As the weather gets colder in Japan the lights come on in cities and towns across the country. City streets, parks, bridges and more all get an LED treatment with gorgeous illumination displays. Here are our top 5 Kobe winter illuminations for 2019/20 season.
#1 – Kobe Luminarie 2019
The highlight of any December in Kobe is the magnificent Kobe Luminarie. This is the 25th year it has been held to commentate the Great Hanshin Awaji earthquake. From the station you will be directed to the start of the arched street which runs into the park. There are plenty of food vendors around the park.
Where: South of Sannomiya/Motomachi Stations & Higashi Yuenchi Park
Dates: December 6th to December 15th
Times: 6pm – 9:30pm (Until 10pm on Friday and Saturday)
Entrance: Free (Donation boxes are spread throughout the site)
Website: http://kobe-luminarie.jp
#2 – Kobe Illuminage 2019
The beautiful illuminations over the winter at Kobe Fruit & Flower Park always impress. With a large scale illumination maze, Christmas lights, animal lights and even a monkey show. It’s a wide open space so not so crowded. Best accessed by car. Buy tickets at the gate.
Where: Kobe Fruit & Flower Park
Dates: November 1st 2019 to February 11th 2020
Times: 5pm – 10pm
Entrance: ¥1200 Adults | ¥800 Children
Website: https://www.illuminagegroup.com/kobeilluminage2019-english/
#3 – Nunobiki’s Botanical Christmas 2019
“Christmas of the Old Castle” up on top of Kobe’s famous ropeway has a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for families or a date. Extended ropeway times from December 21st to December 25th (last ropeway down 9pm). There is also a Christmas market and the 6m tall Christmas tree.
Where: Nunobiki Herbs Garden
Dates: November 23rd 2019 to December 25th 2019
Times: Various ropeway times – Check website for details.
Entrance: Ropeway ¥1500 Return Adults | ¥750 Return Children
Website: http://www.kobeherb.com/topics/21778
#4 – Kobe Lamplight Street Harborland
Harborland is a romantic walking spot at night with the trees covered with LEDs and the gas-lit lamps along the path from UMIE to Mosaic. The ferris wheel and background lights of Port Tower, Kawasaki World, the hotels and cruise ships on the bay make it a must do for any visit to Kobe.
Where: Kobe Harborland (UMIE, Red Brick Warehouse, Mosaic)
Dates: Nightly throughout the year
Times: Until 11:30pm
Entrance: Free
Website: https://www.harborland.co.jp/harborland-night/
#5 – Kobe Kitano Christmas Street
Wander up Kitanozaka and the small side streets of Kitano in the evening and discover a new little jazz bar or restaurant as you enjoy the beautifully lit up trees lining the road. The old foreign residences in Kobe is filled with an exotic atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Where: Kobe Kitano (10~15 minute walk north of JR Sannomiya Station)
Dates: November 1st 2019 to March 31st 2020
Times: 5pm – 11pm
Entrance: Free
Website: https://www.kobeijinkan.com
What do you think of our top 5 winter illumination spots in Kobe? There are many gorgeous illuminations in Japan throughout the winter season. Where do you recommend? Let us know in the comments.
