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Kobe Luminarie is an annual illumination event that pays tribute to the victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The 2025 event starts from January 24. We introduce the highlights, venues, and access information.
Picture courtesy of PAKUTASO
The Kobe Luminarie is a light festival held in memory of the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995.
The theme for the Kobe Luminarie 2025 is "30 Years of Light, Forever Shining Hope (30 anni di luce, una speranza che brilla in eterno)." This year, visitors can enjoy a variety of upgraded displays compared to last year.
In this article, we will introduce the highlights and event details of Kobe Luminarie 2025 for those who wish to attend.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kobe Luminarie, and here are three highlights to look forward to:
- Wall-mounted Light Installation: Spalliera
- Entrance Installation: Frontone
- Gallery-style Installation: Corridor of Light (Galleria)
Let's take a closer look at each of these.
Picture courtesy of Kobe Luminarie
The Spalliera is a 78 meters long and 22 meters high wall-mounted light installation displayed on the north side of the grassy area in Kobe East Park (Higashi Yuuenchi Park).
It features a design inspired by a crown, and the sparkling decorations are breathtakingly beautiful.
At the Flower Clock Square within the same venue, you can also enjoy delicious offerings from local renowned food-related companies and live music stages, so be sure to check it out when you visit!
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The entrance installation "Frontone" is also one of the highlights. In 2025, it has been extended by 10 meters in width, making it an impressive sight.
Located in the paid area of Meriken Park, you can enjoy the illuminations at a leisurely pace.
Additionally, the Meriken Park venue features a section where you can purchase official Kobe Luminarie merchandise and souvenirs, making it a great spot for souvenir hunting as well.
Picture courtesy of PAKUTASO
At the Meriken Park venue, along with the entrance installation "Frontone," the popular gallery-style installation "Corridor of Light (Galleria)" will also be displayed.
In 2025, it will be extended by approximately 10 meters, allowing visitors to fully enjoy its beauty as light pours down from the sky.
For those who wish to savor the illuminations in a sacred atmosphere, be sure to visit!
The overview of Kobe Luminarie 2025 is as follows:
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30th Kobe Luminarie |
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January 24 – February 2, 2025 |
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Dusk – 21:30 |
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- Advance Tickets: Weekdays 500 yen, Weekends 750 yen - Group Tickets: Weekdays 400 yen, Weekends 600 yen (Applicable for groups of 16 or more) - Same-Day Tickets: Weekdays 1,000 yen, Weekends 1,500 yen - Free for Elementary School Students and Younger (Entry solely by children is not permitted) |
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1-39-1 Noguchi, Ogaki City |
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Official Website: https://kobe-luminarie.jp/ |
Regarding tickets, please note that there may be cases where same-day tickets will not be sold depending on the sales of advance tickets, so it is recommended to purchase advance tickets in advance.
The Kobe Luminarie has three different venues, each with different access points, so it's advisable to decide in advance which route you will take.
- Kobe East Park (Higashi Yuuenchi Park): A 5- to 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station
- Old Foreign Settlement: A 5- to 10-minute walk from Motomachi Station or Sannomiya Station
- Meriken Park: A 10-minute walk from Motomachi Station
*Note: Meriken Park is also accessible with about a 10-minute walk from Kobe Station.
While it is possible to access the venues by car, it is expected to be crowded during the event period, so using public transportation is recommended.
Yes, the Kobe Luminarie will be held from January 24, 2025 (Friday) to February 2, 2025 (Sunday). This year's theme is "30 Years of Light, Forever Shining Hope (30 anni di luce, una speranza che brilla in eterno)," and visitors can enjoy various displays that align with the theme throughout the event period.
Same-day tickets are priced at 1,000 yen on weekdays and 1,500 yen on weekends, and they can be purchased at the Meriken Park venue starting from 3 PM each day during the Luminarie period. However, please note that depending on the sales of advance tickets, same-day tickets may not be available, so it is recommended to purchase advance tickets in advance.
The Kobe Luminarie is held annually to pay tribute to the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and to embody the dreams and hopes for the city's recovery and revitalization.
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