What this is
The Nankinmachi Dragon Boat Festival Zongzi Fair is an annual celebration of Tango no Sekku, the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month — one of China's three major festivals. Now in its 14th edition, the event takes place in Kobe's Nankinmachi, the city's historic Chinatown located near Motomachi Station. The centerpiece of the fair is zongzi — handcrafted sticky rice dumplings that are considered auspicious talismans believed to ward off misfortune. Eleven shops across Nankinmachi will offer 13 distinct varieties of zongzi, showcasing the breadth of Chinese culinary tradition. A stage event featuring traditional lion dance performances adds a lively cultural dimension to the festivities on June 20th at Nankinmachi Plaza.
Who should go
This event is ideal for food lovers curious about authentic Chinese culinary traditions rarely encountered outside of China, as well as families looking for a culturally rich outing in Kobe. The atmosphere in Nankinmachi is vibrant and festive, with the narrow lanes lined with shops and the aroma of freshly made zongzi filling the air. Culture enthusiasts and those interested in Chinese festivals will appreciate the lion dance performances and the historical context of the celebration. If you want to sample zongzi, arrive early on both days as popular varieties from individual shops tend to sell out quickly.
Good to know
Entry to the Nankinmachi area is free and open to the public — you simply pay for any zongzi or food you purchase from individual shops. Zongzi prices vary by shop and variety, so bring cash as many of the small vendors in Nankinmachi do not accept credit cards. The area is compact and can get crowded on weekends and during festival events, so arriving when shops open will give you the best selection. The lion dance performance on June 20th at Nankinmachi Plaza is free to watch and typically draws a crowd, so position yourself early for a good view. Foreign visitors will find Nankinmachi easy to navigate as it is a well-established tourist destination with signage in multiple languages.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.