January 2026 in Kobe offers a rich variety of events, from traditional New Year celebrations to unique port city festivities. Discover Kobe Luminarie, Toka Ebisu Festival, yakuyoke (evil-warding) ceremonies, and more events special to this season.
January 2026 Kobe Events Calendar
| Date | Event Name | Venue | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1-1/15 | New Year Sumasea 2026 | Kobe Suma Sea World | Admission Fee (event included) |
| 1/3-4 | Arena de New Year | GLION ARENA | Free (app download required) |
| 1/9-11 | Toka Ebisu Festival | Yanagihara Ebisu Shrine | Free worship |
| 1/11 | Forest Botanical Garden Tondoyaki | Forest Botanical Garden | Free admission & parking |
| 1/11 | Kobe Fire Department Ceremony | Meriken Park | Free |
| 1/11 | BOKETTO Beach Market | Suma Beach | Free entry |
| 1/18-20 | Yakuyoke Grand Festival | Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangu | Free worship |
| 1/30-2/8 | Kobe Luminarie | Higashi Yuenchi Park & more | Free areas available / Advance ¥500~ |
See below for detailed information on each event.
Smiles Gallop In: New Year Sumasea 2026
- Period: January 1 (Thu, New Year’s Day) - January 15 (Thu), 2026
- Venue: Kobe Suma Sea World
This annual event features creatures related to the 2026 zodiac sign “Horse,” along with New Year’s exclusive presents and complimentary amazake (sweet sake). Since activities are mainly indoors, it’s perfect for cold or rainy days.
Highlights
-
Zodiac “Horse” themed creature exhibits
- Horseshoe crab / Filefish / Pot-bellied seahorse, etc.
-
Original creature can badge giveaway
- Period: January 1-4
- First 2,000 people daily (1 per person, while supplies last)
-
New Year’s exclusive events & goods
- January 1 only: Amazake (non-alcoholic) service
- First 500 people
Admission
Included in regular admission (event participation is free)
Recommended for
- Families wanting to enjoy indoor activities during New Year’s holidays
- Those interested in zodiac signs and lucky charms
- Visitors combining with Suma area sightseeing
31st Kobe Luminarie
- Period: January 30 (Fri) - February 8 (Sun), 2026
- Hours: Sunset - 21:30
- Venues: Higashi Yuenchi Park, Former Foreign Settlement, Meriken Park
This festival of lights commemorates the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, preserves its memory, and symbolizes hope for Kobe’s citizens. The 31st edition’s theme is “Kobe’s Heartbeat, Story of Light.”
Admission
Free viewing areas available
Many areas including Higashi Yuenchi Park and the former foreign settlement can be viewed for free.
Paid area (Meriken Park Southeast)
- Same-day tickets: Weekdays ¥1,000 / Weekends ¥1,500
- Advance tickets: Weekdays ¥500 / Weekends ¥750 (Available at Lawson Ticket, KANSAI MaaS, tabiwa by WESTER, Loppi)
In the paid area, you can experience the fantastical light art of the Galleria and Frontone up close.
Access
All main venues are within walking distance from Sannomiya Station.
Notes
- Advance tickets cannot be changed, cancelled, or refunded
- Time-slot entry restrictions may apply to reduce congestion
Details: Official Website
Arena de New Year・G Arena Open Day
- Date: January 3 (Fri) & 4 (Sat), 2026
- Hours: 11:00-18:30 (Last entry 18:00)
- Venue: GLION ARENA KOBE
Two special days when TOTTEI official app members can enjoy this arena (usually home to pro sports and concerts) for free! Features include inflatable attractions, kids’ maze, mini zoo (chicks, chameleons, beetles), New Year’s lucky bags, and prize drawings.
At 15:05, watch the Kobe Storks’ first game of the new year (vs. Ehime Orange Vikings) via live viewing on Japan’s largest arena LED screen.
Admission
Free with TOTTEI official app download
Access
- 17-18 min walk from Hankyu/Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station
- 20 min walk from JR Sannomiya Station
- 13 min walk from Port Liner Minato Terminal Station
Parking
Paid parking available (open to public during this event only)
📍 See detailed information about GLION ARENA KOBE (Tottei Park)
Details: TOTTEI Official Website
Reiwa 8 Toka Ebisu Grand Festival
Period: January 9 (Fri) - 11 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Yanagihara Ebisu Shrine (Hyogo Ward, Kobe)
This traditional New Year festival is known for blessings of business prosperity and family safety. The three-day festival features distribution of lucky bamboo branches, amulets, special prayers, dedication ceremonies, and food stalls.
Event Schedule
- January 9: Awaji Puppet Theater ‘Fukujingaku Ebisu Dance’, Tuna Offering Ceremony
- January 10: Naniwa Kagura ‘Sword Dance’
- January 11: Bugaku ‘Ryooh’
Admission
Free worship (prayers and amulets are paid)
Hours
- Amulet counter: 7:00-23:00
- Special prayers: 9:00-22:00 (No reservation needed)
- Food stalls: 9:00-22:30 (Varies by vendor)
Notes
No parking available nearby. Please use public transportation. Traffic restrictions in effect.
Details: Official Website
Forest Botanical Garden Tondoyaki
- Date: January 11 (Sun), 2026
- Hours: 10:30-11:30 (New Year’s decoration drop-off from 9:30)
- Venue: Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden
A traditional ceremony burning New Year’s decorations to pray for peace in the coming year. Fire from the “January 17 Light of Hope,” commemorating victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and natural disasters, is used. Also features woodworking with fresh wood, bamboo utilization demonstrations, and firewood splitting mini-lectures.
Admission
Free admission and parking on this day
What you can bring
Only combustible items like shimenawa (sacred rope), pine decorations, and calligraphy. Please remove citrus fruits and metal parts beforehand.
Access
- About 10 min by free shuttle bus from Kobe Electric Railway Kita-Suzurandai Station (scheduled service)
- About 40 min by bus from Sannomiya
- Parking available if driving (normally paid)
Notes
May be cancelled due to weather conditions.
📍 See detailed information about Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden
Details: Official Website
Kobe Fire Department New Year Ceremony 2026
- Date: January 11 (Sat), 2026
- Hours: 10:00-11:30
- Venue: Meriken Park
This traditional event marks the beginning of the new year. Experience Kobe’s unique port city scale with fire department band performances, rescue training demonstrations, and impressive water displays from fire trucks and boats. 2026 highlights include Junior Disaster Prevention Team activities and a special synchronized water display coordinated with Japanese drum performance.
Access
- 17-18 min walk from Hankyu/Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station
- 20 min walk from JR Sannomiya Station
- 13 min walk from Port Liner Minato Terminal Station
Notes
May be cancelled or modified in case of severe weather. Final decision made on the morning of the event.
📍 See detailed information about Meriken Park
Details: Kobe City Official Website
Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangu Grand Festival
Period: January 18 (Sat) - 20 (Mon), 2026 Venue: Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangu (Suma Ward, Kobe)
This traditional New Year festival offers prayers for warding off evil in unlucky years, epidemic prevention, and recovery from illness. Known as one of Kansai’s premier yakuyoke events, it attracts about 800,000 worshippers from across Japan annually.
Admission
Free worship (prayers are paid)
Access
Expect heavy crowds. Please use public transportation.
Notes
Waiting times for worship and prayers may occur. Please allow plenty of time.
📍 See detailed information about Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangu
Details: Official Website
BOKETTO Beach Market season3
- Date: January 11 (Sat), 2026
- Hours: 11:00-15:00
- Venue: Suma Beach Central Plaza
An eco-market at Suma Beach themed “slowly, firmly, gently, slightly, blankly,” where you can eat, shop, learn, and think. More than just food and goods, it’s a day to “enjoyably” engage with waste and energy issues. Bring your own dishes and cups for an earth-friendly experience.
Admission
Free entry (vendor products are paid)
Access
8 min walk east from JR/Sanyo Suma Station
Postponement Information
The December 14 event was postponed due to strong wind forecasts and rescheduled to January 11. Next market scheduled for March 8.
Notes
May be cancelled due to weather.
Details: Official Website
Summary
January 2026 in Kobe offers a diverse month of experiences, from traditional festivals to cutting-edge arena events and eco-conscious markets. Many events are free to attend, so visit those that interest you. Celebrate the start of the new year together with the city of Kobe.
Check all events held in Kobe City in calendar and list formats. Search by date or category.
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