After visiting the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan, consider stopping by the lively Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street. This historic shopping street is lined with all kinds of shops, restaurants, and dessert shops, where you can find everything from everyday goods and clothing to souvenirs. Along the way, you can also pick up some Kobe specialties to enjoy while strolling and get a feel for the daily life of locals. If you’re interested, you can also look for the beautiful manhole covers along the way!
Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Former Osaka Shosen Building
Built in 1917 as the Moji branch of the shipping company Osaka Shosen, this Western-style building once served as a vital terminal when Moji Port was a key hub for continental routes during the Taisho era. The first floor functioned as a waiting room, while the second floor housed offices, making it an important gateway connecting the port with overseas destinations.
舊大阪商也是門司港區一棟很美的西式建築。建築外觀以磚牆搭配白色裝飾線條，鮮明的橘紅色外牆與八角形塔樓十分醒目，帶有濃厚的歐洲風格，也展現門司港昔日國際貿易港口的繁華景象。館內設有展示空間，除了拍照打卡，有時間的話也很推薦到裡面看看，可以更了解門司港到航運歷史。
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Pengin Shokudo’s Ishigaki Island Chili Oil
Made from carefully selected local ingredients-like island chili peppers, turmeric, pipāchi (Okinawan pepper), sea salt, and brown sugar-all nurtured by the strong sun of Ishigaki Island, Pengin Shokudo’s Ishigaki Island Chili Oil is a signature condiment born of passion and craftsmanship. Created by the owner couple of Pengin Shokudo, this chili oil is free from additives, allowing the natural richness of the ingredients to shine through. The result is a bold yet balanced flavor with a satisfying heat.
Ishigaki Island Chili Oil is the soul of dumplings and noodles! What makes it so special is the perfect combination of heat and rich aromas. It is slowly simmered by hand using carefully selected Ishigaki Island specialties, including awamori, island pepper, and a variety of spices, giving it remarkable depth.
The series comes in several heat levels, including the classic original and an extra-spicy special version, to suit different preferences. Whether you use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings or mix it into noodles, just one small spoonful instantly enhances the flavor. It is wonderfully aromatic with a strong lingering kick that will keep you coming back for more!
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Hareza Ikebukuro
Hareza Ikebukuro is a large-scale complex that opened in 2020 on the former sites of the old Toshima Ward Office and Toshima Public Hall. Located in Ikebukuro, this known mecca for niche cultures like anime and cosplay is the new go-to spot for all things trendy.
Hareza Ikebukuro is a distinctive cultural and entertainment hub in Ikebukuro. As soon as you enter the area, you can easily feel its strong youthful and subculture vibe. It's more than just a commercial complex—it combines theaters, a movie theater, arts and cultural spaces, and a plaza, and you can often come across various performances or limited-time events. Naka-Ikebukuro Park is also nearby, along with many anime- and manga-related stores, making it a great place for anyone who enjoys Japanese anime culture.
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