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 a 48-metre-wide entrance. The sheer scale of this installation is awe-inspiring.
While many areas of Kobe Luminarie are free to visit, Meriken Park is a paid-entry zone to ensure a more relaxed experience for visitors. Tickets for this area are ¥500 on weekdays and ¥750 on weekends, if purchased in advance online. Tickets at the door are ¥1,000 on weekdays and ¥1,500 on weekends. Entry is by hourly time slots, starting at 5.30 pm.
