A Guide to Kobe Shopping Arcades

The City of Kobe

Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, is a beautiful port city that is also surrounded by mountains. The city was one of the first to open up to foreign trade in the 19^th Century. Thus, Kobe has long been a key city not only for Japan but also internationally.

Where better to experience the tastes and culture of Kobe than by strolling through Kobe’s shopping arcades – otherwise known as ’Shotengai’ in Japanese.

Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Arcade

Only a 2 minute walk from Sannomiya station, Sannomiya Center Gai shopping arcade is divided into three streets –[ 1-chome, 2-chome and 3-chome. There is vast array of shops from well-known Japanese retailers such as Uniqlo, to smaller stores selling goods that are unique to Kobe.

Information desk

Located between 1-chome and 2-chome, the English speaking staff can help you with anything you need to know regarding Sannomiya Center Gai as well as general tourist information on Kobe. Get your hands on some maps and pamphlets to help you navigate your day!

Kobe Ink from Nagasawa Stationery Center

Nagasawa Stationery Center, located along 1-chome street, is a retailer of Kobe Ink. Nagasawa has a long history starting from 1882 with Kobe Ink gaining popularity in Japan as well as overseas. There are a total of 60 beautiful colors available in the range. The shades have all been created based on elements of the city – the greens of Rokko mountain range, the blues of the Sea and many colors of Kobe city. It will be hard to walk out of the shop with just one ink pot and pen!

Leather Goods from Tip Zone East Kobe

If you’re an appreciator of well crafted leather goods, Tip Zone East Kobe is a shop you want to stop by. Tip Zone is located along 1-chome and stocks a variety of leather goods made in Kobe including bags, wallets and purses.

Sannomiya ‘Street Museum’

As part of the reconstruction project after Kobe was hit with the Hanshin Earthquake, artworks displays were put up throughout the 2-chome area of Sannomiya Center Gai. A new artwork is installed every year, with a plan to have a total of 20 artworks installed. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for these art pieces while shopping!

Kobe Coffee Story

Why not stop by Kobe Coffee Story to browse through the many coffee beans on offer. They have been operating for 41 years, since 1975. There are also coffee related goods such as roasters available for purchase.

Tachibana Takoyaki

At the end of 3-chome street, you can try some unique Takoyaki at Tachibana Takoyaki. These takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls) don’t have the usual sauce and mayo garnishing. Instead, they are plain and come with a side of mildly flavored broth. A must-eat food along Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Arcade.

Click the link below for more information on Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Arcade. Although the site is in Japanese, there is a downloadable map to help you get your bearings around the center!

http://3nomiya.com/

Motomachi Shopping Street

With over 300 retailers, Motomachi Shopping Street really has all of your shopping needs covered! The laid back and open atmosphere of the Kobe people can be felt through the excellent customer service provided by the individual attendants in these shops.

Rabbits Café & Kitchen

This cute rabbit themed café & restaurant specializes in Japanese style omlette rice (or otherwise known as ‘omuraisu’). We recommend that you try the Hayashi Omuraisu with Kobe Beef! The organic black coffee is also great for those of you who love a caffeine boost. The married couple who run the restaurant are very friendly!

Kobe Beef Red One

Kobe Beef Red One is a restaurant that specializes in the infamous Kobe Beef. They offer lunch and dinner sets as well as an option for the premium beef if you want to treat yourself. The menu comes in many languages including English! A great place to eat if you are travelling with a family.

Kobe Fugetsudo Museum

Kobe Fugestsudo Museum is an absolute must-do in Motomachi Shopping Street. It is a Japanese confectionery museum but sweets are also made on site so you can view the production process. As you walk in, you are given free samples by the super friendly staff members. There are English pamphlets so you can learn about the 115 year old history of these Japanese sweets.

Hontakassagoya Motomachi Main Store

This is another fantastic Japanese confectionary shop that has been operating in Kobe for over 140 years! Here you can watch the Shop Master making Kintsuba by hand. Kintsuba is a Japanese red bean sweet that has been lightly dipped in batter and cooked. They sell traditional Kintssuba as well as seasonal variations of Kintsuba (e.g. sweet potato instead of red bean during the autumn months). Absolutely Delicious!

Sawatani Staionery Goods Store

This small 140 year old stationery/souvenir goods shop is a perfect spot to stop by if you want to purchase some post cards to send home. They also sell notebooks and key rings which make for great small souvenirs.

Hokodo Main Store Tea Shop

This is a great place to shop for some Japanese tea and Kobe original tea blends. The price labels include short English descriptions of the teas so you can really understand the flavor of the tea you are purchasing. A tea sample is provided as you enter the store and there is also Japanese tea-ware available for purchase.

Sakaeya Ningyo Zairyo-ten

This very small but charismatic shop specializes in materials for DIY Japanese Dolls. The walls are filled to the brim with vibrant and beautiful Japanese fabrics. With over 1,000 designs to choose from, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. If not for the purpose of doll making, there is a plethora of other uses for the beautiful fabrics on offer.

You’re bound to find some fantastic food and shopping goods along the 6 streets of Kobe’s Motomachi Shopping Street!

Follow the link below for Motomachi shopping street’s Japanese website.

http://kobe-motomachi.or.jp/cont08/cont08.htm