Meriken Park

For six magical days leading up to Christmas, Meriken Park in Kobe’s port district transforms into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer. The park is illuminated in dazzling blue and white lights to reflect its seaside setting, with nearby landmarks – Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum and Be Kobe Monument – joining in the light-up, too. But Kobe Meriken Christmas (also stylised as 'Kobe Meriken Xmas') is more than just a light display. Twice daily at  6pm and 8pm, 500 drones take to the night sky to weave an enchanting winter tale set to music. Keep your eyes peeled, as Santa makes a special appearance in the story. At other times, go explore the Food & Market Zone, where 20 food trucks offer a variety of local street food and winter warmers, including Kobe wine and sake. You can take your treats over to the 7-metre-tall sparkling Christmas tree for a picnic, as it’s surrounded by glowing stools and tables. Adding to the festive spirit are street performances and live music popping up in every corner of the park. So there’s not just entertainment on stage, but also in front of the Christmas tree and across the lawn, ensuring that the festivities are well spread out and reaches everyone.

Kobe Luminarie is an enchanting light festival held every winter in the heart of Kobe. Initially launched in 1995 to honour the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the event has evolved to become a cherished annual tradition, symbolising the city’s resilience and renewal. This year’s theme, ‘The Pulse of Kobe, A Story of Light’, promises an unforgettable experience. The large-scale, Italian-inspired installations resemble magnificent palaces of light, with glowing tunnels, arches and domes transforming the city into a spectacular winter wonderland. The illuminations are concentrated at three main venues in central Kobe: Meriken Park, the Former Foreigners’ District and Higashi Yuenchi Park. Additionally, smaller displays are scattered along the route connecting these sites. A key highlight is the striking ‘Spalliera’ at Higashi Yuenchi Park, a 50-metre-long, 22-metre-high illuminated wall. The festive atmosphere here is further enhanced by a music stage as well as food and drink stalls, making it the perfect spot to linger and soak in the stunning lights. Over at the Former Foreigners’ District, in front of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Kobe headquarters, the ‘Operetta Theatre’ is a breathtaking, box-shaped light installation. Standing 7 metres tall and 16 metres wide, this grand piece is a true spectacle. Meriken Park is arguably the crown jewel of the festival. The ‘Palace Overlooking the Sea’ features a 75-metre-long illuminated corridor, fronted by...