Why You Should Visit
Held at Meriken Park, the Kobe Fire Department’s New Year Parade marks the beginning of the year with dynamic demonstrations and performances. Visitors can enjoy live music by the fire band, emergency rescue drills, and powerful water displays by fire engines and vessels. In 2026, highlights include youth disaster-prevention activities and a special coordinated water display accompanied by Japanese taiko drumming.
Essentials
- location
- Meriken Park
- period
- January 11, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 10:00-11:30
- access
- Hankyu / Hanshin "Kobe-Sannomiya Station": 17–18 min walk
JR "Sannomiya Station": 20 min walk
Port Liner "Port Terminal Station": 13 min walk - NOTE
- In case of severe weather, the event may be canceled or modified. A final decision will be made on the morning of the event.
Meriken Park
GALLERY
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WHY VISIT
Meriken Park, a landmark representing Kobe's waterfront. The name 'Meriken' comes from the Japanese pronunciation of 'American', as the American Consulate was located nearby during the Meiji era. In 2017, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Kobe Port's opening, a major renovation added lawn areas and the 'BE KOBE' monument. The view of the red 108m-tall Kobe Port Tower (the world's first pipe structure tower) and the white sails of the Maritime Museum creates an iconic Kobe scene. At dusk, the sunset-colored sea and silhouetted Port Tower create a magical atmosphere.
Kobe Port Tower
108m tall, world's first pipe structure tower. Called 'Beauty of Towers' for its hyperbolic paraboloid form. Renovated in April 2024 with a rooftop deck offering 360° views
Kobe Maritime Museum
Distinctive white sail-shaped building. Learn about Kobe Port's history and ships. Includes Kawasaki World
BE KOBE Monument
Photo spot installed during 2017 renovation. Popular for commemorative photos with sea background
Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park
Memorial preserving the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake damage. Original damaged quay wall preserved
Fish Dance
Giant carp sculpture by American architect Frank Gehry. Unique photo opportunity
Beautiful Sunset Views
Magical combination of sunset and Port Tower. Autumn offers the clearest and most beautiful sunsets
PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
BEST SHOTS
- — BE KOBE monument with sea background (classic commemorative photo)
- — Low-angle shot of Port Tower (highlights hyperbolic curve)
- — Backlit silhouette at dusk (Port Tower and Oriental Hotel)
- — Maritime Museum's white sails with Port Tower (iconic Kobe composition)
- — Fish Dance with Port Tower combination
- — Full view of Port Tower from lawn area
BEST TIMING
- — Evening (beautiful backlit sunset and Port Tower, best in autumn)
- — Sunny afternoons (contrast of blue sky and red tower)
- — Night illumination time (after 7 PM, Port Tower and surroundings lit up)
- — Early morning (fewer people, peaceful waterfront)
Evenings can be crowded; weekdays recommended. BE KOBE monument area especially busy on weekends. Prior reservation advised for Port Tower observatory
ESSENTIALS
- Opening Hours
- Park: Open 24 hours / Port Tower: 9:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30)
- cost
- Park: Free / Port Tower Observatory: Adults ¥800, Junior/Senior High ¥300, Elementary ¥200
- Best Time
- Evening (sunset and Port Tower, autumn especially recommended)
- Suggested Duration
- About 1 hour
- Access
- Hankyu / Hanshin "Kobe-Sannomiya Station": 17–18 min walk
JR "Sannomiya Station": 20 min walk
Port Liner "Port Terminal Station": 13 min walk - Accessibility
- Flat and easy to walk. Wheelchair accessible. Stroller-friendly
