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.
The Former Osaka Shosen Building is another beautiful Western-style building in the Mojiko area. Its exterior features brick walls with white decorative trim, and the vivid orange-red facade and octagonal tower are especially eye-catching. It has a strong European style and also reflects Mojiko's former prosperity as an international trading port. There is an exhibition space inside. Besides taking photos, I also recommend going in if you have time, as you can learn more about Mojiko's maritime history.
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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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