News and events from Hyogo Prefecture

  • Himeji Yukata Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Fashion

    Himeji Yukata Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Fashion

    The Himeji Yukata Festival, a vibrant celebration of traditional Japanese fashion, is set to return this year on June 24th and 25th from 4:30~9:30pm. The festival, which takes place annually in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, is the oldest of its kind in Japan and has a rich history dating back to the Edo…

  • Kobe Luminarie Light Festival: A Resurgence After Four Years

    Kobe Luminarie Light Festival: A Resurgence After Four Years

    The city of Kobe, along with other organizing bodies, is planning to revive the Kobe Luminarie after a four-year hiatus. This festival of lights, held in remembrance of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake victims, has been on hold since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizers are contemplating a shift in the event’s schedule from…

  • Kobe Marathon 2023: A Global Running Event

    Kobe Marathon 2023: A Global Running Event

    The Kobe Marathon is a globally recognized event that brings together runners from all over the world. This year, the marathon is set to take place on November 19, 2023. The marathon is a fantastic opportunity for overseas guests and foreign residents in Japan to participate in a major running event. Entry Details for Non-Japanese…

  • Exploring Kobe Oji Zoo: A Glimpse into the Challenges Faced by Zoos

    Exploring Kobe Oji Zoo: A Glimpse into the Challenges Faced by Zoos

    As I stepped into Kobe Oji Zoo on a bright sunny morning, the scene was instantly captivating: an interesting mix of old-world charm, the buzzing energy of children, and the serene allure of nature. This zoo, nestled in the heart of Kobe City, is more than just a popular tourist attraction; it’s a microcosm of…

  • The 50th Kobe Matsuri is on May 28th

    The 50th Kobe Matsuri is on May 28th

    The Kobe Matsuri (Festival) is finally back and this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Here are the main details of the event. Along with the main festival there are also smaller ward festivals happening throughout Kobe. Visit the main website for all the details (Japanese). The information below has been translated to English for…

  • The best ways to get to Kobe, Japan from overseas

    The best ways to get to Kobe, Japan from overseas

    Kobe is a beautiful city located in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its picturesque harbor, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural history. As an international tourist, there are several ways to access Kobe depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. In this blog post, we’ll cover the best ways to get to…

  • Valentine’s Day in the most Romantic City in Japan

    Valentine’s Day in the most Romantic City in Japan

    Kobe, the charming port city located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its rich history, stunning scenery and mouth-watering cuisine. Kobe has many romantic spots which make it a perfect destination as a Valentine’s Day getaway. Here are a few things that you can enjoy in Kobe on Valentine’s Day: Take a…