Why You Should Visit
A small weekend fireworks event lighting up Kobe's night sky. Fireworks bloom for about five minutes over the sea near Meriken Park and other waterfront spots, accompanied by music. Enjoy the harbor lights blending with fireworks in the pleasant sea breeze. Nearby cafes and restaurants offer drinks and takeout menus to enjoy while watching the show.
Essentials
- location
- Meriken Park
- period
- May 16, 2026 (Sat)
- Time
- 19:30
- cost
- Free viewing
- 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 - REGISTRATION
- No reservation required, free viewing
- NOTE
- Duration: approx. 5 minutes. ※From May, the fireworks start time changes to 19:30. Weather updates will be posted on the official Instagram (@kobehanabi). Enjoy the fireworks with drinks and snacks from various waterfront spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the fireworks be held on time?
Where are the best viewing spots?
Will the fireworks start time change?
Meriken Park
Photo Gallery
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Meriken Park: Things to See & Do
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
Meriken Park: Photo Spots & Tips
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
Meriken Park: Access, Hours & Fees
- Opening Hours
- Park: Open 24 hours / Port Tower: 9:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30)
- cost
- Park: Free
Port Tower: Adults (high school+) Observation Floor + Rooftop Deck ¥1,200 / Observation Floor only ¥1,000 / Children (elementary–junior high) ¥500 / ¥400 / Preschool children: Free - Best Time
- Evening (sunset and Port Tower, autumn especially recommended)
- Suggested Duration
- About 1 hour
- 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 - Accessibility
- Flat and easy to walk. Wheelchair accessible. Stroller-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter the Port Tower?
What is the nearest station?
Where is the 'BE KOBE' monument?
Nearby Spots
We present captivating tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Kobe Port Tower
Fully renovated in 2024, Kobe Port Tower is a renewed symbol of the city. Its observation decks and glass skywalk offer panoramic views of the harbor. At night the tower glows red, reflecting beautifully on the water and creating highly photogenic scenery.
Harborland (Mosaic)
A signature waterfront district of Kobe, offering a wide selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The seaside promenade provides refreshing ocean breezes, and terrace restaurants offer scenic views of the port. At night, the Ferris wheel and the harbor light up, creating a romantic and photogenic atmosphere that draws many visitors.
átoa
A theatrical aquarium that fuses aquarium and art. Features Japan's largest spherical aquarium and digital art productions, with approximately 100 species and 3,000 creatures alongside 50 art pieces that stimulate all five senses.
Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
One of Japan's three major Chinatowns
Kobe Old Foreign Settlement
A sophisticated streetscape lined with beautiful retro modern architecture
TOTTEI PARK
An open waterfront park on Kobe’s Shinko Pier No.2, featuring a grassy hill, scenic walkways, and various seasonal events.
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Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks – Apr 18, 2026 | A Spring Night Show by the Harbor
A small weekend fireworks event lighting up Kobe's night sky. Fireworks bloom for about five minutes over the sea near Meriken Park and other waterfront spots, …
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Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks – May 16, 2026 | An Early Summer Night Show by the Harbor
A small weekend fireworks event lighting up Kobe's night sky. Fireworks bloom for about five minutes over the sea near Meriken Park and other waterfront spots, …
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