Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Also known as the Nankinmachi Spring Festival, this celebration of the Lunar New Year in Kobe’s Chinatown is always a vibrant affair. This year’s edition takes place over four days – February 17 and 21–23 – and features a smattering of traditional Chinese performances between 11am and 7pm daily. The line-up includes dramatic ‘face-changing’ shows, where performers rapidly change masks to evoke shifting emotions, plus thrilling acrobatics, martial arts showcases and time-honoured lion and dragon dances. The performances offer an exciting taste of traditional Chinese culture, with many symbolising renewal and welcoming prosperity and good fortune into the new year. You can also take part in a raffle to win lucky envelopes, participate in paper cutting workshops and, of course, have your fortune told for 2026. By nightfall, lanterns and festive decorations light up the streets and restaurants throughout Chinatown serve regional Chinese specialities for the joyous occasion.