Chinatown Yokohama Versus Kobe

This free choice blog is a brief comparison between Yokohama and Kobe Chinatown. The first three images I took at Yokohama Chinatown and the two images in Kobe China Town.

History:

Chinatown Yokohama (Chukagai) opened 1859 when Japans biggest port in Yokohama opened little trading with the world until the Meji Restoration with Commander Perry. Many Chinese settlers settled in Yokohama and opened business, which eventually grew into enormous town with many settlers from China and Hong Kong. 

Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi) was establish about the same time 1868(Meji restoration) when Japan opened to trade with the West. Both Chinatowns had been struck by earthquakes and wars before, which stopped development for brief periods of time. 

Both Chinatowns offer unique foods to their region. Yokohama Chinatown offers Nikuman/Meat buns while Kobe offers its famous Butaman/Pork buns. However, the biggest difference is in size because Yokohama Chinatown is one of the biggest in Japan and Asia while Kobe Chinatown is very small, but they both offer a taste of traditional Chinese food and own style such as different buns.

http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_nankinmachi.html
http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_yokohama.html 

 

This is one of the main entrance gates into Chinatown in Yokohama.

 

Entrance Gate to Kobe Chinatown