In Kobe, people have long debated where Sannomiya ends and Motomachi begins.
Now, that eternal question finally has an answer—decided not by maps or city planners, but by a tug-of-war!
Earlier this year, the “Sannomiya vs Motomachi Grand Tug-of-War” brought local residents and shop owners together for a friendly showdown.
The result? Team Motomachi claimed victory, and as a result, the “border” between the two areas was officially (well, playfully) declared to be Kyomachi-suji Street.
(Note: this border exists only for the event—no official addresses were changed!)
A Playful Border You Can Actually See
To celebrate the event, colorful tapestries have now been installed along Kyomachi-suji, proudly stating:
“From here, Motomachi” on one side and “From here, Sannomiya” on the other.
Recruitment poster for the “Sannomiya vs Motomachi Tug-of-War.”
They hang from streetlights just outside the Kyomachi-suji Shopping Street, marking the spot where Sannomiya’s lively energy meets Motomachi’s classic charm.
Each tapestry features a cute illustration, inviting passersby to smile, snap a photo, and perhaps even pick a side.
The Street Where Two Worlds Meet
A tapestry hangs on a streetlight just outside the Kyomachi-suji Shopping Street.
Kyomachi-suji stretches between Sannomiya Center Plaza and Sun Plaza, then continues south past the Kyomachi-suji Shopping Arcade toward Kobe City Museum and Oriental Hotel.
It’s one of those streets where modern Kobe’s rhythms and its retro atmosphere blend naturally—now with a playful “borderline” added for fun.
It reads “From here, Motomachi,” accompanied by a cute illustration.
For locals, it’s a reminder of how friendly rivalry can bring a community together.
For visitors, it’s a quirky photo spot that captures Kobe’s sense of humor and creativity.
Planning Your Visit
📍 Location: Kyomachi-suji Street (between Sannomiya and Motomachi)
🚶♂️ Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station or Motomachi Station
