The zodiac animal for 2026 is the Horse.
As the year comes to an end, many people start getting into a New Year mindset—taking zodiac-themed photos or preparing images for New Year greetings.
Finding the Horse Zodiac Statue in Nankinmachi
If you’re looking for a zodiac photo spot in Kobe, Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) is a great place to start.
Nankinmachi Square is home to a set of twelve zodiac stone statues, and the Horse statue is one of them.
At the gazebo in Nankinmachi Square stand Zai-Zai and Lai-Lai.
Where the Horse Statue Is Located
The zodiac Horse stone statue is located directly across from the gazebo.
The Horse statue is located to the left when facing the gazebo in Nankinmachi Square.
As long as the statues haven’t been relocated, this is where you’ll usually find it.
The area is relatively open, making it easy to step closer and take photos without feeling crowded.
You can capture the statue from the front, the side, or even from behind, and the background naturally includes red lanterns and classic Chinatown scenery, giving your photos a strong Nankinmachi atmosphere.
A Great Spot for New Year Greeting Photos
The Horse statue works especially well for New Year greeting images.
Simply adding a short message like “Happy New Year” to your photo instantly turns it into a festive zodiac-themed post with a Kobe touch.
Stopping by to find the Horse statue while strolling through Nankinmachi is a small but enjoyable way to mark the season.
For year-end and New Year walks in Kobe, Nankinmachi Square remains one of the easiest and most iconic places to spot zodiac monuments.
