance ryūmai (龍舞).

In 1997, the event was designated Kōbe-shi chiiki mukei minzoku bunkazai (神戸市地域無形民俗文化財), an intangible folk cultural property of the City of Kobe. This recognition confirms its role in local identity and its intercultural dimension. The Shunsetsu-sai became a major winter highlight in Kobe, featuring key attractions such as the Chūgoku shijin yūkō (中国史人游行) (parade of historical characters), taikyokuken (太極拳) (tai chi) demonstrations, and the spectacular henren (変臉) (face-changing art).

The festival has experienced periods of interruption or adaptation (crises, organizational constraints, the pandemic), but it regularly returns as a symbol of resilience and a major moment of life for Nankinmachi.

Place and date

• Location: Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi (南京町) and surrounding area, centered around Nankinmachi Hiroba (南京町広場).
• Address: 〒650-0022 兵庫県神戸市中央区元町通1丁目3-6（南京町広場）.
• Access: JR / Hanshin Motomachi Station (元町駅) is about 3–5 min on foot; subway Kaigan Line (海岸線), Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimaru-mae Station (旧居留地・大丸前駅) is about 2–4 min on foot; from Sannomiya (三宮), walking is possible (about 10–15 min depending on the route).
• Date: held over several days between late January and late February, including kyūreki ganjitsu (旧暦元日).
• Date type: variable (based on the lunar calendar; exact days change every year).

Program

During the Nankinmachi Shunsetsu-sai (南京町春節祭), the entire district takes on a Lunar New Year atmosphere: red lanterns chōchin (提灯), wish banners, red-and-gold decorations, and especially dense crowds around the central square. The core program runs on the stage at Nankinmachi Hiroba (南京町広場), with schedules varying by day.

Highlights typically include: opening ceremonies and a safety prayer buji kigan (無事祈願), featuring Kansei Teikun (関聖帝君) (Guān Yǔ), a figure associated with protection and commercial prosperity; lion dances shishimai (獅子舞) and dragon dances ryūmai (龍舞), sometimes paired with a caiqing (採青) ritual (good-luck “green picking” at shops); the Chūgoku shijin yūkō (中国史人游行) parade, plus stage arts such as zatsugi (雑技) (acrobatics), henren (変臉) (face-changing), taikyokuken (太極拳) (tai chi), as well as concerts and performances by local schools and associations.

Beyond the stage, the festival is enjoyed by wandering: street food and specialties (for example nikuman (肉まん) or goma dango (ゴマ団子)), seasonal deals such as geishun san & fukubukuro (迎春餐＆福袋) (special menus and lucky bags), and neighborhood activities like the shōfuku pochibukuro kuji (招福ポチ袋くじ) lottery. The vibe alternates between peak crowd moments during major shows and calmer times in side streets—ideal for eating and photography.

Practical tips

Photos

For “postcard” shots, aim for Nankinmachi Hiroba (南京町広場) with the central pavilion azumaya (あづまや) in the background, especially when the lanterns are visible. For shishimai (獅子舞) and ryūmai (龍舞), a slightly wide focal length helps include both the stage and the crowd. For a more intimate atmosphere, come in the morning or early afternoon: decorations are up, but crowds are more manageable.

Weather

Winter in Kobe (late January to late February): temperatures are often around 3–10°C, and it can feel colder if wind comes in from the bay. Dress in layers (coat, scarf, gloves), especially if you’ll be standing still near the stage. Bring a poncho or a light umbrella in case of rain: some elements may continue in light rain, but changes are possible.

Transport

The easiest approach is train + walking. Key landmarks are Motomachi Station (元町駅) (JR/Hanshin) and Kyūkyoryūchi-Daimaru-mae (旧居留地・大丸前) (Kaigan Line 海岸線). Avoid driving: there’s no dedicated parking, and downtown parking fills quickly during peak time slots.

Visitor tips

Check the official schedule before you go: the timing of major highlights (e.g., henren (変臉), shishimai (獅子舞), Chūgoku shijin yūkō (中国史人游行)) changes by day. For a good view of the stage, arrive 20–30 minutes before an important show. If you’re sensitive to smoke and dense crowds, avoid the very front rows during peak periods.

What to bring

Cash (small stalls), a reusable bag (souvenirs and special deals), a mask or scarf if you’re sensitive to smoke, a power bank, and warm clothing if you plan to stay for a long time.

Sources & references

• Shunsetsu Festival | Annual events | Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi (official)

  Official page: festival overview, concept, program, and schedules.

• The schedule for “Nankinmachi Shunsetsu Festival 2026” has been set

  Official announcement of the 2026 dates (Feb 17, then Feb 21–23, 2026).

• “Nankinmachi Shunsetsu Festival 2025” – Feel KOBE (Kobe official tourism site)

  Official tourism relay: practical info (place, description, tips).

• Nankinmachi Shunsetsu Festival (Kobe Frantz)

  Context article: explanations, atmosphere, and pointers.

• Nankinmachi Shunsetsu Festival 2026 – Japan47 (JNTO/Agency official data)

  Event listing and context data (dates, location, general information).

• Nankinmachi Square night view information

  Location reference and information about 南京町広場 (useful for the central square).