If you are in Kobe in Winter, you may be lucky enough to be in town for Luminiare Kobe.
Luminarie is one of the biggest light-up events in all of Japan. But you’d be mistaken if you thought that this was just another Christmas illumination.
Luminarie is a beautiful event to commemorate the victims of the Hanshin-Earthquake of 1995. The lights were donated by the Italian Government.
Most areas are just for the public to walk through and enjoy – which some areas required pre-purchased tickets (they are 500-1000 yen to visit.)
Some access information, dates and booking details change every year so it is best to keep an eye on the Feel Kobe website here.
I recommend setting aside approximately 2 hours to enjoy Luminarie with kids.
It’s best to start as soon as it is dark and the event begins and then end up at the food stalls at the end to all dig in to some beautiful street food.
In case you were struggling (like I was) with how to pronounce Luminarie … it is like “Loo-me-nar-ree-e.”
While it is a busy event (although nothing like crowds that you will find in Tokyo) the crowds are managed well and the route is clearly laid out – most of the roads in this area are closed to traffic for the event.
Things to be aware of when visiting Luminarie Kobe with kids
Obviously it is important to dress warmly but I think toilet stops before it all begins is vital. Although there are restrooms along the way, there can be a wait time. Also, the route is clearly mapped out and the foot traffic can only walk in one direction. Although the pathways are wide – you are kind of gated in to a route and leaving that spot is possible but a bit logistically tricky.
If you decide to stay in Kobe, it’s important to book accommodation ahead of time.
Remember that Kyoto and Osaka are also easy to get to by train so, unless you really want to, you don’t have to stay in Kobe.
If you are travelling between Kobe and Osaka, I recommend taking a normal train over a bullet train. It is more cost effective but also easier as Shin-Kobe (the Kobe Bullet Train Station) and Shin-Osaka (the Osaka Bullet Train Station) stations are in a little bit of an inconvenient spot so, by the time you get there and back from those stations – the trip takes just as long, if not longer.
See here for my other suggestions on things to do with kids in Kobe.
