Why You Should Visit
The traditional Hirosaki Neputa summer festival from Aomori comes to Kobe Harborland for the fifth time. Enjoy large neputa float displays, lantern processions, traditional hayashi music, and Aomori product stalls. Hands-on programs include a 'float puller' experience (wearing authentic happi coats) and a goldfish-neputa lantern walk. A mini live concert by Ringo Musume is also scheduled for May 30.
Essentials
- location
- Takahama Quay, Kobe Harborland (in front of umie Mosaic)
- period
- May 29, 2026 (Fri) - May 31, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- May 29 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun) ※ Neputa procession: May 29–30 / Ringo Musume mini live: May 30
- cost
- Free admission (experience programs require registration)
- access
- About 5 min walk from JR Kobe Station / About 3 min walk from Subway Harborland Station
- NOTE
- 【Schedule】
▍May 29 (Fri)
18:00 Doors open
18:30 Ceremony (neputa illumination)
19:00 Neputa hayashi performance
20:00 Neputa procession
21:00 Night neputa display (lights off at 22:00)
▍May 30 (Sat)
10:00 Doors open
10:30 Hayashi performance, character appearances, etc.
18:15 Ringo Musume mini live
18:55 Neputa illumination
19:00 Neputa hayashi performance
20:00 Neputa procession
21:00 Night neputa display (lights off at 22:00)
▍May 31 (Sun)
10:00 Doors open
10:30 Hayashi performance, character appearances, etc.
14:00 Event ends
【Experience Programs】 ※ Application via official reservation form only
① Float-puller experience (lottery / May 30, 17:00–21:00) 16 spots / adults ¥4,800, ages 6–15 ¥1,000 — Deadline: May 11 (Mon), 9:00 [Closed]
② Rope-pulling experience (first-come / May 30, 19:00–21:00) 40 spots / ¥2,500
③ Goldfish-neputa lantern walk (first-come / May 29–30, 19:00–21:00) 20 spots per day / ¥4,800 — Lantern to take home!
④ Float-puller experience for Furusato-nozei donors (May 29) 10 spots [Closed]
※ Experiences include complimentary Hirosaki apple pie and juice
Apply at: Kobe no Tobira official site
FAQ
How do I sign up for the experience programs?
Apply via the reservation form on the 'Kobe no Tobira' official website (https://kobe-door.feel-kobe.jp/). The float-puller experience is a lottery (deadline May 11, 9:00 AM) and registration has closed. Rope-pulling and the goldfish lantern walk are first-come, first-served and may still be available. Please check the official site for the latest status.
Is there an admission fee?
General admission to the venue is free. Please check the 'Kobe no Tobira' website for details on experience program fees.
Can children participate?
The rope-pulling experience is family-friendly and easy for kids to join. The goldfish-neputa lantern walk is also popular with children and includes an LED lantern to take home.
When is the Ringo Musume mini live?
It is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. Please check the official website for the exact time.
2want to go