This winter, Kobe’s New Seaport (Shinkocho) waterfront is softly illuminated with warm champagne-gold lights as the seasonal illumination event “NEW SEAPORT Night Light 2025–2026” returns.
Centered around popular attractions such as átoa (Kobe Port Museum) and the newly opened TOTTEI area, the event transforms the waterfront into a glowing promenade, perfect for evening strolls and winter sightseeing. Now in its second year, the event has expanded in scale, offering even more highlights across the district.
What Is NEW SEAPORT Night Light?
NEW SEAPORT Night Light is a winter illumination event designed to enhance nighttime walkability and bring new vibrancy to Kobe’s waterfront area.
Champagne-gold illuminations glow beautifully throughout the area.
Street trees, public spaces, and surrounding facilities are illuminated in a unified champagne-gold theme, creating a calm yet festive atmosphere that blends beautifully with the harbor scenery. This year, more local partners have joined the project, making the illuminated area wider and brighter than before.
Special Collaboration with Kobe Luminarie
The “Rosone,” created in collaboration with Kobe Luminarie, also shines brilliantly.
One of this year’s most notable features is a special collaboration with Kobe Luminarie, the iconic light installation created in remembrance of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
During the event, Luminarie artworks are displayed at two locations:
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Hatobacho Green Space
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Around Kobe Port Museum
These luminous works, symbolizing hope and remembrance, add a meaningful layer to the waterfront nightscape and create a uniquely Kobe-style winter experience.
An 8-Meter-Tall Christmas Tree: A Must-See Highlight
A highlight of the Night Light event is the impressive 8-meter-tall Christmas tree.
Another major attraction is the giant Christmas tree standing approximately 8 meters tall, installed near the Kobe Port Museum.
Surrounded by illuminated street trees, the towering tree serves as a visual centerpiece of the event. Set against the backdrop of the harbor, it’s an especially popular photo spot and a striking symbol of the season.
TOTTEI Area Joins the Celebration
The TOTTEI area is also hosting a Christmas market and festive illuminations.
The TOTTEI area, which opened in April 2025, also takes part in this year’s Night Light event.
Visitors can enjoy TOTTEI’s first Christmas market and seasonal illuminations, adding even more reasons to explore the waterfront after dark.
Walking from átoa to the Port Museum and onward to TOTTEI offers a relaxing night route filled with lights, harbor views, and festive scenery.
With the expanded area, NEW SEAPORT Night Light is more powerful and immersive than ever.
Event Information & Access
NEW SEAPORT Night Light 2025–2026
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Period: December 12, 2025 – February 8, 2026
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Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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Location: New Seaport (Shinkocho) Area, Kobe
(around átoa / Kobe Port Museum / TOTTEI) -
Admission: Free
Easy Access for Visitors
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From JR Sannomiya Station:
About 20 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by bus -
From Kobe Port Tower:
About 10 minutes on foot -
Nearest Train Stations:
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Port Liner “Boeki Center” Station (approx. 10-minute walk)
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Port Liner “Minatojima” Station (approx. 15-minute walk)
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