Why You Should Visit
Last year's popular 'Kobe High-class Christmas' returns as 'Kobe Meriken Christmas' with an upgraded scale. Enjoy a spectacular Christmas drone show with around 500 drones, along with food and illumination areas, perfect for family and friends on a winter night.
Essentials
- location
- Meriken Park (HATOBABA-CHO, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
- period
- December 20, 2025 (Sat) - December 25, 2025 (Thu)
- Time
- 16:00-21:00
- cost
- Free admission
- access
- About 10-minute walk from JR/ Hanshin Motomachi Station or Subway Kencho-mae Station
- NOTE
- Drone shows are scheduled twice daily (18:00 and 20:00) from Dec 20 to Dec 25. May be canceled due to weather. Check official SNS for updates on the day.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge : Things to See & Do
Construction began in May 1988 and was completed in April 1998 after about 10 years, creating one of the world's largest suspension bridges. Boasting an impressive scale with total length 3,911m, central span 1,991m, and tower height 300m. During construction, the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake caused ground displacement, extending the original 3,910m plan to 3,911m. Guinness-certified as world's longest suspension bridge for 24 years until surpassed by Turkey's 'Çanakkale 1915 Bridge' in 2022. Kobe side features Maiko Marine Promenade and Bridge Science Museum to experience the bridge's appeal.
World's Largest Suspension Bridge
Total 3,911m length, 300m tower height. Guinness-certified world's longest 1998-2022. Japan's longest and largest suspension bridge
Maiko Marine Promenade
Circular promenade at 47m above sea, 317m long. Panoramic views of Akashi Strait from inside bridge girders. Observatory lounge and marine cafe available
Illuminated Night View
Nightly illumination with seasonal color changes. Enjoy fantastic night views from Awaji SA, Maiko Park and other spots
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge : Photo Spots & Tips
Best Shots
- — Dynamic upward shot from Maiko Park
- — 47m above sea view from Marine Promenade
- — Full bridge frontal shot from Awaji SA (down)
- — Awaji Island side view from Michi-no-Eki Awaji
- — Sunset silhouette photography
- — Night illumination (tower and girder lighting)
Best Timing
- — Magic hour at sunset (around 17:00-18:00) is most beautiful
- — Night photography after complete darkness (after 19:00)
- — Clear morning air provides sharp views to Awaji Island
- — Marine Promenade open until 19:00 during GW and summer
Tripods allowed at Marine Promenade. Bridge may sway on windy days. Long exposure recommended for night photography.
Access
5 min walk from JR/Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko Station. 5 min drive from Tarumi IC on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. Maiko Park parking (198 cars, ¥200/hour).
