Major Events & Festivals in Kōbe, Japan

1. Kobe Luminarie

A breathtaking festival featuring over 5 million lights illuminating the streets of Kobe during the Christmas season.

Unique Light Display: Each year, the display is designed differently, showcasing a new and unique arrangement.
Community Spirit: Locals participate in this event by selling food and drinks, contributing to its warm, community atmosphere.
Historic Venue: The event takes place in the historic area of Meriken Park and Motomachi, adding a touch of history to the festivities.

An annual event showcasing Japanese and international films in various genres.

International Recognition: It is one of the few film festivals in Japan with a wide global reach.
Film Industry Insights: Industry seminars, workshops, and networking events offer opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.
Variety of Screenings: Screening a diverse range of films, from indie productions to Hollywood blockbusters.

A grand summer festival celebrating Kobe's history and culture, featuring parades, food stalls, and traditional performances.

Historical Parade: The highlight is a lavish parade featuring floats depicting the city's history.
Local Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Kobe beef and sake at the food stalls.
Community Participation: The event is a chance for locals to come together, showcasing their pride in their city.

A popular summer event featuring over 30 types of beer from Japan and around the world.

Wide Variety of Brews: Visitors can taste a wide variety of beers, including rare and limited-edition brews.
Food Pairings: Food stalls serve traditional Japanese dishes to complement the beer tastings.
Entertainment: Live music and entertainment make for a lively atmosphere.

A celebration of the city's famous sake, featuring tastings, competitions, and workshops.

Sake Variety: Visitors can taste a wide variety of sakes from different regions.
Expert Insights: Workshops led by sake experts offer insights into the brewing process and tasting techniques.
Competitions: Sake competitions give visitors a chance to sample and vote for their favorites.

A spectacular fireworks display over the harbor during the summer.

Harbor View: The fireworks are set off from barges in the harbor, offering a stunning view of the displays.
Community Celebration: The event is a chance for locals and visitors to come together and celebrate.
Music and Food: Pre-fireworks entertainment and food stalls add to the festive atmosphere.

A world-class marathon event with a scenic course along Kobe's waterfront.

Scenic Course: Runners pass by iconic landmarks such as the Port of Kobe and Meriken Park.
Elite Athletes: Competitors include elite athletes from around the world, making for a challenging race.
Community Support: Locals line the course to cheer on participants and offer encouragement.

A winter festival celebrating Kobe's famous oysters, with food stalls, competitions, and entertainment.

Oyster Variety: Visitors can taste a wide variety of oysters, both raw and cooked.
Cooking Contests: Cooking contests showcase creative dishes made with Kobe oysters.
Winter Warmth: The festival offers a warm, cozy atmosphere to enjoy during the winter months.

A spring festival featuring beautiful flower displays and exhibitions.

Floral Artistry: Visitors can admire the intricate arrangements of flowers and plants.
Local Gardens: The festival takes place in local gardens, showcasing the city's green spaces.
Flower Market: A flower market offers a variety of blooms for purchase.

A summer event celebrating Kobe's lobsters, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

Lobster Variety: Visitors can taste a variety of dishes featuring Kobe lobsters.
Cooking Demonstrations: Cooking demonstrations showcase creative lobster dishes and techniques.
Live Music: Live music adds to the festive atmosphere during the event.

A summer event featuring hot air balloons of various shapes and sizes.

Colorful Displays: The colorful hot air balloons create a beautiful sight against the sky.
Evening Glow: An evening glow event lights up the festival grounds with illuminated balloons.
Family-Friendly Activities: Family-friendly activities and food stalls make it a fun day out for all ages.

A summer festival celebrating the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, with decorative streamers and traditional performances.

Decorative Streamers: Visitors can write their wishes on decorative streamers and hang them up.
Traditional Performances: Traditional dance, music, and theater performances take place during the festival.
Food Stalls: Food stalls offer a variety of local delicacies for visitors to enjoy.

A traditional festival celebrating the city's history and culture, with parades, food stalls, and performances.

Historical Parade: The parade features floats depicting historical events and legends.
Local Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Kobe beef and sake at the food stalls.
Community Participation: The event is a chance for locals to come together, showcasing their pride in their city.

A winter event celebrating Kobe's famous oysters, with food stalls, competitions, and entertainment.

Oyster Variety: Visitors can taste a wide variety of oysters, both raw and cooked.
Cooking Contests: Cooking contests showcase creative dishes made with Kobe oysters.
Winter Warmth: The festival offers a warm, cozy atmosphere to enjoy during the winter months.

A summer event celebrating Kobe's port and maritime culture, with boat races, performances, and exhibitions.

Boat Races: Competitive boat races showcase the skills of local rowers.
Maritime Exhibitions: Exhibitions highlight Kobe's maritime history and technology.
Food Stalls: Food stalls offer a variety of local delicacies for visitors to enjoy.