Chinatown, Kobe

There are three Chinatowns in Japan, in Kobe, Yokohama and Nagasaki. The one in Kobe is considered the most colourful and touristy. It was founded in 1868, and about 10,000 people live there.

A favourite spot for taking photos is the pavilion with the 12 stone carvings around it, representing the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

There is an explosion of red in the area.

The area is packed with Chinese restaurants and food stands, and there is even one Chinese temple there.

A menu outside some restaurant:

This is some dessert made of rice, filled with sweet paste of red beans, rolled in sesame seeds and deep fried.