Historical & Cultural heritage
The Origin of “Meriken”: A Name Rooted in Kobe’s Port History
English
Art & Culture Champagne-Gold Lights Illuminate Kobe’s Waterfront NEW SEAPORT Night Light 2025–2026
Experience Kobe’s waterfront in winter with NEW SEAPORT Night Light 2025–2026. Enjoy champagne-gold illuminations, an 8-meter Christmas tree, Kobe Luminarie artworks, and festive lights at the TOTTEI area. Free admission.
Events A Climbable Illumination Experience TOTTEI Launches Its First-Ever Christmas Market
TOTTEI Kobe hosts its first-ever Christmas Market in winter 2025, featuring climbable illuminations, live music, festive food, and a waterfront holiday atmosphere. Free admission.
Chinese Taste Authentic Rice Vermicelli! Three Signature Dishes to Try at the Newly Renovated Kenmin Dining in Kobe
Discover the flavors of Kenmin Dining, the direct-operated restaurant of Kenmin Foods, newly renovated in December 2025. Explore three must-try rice vermicelli dishes—stir-fried, white broth, and spicy soup—and enjoy authentic gluten-free rice noodle cuisine in Kobe.
Art & Culture Celebrating One Million Visitors! Kobe Port Tower Heats Up With a Special BLACKPINK Collaboration
Kobe Port Tower celebrates one million visitors since its renewal and launches a special collaboration with BLACKPINK, featuring rooftop visuals, exhibits, exclusive merchandise, and café items. Event runs Dec 1, 2025–Jan 18, 2026.
Access & Transport Autonomous Driving to Begin in Nada Gogo: Kobe City and Nissan Launch New Mobility Project
Kobe City and Nissan have begun autonomous driving trials in the historic Nada Gogo sake district, using the Nissan LEAF. Aiming for commercial operation by 2030, the project enhances mobility for residents and tourists.
Historical & Cultural heritage Unveiling the 2026 “Horse (Uma)” Grand Ema at Ikuta Shrine — Perfect for New Year’s Greetings and “Happy New Year” Messages
Ikuta Shrine in central Kobe has unveiled its 2026 “Horse” zodiac ema—a large, beautifully painted wooden plaque displayed through January. A popular photo spot for New Year greetings, visitors can enjoy the shrine’s serene atmosphere just steps from bustling Sannomiya.
Events Winter Nights Turn into Pirate Adventures “Pirates’ Harbor Festival” at Kobe Suma Sea World
Experience winter adventure at Kobe Suma Sea World’s “Pirates’ Harbor Festival.” Enjoy pirate shows, treasure hunts, themed food, and magical night-time fun.
Events Autumn Leaves at Nunobiki Herb Gardens Beautiful Foliage & Evening Light-up Above Kobe
Experience peak autumn foliage at Nunobiki Herb Gardens in Kobe. Enjoy scenic walks, illuminated evening leaves, and the iconic 25m Forest Christmas Tree during the seasonal light-up.
Art & Culture Kazuo Ishii Exhibition “The Goddess in Orange Light” | Serenity and Radiance at Gallery Shimada
Discover the serene world of painter Kazuo Ishii at Gallery Shimada in Kobe.Featuring 63 works including The Goddess in Orange Light, his art radiates quiet strength and hope.
Events Kobe Christmas Market 2025 at Nunobiki Herb Gardens | Illuminations & Night View Magic in Kobe
Experience the magic of winter at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens during the Kobe Christmas Market 2025. Enjoy breathtaking night views, glowing illuminations, German-style markets, and mulled wine—all just minutes from Sannomiya by ropeway.