Global Major Cities Guide

Information about popular festivals, events, and celebrations to experience in Kobe.

Type of Festival: Light Festival
Cultural Significance: Kobe Luminarie is held annually in December to commemorate the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 and to symbolize hope and recovery. It features stunning light installations designed by Italian and Japanese artists.
Typical Schedule: Early to mid-December (usually for about 10 days).
Location: The main venue is the Old Foreign Settlement area and Higashi Yuenchi Park in central Kobe.
Costs: Free to view, but donations are encouraged to support the event.
Recommended Attire: Warm clothing, as it is held outdoors in winter. Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be walking through the illuminated streets.
Ticket/Registration: No tickets are required, but expect long lines and crowds, especially on weekends.
Etiquette: Be respectful of the solemn origins of the event. Avoid loud behavior and follow the flow of the crowd.
Access:
- By Train: Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin lines) is the closest major station.
- By Foot: The venue is a short walk from Sannomiya Station.

Type of Festival: City Festival
Cultural Significance: This is Kobe’s largest and most vibrant festival, celebrating the city’s culture, diversity, and community spirit. It features parades, music, dance performances, and food stalls.
Typical Schedule: Mid-May (usually over a weekend).
Location: The main parade takes place on Flower Road in central Kobe, with events spread across the city.
Costs: Free to attend, but food and activities may have individual costs.
Recommended Attire: Casual and comfortable clothing. If you plan to participate in dance events, wear something easy to move in.
Ticket/Registration: No tickets are required for general attendance. Some performances or workshops may require prior registration.
Etiquette: Be mindful of others when taking photos or watching performances. Dispose of trash properly in designated bins.
Access:
- By Train: Sannomiya Station is the best access point.
- By Foot: Most events are within walking distance of Sannomiya.

Type of Festival: Music Festival
Cultural Significance: Kobe is known as the birthplace of jazz in Japan, and this festival celebrates its rich jazz heritage. It attracts top musicians from Japan and abroad.
Typical Schedule: Early October (over a weekend).
Location: Various venues in the Kitano area, including cafes, bars, and small halls.
Costs: Tickets typically cost around ¥4,000–¥5,000 for a day pass, which grants access to multiple venues.
Recommended Attire: Smart casual. Some venues may have a more formal atmosphere.
Ticket/Registration: Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. Early booking is recommended as it’s a popular event.
Etiquette: Be quiet and attentive during performances. Applause is appreciated, but avoid talking or using your phone.
Access:
- By Train: Sannomiya Station or Shin-Kobe Station (for the Shinkansen).
- By Foot: The Kitano area is a short walk from Sannomiya.

Type of Festival: Fireworks Festival
Cultural Significance: This summer event celebrates Kobe’s maritime heritage and its status as an international port city. It features a spectacular fireworks display over Kobe Harbor.
Typical Schedule: Early August.
Location: Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park.
Costs: Free to view from public areas. Reserved seating may cost ¥3,000–¥5,000.
Recommended Attire: Light, breathable clothing for summer. Many attendees wear yukata (summer kimono) for a festive touch.
Ticket/Registration: Reserved seating tickets can be purchased online or at convenience stores. Public viewing areas are free but fill up quickly.
Etiquette: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Avoid blocking others’ views and clean up after yourself.
Access:
- By Train: Kobe Station (JR line) or Harborland Station (Kobe Subway).
- By Foot: The harbor area is a short walk from the stations.

Type of Festival: Cultural Celebration
Cultural Significance: Held in Kobe’s Chinatown (Nankinmachi), this festival celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional Chinese performances, food, and decorations.
Typical Schedule: Late January to early February (dates vary based on the Lunar New Year).
Location: Nankinmachi (Chinatown), near Motomachi.
Costs: Free to attend, but food and souvenirs are available for purchase.
Recommended Attire: Casual clothing. Warm layers are recommended for winter weather.
Ticket/Registration: No tickets are required.
Etiquette: Be respectful of the cultural performances and avoid pushing in crowded areas.
Access:
- By Train: Motomachi Station (JR or Hanshin lines).
- By Foot: Nankinmachi is a short walk from Motomachi Station.

Type of Festival: Food Festival
Cultural Significance: Kobe is world-famous for its Kobe beef, and this festival celebrates the city’s culinary pride with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food stalls.
Typical Schedule: Autumn (dates vary).
Location: Various venues, often including Meriken Park or Harborland.
Costs: Entry is usually free, but food tastings and dishes are priced individually.
Recommended Attire: Casual clothing. Bring an appetite!
Ticket/Registration: No tickets are required for entry, but some events or tastings may require advance booking.
Etiquette: Be patient in lines and enjoy the food responsibly.
Access:
- By Train: Kobe Station or Harborland Station.
- By Foot: Venues are within walking distance of the stations.

Sannomiya: The city’s central hub, easily accessible by JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin train lines.
Meriken Park: A waterfront park near Kobe Harborland, ideal for large outdoor events.
Harborland: A shopping and entertainment district with great views of the harbor.
Kitano: A historic area known for its Western-style houses and jazz venues.
Nankinmachi (Chinatown): A bustling area for cultural festivals and food.

From Osaka: Take the JR Kobe Line or the Hanshin Main Line (20–30 minutes).
From Kyoto: Take the JR Special Rapid Service (50 minutes) or the Hankyu Line (70 minutes).
From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station (2.5–3 hours).

Arrive Early: Popular events can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Cash on Hand: Many food stalls and smaller vendors only accept cash.
Respect Local Customs: Follow the lead of locals in terms of behavior and etiquette.
Public Transport: Use trains and buses, as parking can be limited during major events.

With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Kobe’s vibrant festivals and events!

Kobe