Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

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Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

A shopping arcade representing the exotic city of Kobe

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The Kobe Motomachi shopping street is a shopping arcade with 6 areas (Ichibangai, Sanchome, Yonchome, Gochome, Rokuchome). The lively street is lined with various shops both traditional and contemporary, offering fashion, miscellaneous goods, restaurants, and more.

Only buildings and signs with specific styles are allowed in this area to maintain a traditional landscape. The unexpected calmness brought by these efforts is one of the charms of the Motomachi shopping street.

The stained-glass gate “La Luce” at the entrance of the east shopping street is made by glass artist Keiko Miura. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscape with “Suzuran-lamps” along the street, the Art Nouveau style lampposts in the shape of lily pads, with slightly different designs depending on the area.

There are several events held throughout the year. At the “Motomachi Yoichi (Night Market)” in July, various night stalls welcome you in a festive atmosphere. In October, many tourists visit Motomachi to enjoy live music during the “Kobe Motomachi Music Week.”

Highlights

  • Around 300 shops available along the 1.2km long street.
  • A mix of contemporary and traditional shops, some even 100 years or older!
  • Decorative structures including “La Luce,” a gate made of stained glass.
  • Various events held throughout the year.
  • Located in the heart of Kobe, with good access to surrounding tourist sites.

Photos

  • Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

    Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

  • Stained glass gate “La Luce”

    Stained glass gate “La Luce”

  • Various events are held throughout the year.

    Various events are held throughout the year.

Reviews

2

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  • This is the biggest shopping street in Kobe. There's a huge variety of things for sale, from traditional to innovative. Definitely worth taking your time to explore.

  • Kobe's port opened to the world early on, so many of the shops here have been around for ages—some for over a hundred years! With new stores mixed in, you really get a sense of history blending together. It's a fantastic shopping street to explore.

Details

Name in Japanese
神戸元町商店街
Postal Code
650-0022
Address
Motomachi-Dori, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo
Telephone
078-391-0831 (Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street Association)
Admission
Free
Closed
Varies across shops
Business Hours
Varies across shops
Access
3 minutes from JR Motomachi Station on the Tokaido Main Line (Motomachi Ichibangai)
Official Website
Official Website (English)