Minato Kobe Fireworks 2025 Complete Guide | 4 Best Viewing Spots Discovered After 5 Days
“Wait, where are they launching from…?”
On the first day, I had my camera ready but was unprepared and couldn’t figure out where the launch site was. But then I noticed the barge (launching vessel) right in front of me and realized: Minato HANABI is much closer than I imagined.
That started my 5-day fireworks journey. From over 100 photos and a series of failures and discoveries, I bring you the breathtaking spots no one tells you about.
📅 Event Overview
- Event Period: October 20 (Mon) - 24 (Fri), 2025
- Launch Time: 18:30~ (approximately 15 minutes)
- Launch Location: Kobe Port, off Meriken Park
- Access: 10 min walk from JR/Hanshin “Motomachi Station”, 5 min walk from Kobe Municipal Subway “Minato-Motomachi Station”
📖 5-Day Viewing Diary: Best Spots Found Through Trial and Error
10/20 (Mon) MOSAIC Front - First Day’s Excitement and Failure
“Where’s the launch site…?”
The first day was unprepared. Camera settings and composition were all trial and error. But when I saw the barge (launching vessel) right in front of me, I realized: It’s much closer than I imagined. If that’s the case, there must be even better spots.
10/21 (Tue) TOTTEI PARK - Revenge with Beer in Hand
Learning from the first day’s mistakes, I researched locations. Drawn to the atmosphere of HARBOR BEER SITE, I headed to TOTTEI PARK. Watching fireworks on the lawn with craft beer in hand was casual but amazing. 🍺
10/22 (Wed) atoa rooftop - Encounter with Music
Arrived at 16:45, only about 5 people waiting. “Is it really this empty?” I was surprised. Then at 18:30, the synchronization of music and fireworks gave me goosebumps. A completely different experience from before. 🎵
10/23 (Thu) MOSAIC Ferris Wheel Back - Discovery of Composition
The continuously spinning Ferris wheel and fireworks. The moment I saw it through the viewfinder, I thought “This is it!” Vertical composition with the Ferris wheel in the foreground turned out better than expected. 📷
10/24 (Fri) TOTTEI PARK - Beer in Hand on the Final Day
For the final day, this was the place. As the culmination of 5 days, I wanted to watch relaxed. Beer in hand, sitting on the lawn, chatting with friends. This is how to enjoy Kobe fireworks.
🎆 4 Recommended Viewing Spots Found After 5 Days!
1. atoa rooftop (Rooftop Terrace) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features
- Special viewing seats limited to annual pass and face pass holders
- Special experience limited to 60 people on a first-come basis from 17:00 reception
- Best environment where you can clearly hear the music
Advantages
- ✅ Enjoy synchronized music and fireworks🎵
- ✅ Overhead view from elevated position
- ✅ Avoid crowds
- ✅ Comfortable on rooftop terrace
- ✅ Reception starts at 17:00, so you can enjoy the aquarium during wait time
Disadvantages
- ❌ Limited to annual pass/face pass holders
- ❌ Reception from 17:00, only first 60 people
How to Participate
- Obtain atoa annual passport or face pass
- Reception from 17:00 on the day (first 60 people - on the 22nd, arrived at 16:45 and only about 5 people waiting)
- Enjoy the facility until fireworks start at 18:30
💡 Actual Crowd Status: On the 22nd, arrived at 16:45 and only about 5 people were in line. Maybe it’s a hidden gem?
Recommendation Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended For: Those who want to enjoy with music, want a special experience, atoa fans
2. TOTTEI PARK/GLION ARENA ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features
- Next to the bustling HARBOR BEER SITE 2025 this year
- Relax and watch sitting on the lawn + bonfire
- Luxury of watching fireworks with beer in hand
Advantages
- ✅ Can watch while drinking craft beer🍺
- ✅ Can sit and watch (bring your own picnic sheet recommended)
- ✅ Double enjoyment of event and fireworks
- ✅ No worries about toilets or food/drinks
Disadvantages
- ❌ Direct front is bonfire area (separate fee required)
- ❌ Music not audible
Recommendation Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended For: Beer lovers, friend groups, those who want casual enjoyment
Surrounding Information
Until October 26 (Sun), 2025, enjoy craft beers from Kobe and across Japan.
3. MOSAIC Ferris Wheel Back ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features
- Collaboration of continuously spinning Ferris wheel and fireworks
- Closeness where you can feel the lights right there
- Can capture photogenic compositions
Advantages
- ✅ Beautiful collaboration of Ferris wheel illumination and fireworks
- ✅ Hidden gem with relatively few crowds
- ✅ Can move directly after dining at MOSAIC restaurants
Disadvantages
- ❌ Music not audible
Recommendation Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended For: Those who find ordinary photos unsatisfying!
Photography Tips
- Vertical composition with Ferris wheel in foreground
- Filter essential to avoid overexposure
4. MOSAIC Front (Near Gas Lamps) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features
- Retro brick warehouses and gas lamps in foreground
- Port town atmosphere typical of Kobe
- Exotic shooting possible
Advantages
- ✅ Composition with gas lamps might have been nice
- ✅ Plenty of dining and shopping spots
- ✅ Not too crowded
Disadvantages
- ❌ Difficult to set up tripod
- ❌ Music not audible
Recommendation Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended For: Couples, dates, those who want Kobe-like photos
Photography Tips
- Include gas lamps in foreground to emphasize Kobe atmosphere⭕️
- Compression effect with telephoto from slightly distant position
📊 Spot Comparison Chart
【Evaluation Criteria】
- Closeness: Distance to launch site, visibility of barge
- Music: Audibility of sound system
- Crowds: Difficulty of securing spot (more ⭐ = less crowded)
- Photo-worthiness: Interesting composition, uniqueness
- Comfort: Can sit, toilets, food/drink availability
| Spot | Closeness | Music | Crowds | Photo | Comfort | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| atoa rooftop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TOTTEI PARK | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MOSAIC Ferris Wheel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MOSAIC Front | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
📸 Photography Tips Summary
📱 Smartphone Photography
Basic Settings (for iPhone)
- Turn OFF Night Mode: Prevent automatic long exposure
- Turn ON Live Photos: Select best moment afterwards
- Lower exposure: Tap screen, swipe sun icon down (darker)
- AE/AF Lock: Long press screen to lock exposure and focus
For Android
- Use Pro Mode (Manual Mode)
- ISO: 100-200 (set low)
- Shutter Speed: 1/15~1/30 seconds
- White Balance: Cloudy or around 4000K
Smartphone Photography Tips
- ✅ Find tripod or stable surface (handheld will blur)
- ✅ Shoot continuously in burst mode (select later)
- ✅ Use zoom moderately (quality drops)
- ✅ Record video too (can screenshot later)
- ✅ Fully charge battery (fireworks photography drains battery)
Smartphone Tripod Substitute Ideas
- Lean against handrails or fences
- Wedge between water bottles
- Place on bag and adjust angle
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Photography
Camera Settings
- Mode: Manual (M)
- Shutter Speed: Bulb
- Aperture: F8~F13
- ISO: 100~400
Required Equipment
- Tripod (essential)
- Remote release or self-timer
- Spare battery
- Lens cloth
- ND filter
Composition Points
- Include foreground: Ferris wheel, gas lamps, brick warehouses
- Utilize water reflections: Kobe Port water surface
- Try vertical composition: Emphasize launch height
🎯 Recommended Spots by Purpose
📷 Photography Focus
- 1st Place: MOSAIC Ferris Wheel Back - Collaboration with Ferris wheel
- 2nd Place: MOSAIC Front - Kobe atmosphere with brick warehouses
🎵 Want to Enjoy with Music
- 1st Place: atoa rooftop - Music clearly audible
🍺 Casual with Beer in Hand
- 1st Place: TOTTEI PARK - Adjacent to HARBOR BEER SITE
- 2nd Place: MOSAIC Area - Plenty of restaurants
💑 Date
- 1st Place: atoa rooftop - Special experience
- 2nd Place: MOSAIC Front - Romantic atmosphere
👨👩👧👦 Family with Children
- 1st Place: TOTTEI PARK - Can sit on lawn
- 2nd Place: MOSAIC Ferris Wheel Back - Less crowded
💡 Tips Learned from 5 Days
1. The Barge (Launching Vessel) is Visibly Close!
The shock I noticed on the first day. Minato HANABI is much closer than imagined. The launching barge is visible to the naked eye, making the fireworks’ impact incomparable. That’s why choosing your location is crucial.
2. Early Spot Securing Essential (But Unexpected Hidden Gems Too)
- Popular spots are full by 18:30
- Best to arrive 17:00~18:00
- Bring picnic sheet
- atoa is surprisingly a hidden gem (5 people waiting at 16:45 arrival)
3. Wind Direction Varies by Day
- Wind direction changes smoke flow
- North side advantageous on south wind days
- Check wind direction in weather forecast
4. Enjoy Synchronization with Music
- Choose locations where music is audible
- Production matched to theme songs
- Doubles the emotion
5. Items to Bring
Essential
- Picnic sheet
- Warm clothing (sea breeze is cold)
- Mobile battery
🚶 Access & Surrounding Information
Train Access
- 10 min walk from JR/Hanshin “Motomachi Station”
- 5 min walk from Kobe Municipal Subway “Minato-Motomachi Station”
- 10 min walk from Port Liner “Chuko-en Station”
Return Transportation
⚠️ Stations are very crowded after fireworks end
- Delay departure time slightly (after 20:00)
- Dine at MOSAIC before returning
- Walk toward Harborland before taking train
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How crowded is it?
A. Meriken Park front is very crowded. The spots introduced here are relatively empty.
Q. What about rain?
A. Held in light rain, canceled in severe weather.
Q. Can I watch for free?
A. Basically free. Only atoa rooftop requires admission + annual pass. Annual pass and face pass holders pay no additional fee.
Q. Is it okay with children?
A. TOTTEI PARK recommended. Can sit on lawn and toilets nearby.
Q. Can I use a tripod?
A. Depends on location. May be prohibited in crowded areas. Be considerate of surroundings.
Summary: Kobe’s Charm Felt Through 5 Days
After watching fireworks from various locations for 5 days, I realized that each location has its own unique charm.
Collaboration with the Ferris wheel, viewing with craft beer in hand, exotic atmosphere of brick warehouses, emotion of unity with music.
And above all, the impact of launches so close that you can see the barge.
Where will you watch next year’s Minato HANABI from? 🎆
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