Kobe Illuminage, billed as one of Japan's largest illumination events, opens on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the roadside station Kobe Fruit & Flower Park (道の駅 神戸フルーツ・フラワーパーク大沢) in Kita Ward, Kobe. A winter tradition in Kobe that draws more than 150,000 visitors every year, it is now in its 17th edition.
Under this year's theme, "Starlight Dream," the whole venue is transformed into a world of glittering stars of light. Three attractions make their debut: the Butterfly Swing, a glowing butterfly-shaped swing about 4 meters tall; Rainbow Animals, a gathering of about 20 animals; and a Balloon Play Area for children. Annual favorites such as the Love Tunnel, which is about 30 meters long, also return in evolved form. Admission tickets are on sale on the official website.
"One of Japan's largest" reflects the organizer's own research: the Illuminage events held nationwide, with their vast sites, overwhelming amounts of LED lighting, and dynamic displays, are described as among Japan's largest in many articles.
Event Overview
Event name: Kobe Illuminage
Dates: October 23 (Fri), 2026 to February 14 (Sun), 2027
Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (held rain or shine)
Lighting hours: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Last entry (end of ticket sales): 9:15 PM
Venue: Roadside station Kobe Fruit & Flower Park (道の駅 神戸フルーツ・フラワーパーク大沢)
Address: 2150 上大沢, 大沢町, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1522
Admission:
- Adults: ¥2,000 (priority admission ticket: ¥3,000)
- Children: ¥1,000 (priority admission ticket: ¥2,000)
- Pets: ¥500
Notes:
- A separate ticket must be purchased for December 31, which is a countdown event.
Official website: https://illuminagegroup.com/
A Light Festival That Keeps Evolving
Kobe Illuminage has been loved by visitors since its first edition, and this year marks its 17th. Under the theme "Starlight Dream," the venue is turned into a world of twinkling stars, with a romantic atmosphere and surprising displays.
This year's lineup includes brand-new displays as well as evolved versions of the annual favorites.
New This Year
Butterfly Swing
A swing modeled on a glowing butterfly makes its debut. Families and couples can ride it together, and with every push the large butterfly wings flap gracefully, creating the experience of taking off into the night sky.
Rainbow Animals
Animals lit in vivid rainbow colors gather here. About 20 animals, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and peacocks, appear as illuminations and brighten the venue. The space feels like walking through a zoo, and it is a popular spot for both children and adults.
Balloon Play Area
A new family-oriented area where children can play freely on colorful balloon play equipment while enjoying a night of illuminations.
Annual Favorites, Evolved
Love Tunnel
The popular Love Tunnel returns again this year. A heart-shaped tunnel about 30 meters long, glowing pink, welcomes visitors. The arched rows of lights make it a photogenic space from any angle.
Dog Light Up Park (わんわんパーク)
The Dog Light Up Park, popular with dog lovers, is back. There are dog-shaped illuminations and plenty of spots where owners can take photos together with their dogs. Visitors can enjoy an evening walk with their dogs among the lights.
Arabian Palace
The Arabian Palace glows with enchanting light, bringing the dream of the Arabian Nights to life. Visitors can feel as though they have wandered into the world of One Thousand and One Nights.
Ice Palace
The Ice Palace is modeled on a palace of ice. Clear blue and white lights shine, creating a space that feels like a kingdom of ice.
Rainbow Maze
An interactive spot wrapped in lights of many colors. Visitors make their way through the colorful illuminations toward the exit. The maze can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and it also makes a photogenic space for outings with family and friends.
Starlight Bubble Show
The well-received Bubble Show returns this year. Soap bubbles shining in the light fill the night sky and transform the venue. It is a show of light and bubbles that children and adults alike will want to photograph.
Illuminated Monkey Show
The Illuminated Monkey Show combines illumination with traditional Japanese performing arts and is held daily (except December 31).
Showtimes: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:15 PM
Michael Jackson Dance Show
A dance show themed on Michael Jackson recreates the legendary stage amid the lights, with special dance performances set to his classic songs and light effects.
Showtimes: 6:00 PM / 6:30 PM / 7:00 PM
Dates:
- October 31
- November 21, 22, and 23
- December 24, 25, and 31
- January 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11
Fire Show
A special stage where dynamic fire performances unfold against a backdrop of sparkling illuminations, pairing the glow of the lights with the heat of the show.
Kitchen Car
Kitchen cars serve warming food, sweets, hot drinks, and other treats for winter nights. Visitors can stroll slowly through the illuminations with warm food or a drink in hand, enjoying a meal and the lights together even on a cold night.
