Why You Should Visit
Kobe's annual outdoor celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Ireland's national festival. The event features a parade through Meriken Park, live Irish music and sessions, Irish dance performances with audience participation, and stalls from an Irish pub and whiskey bar. Guest musician Ciara Ní Bhriain, who performed at the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, will take the stage. All performances are free to watch.
Essentials
- location
- Meriken Park
- period
- March 21, 2026 (Sat)
- Time
- 12:00–16:30 (After Party from 18:00)
- cost
- Free (food and drinks available for purchase)
- access
- Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line: Minato Motomachi Stn (Exit 2) approx. 5 min walk
JR / Hanshin: Motomachi Stn (West Exit) approx. 15 min walk
JR: Kobe Stn (South Exit) approx. 15 min walk
Hanshin / Hankyu: Kosoku-Kobe Stn approx. 15 min walk - NOTE
- 12:00 Parade (free, no registration)
12:20 Comhalta (live)
13:00 Glenstail (live)
13:40 Ciara Ní Bhriain (guest musician)
14:20 Irish Music Session – Mt. Rokko Céilí Band
15:15 Kansai Irish Dancers & Mt. Rokko Céilí Band
18:00 After Party at IRISH PUB The Red Deer (free entry, food/drink order required)
Original T-shirts on sale at venue ¥3,000 (limited qty). Event details may change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join the parade?
Yes! The parade starts at 12:00 and is free to join with no registration required. Wear something green and gather at the lawn area a little before noon. Musicians are welcome to bring acoustic instruments (large instruments such as highland pipes are not permitted).