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The 32nd Kobe Luminarie

Guide

The 32nd Kobe Luminarie

4 min read

Event Overview

Kobe Luminarie is a signature light festival held to honor the memory of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and celebrate the city's resilience. Set against the beautiful backdrops of Meriken Park, Higashi-Yuenchi, and the historic Former Foreign Settlement, the event features massive, intricate light installations that transform the city into a dreamlike landscape.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main attraction is the grand-scale light installations that glow brilliantly against the night sky. While much of the city is illuminated, certain sections are designated as paid viewing areas, allowing you to experience the most detailed and exquisite light art up close. It is a perfect way to enjoy a romantic or family-friendly stroll through a glowing, historic cityscape.

Schedule

The event will be held for 10 days from January 29 (Fri) to February 7 (Sun), 2027.

Venue & Access

The main areas include Meriken Park, Higashi-Yuenchi, and the Former Foreign Settlement (around the Mitsui Sumitomo Bank Kobe Headquarters). Please note that certain sections within Meriken Park require a paid ticket for entry.

Tips for Visitors

To enjoy the most detailed displays, consider visiting the paid areas. Purchasing advance tickets online is highly recommended, as they are more affordable than same-day tickets. You can also enjoy light-ups in the Former Foreign Settlement and Shinko-cho areas to experience the full-scale light display across the city.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As the event takes place in late January and early February, it is extremely cold. We strongly recommend wearing heavy winter clothing and preparing for outdoor walking. Please check the official website in advance for details on ticket purchasing, lighting-up times, and entry procedures.