Kobe Shopping Street: A Treasure Trove Between Motomachi and Nishi-Motomachi! 🛍️✨

#summervacay If you're in Kobe, you absolutely have to wander through the vibrant shopping street nestled between Motomachi Station and Nishi-Motomachi Station. It's super convenient to start at one station and walk to the other, making it a perfect route for a leisurely stroll. Plus, it’s a handy detour if you plan to visit the Kobe Central Post Office for their scenic postmarks! This street truly has it all: from charming second-hand bookstores and delightful stationery shops to 100-yen stores, fresh vegetable and fruit stalls, and a variety of massage parlors, cafes, dessert spots, and restaurants. I mostly explored what caught my eye, but there's so much more to discover – so get ready to explore! My Favorite Finds: Stationery Heaven (Name Forgotten! 😅): This shop was a dream! It had an incredible selection of postcards and stationery, and best of all, it offered tax refunds. The owner spoke some English and was incredibly helpful. When I visited, they had tons of Kobe print-style postcards, Midori cards from previous years, and even Tokyo-exclusive Traveler's Notebook items. If you know exactly what you're looking for, just ask the owner – they pulled out a pen for me that was sold out everywhere else, finding it from some hidden corner! Doll Material Shop: This unique store specializes in "doll-making materials" and also offers custom doll services. The variety of fabrics was astounding – from small scraps to full bolts, including some lovely vintage textiles. You can take your time Browse or flip through their display catalogs. Vintage Bookstores: There are several excellent second-hand bookstores here. One particular gem had a fantastic collection of old maximum cards (极限片), scenic postmarks, and prints, all neatly organized and clearly priced. My sister and I happily picked up a few books and postcards! While I didn't stop for food or coffee, I noticed quite a few people enjoying the cafes and restaurants. You'll also find shops selling modern fabrics, second-hand goods, and custom shoes and clothing. There was one junk shop that probably had some good finds, but everything was unpriced and covered in dust, piled haphazardly, which unfortunately killed my desire to shop! Overall, it's a fantastic area to explore and find unique treasures! #kobe #shoppingstreet #motomachi #nishimotomachi #japantravel #kobeshopping #stationery #secondhandbooks #hiddengems #traveljapan #explorekobe