Meriken Snow Festival

Kobe Nankinmachi Spring Festival 2026 — Opening Day Report [Feb 17, 2026]

February 17, 2026 marked the Lunar New Year and the opening day of Nankinmachi's Spring Festival. Even joining in the evening, we caught live music by Makiko Naruo & Ding Ding Dong and a full acrobatics show by the Tokyo Chinese Song & Dance Troupe. Plus highlights for the upcoming weekend performances.

TOOTH TOOTH FISH IN THE FOREST Adds Two Autumn Night Plans: Candle Night and a Fireworks-Week Buffet

Kobe Meriken Park bakery cafe TOOTH TOOTH FISH IN THE FOREST has announced BAKE CANDLE NIGHT (Oct 1–Nov 29, 2026, from 5,000 yen, reservation only, 2+ guests) and a dinner buffet limited to the Minato HANABI fireworks days, Oct 19–23 (from 2,700 yen, solo diners welcome). We compare the two plans and work out whether to eat before or after the fireworks.

BUMPY WRAP Kobe: Tacos, Menu & Hours in Motomachi

BUMPY WRAP in Kobe's Motomachi serves tacos from ¥450 and combos from ¥1,200. Our visit, menu, station access and current reservation information.

UCC Coffee Museum Reopens After Six Years: Hands-On Experiences and New Exhibits from July 1

Japan's only dedicated coffee museum returns to Kobe's Port Island on July 1, 2026 after a six-year closure. New interactive exhibits plus four paid experience courses including roasting, blending, and 3D latte art. Admission: ¥880 adults, ¥440 children. Fully reservation-based; Aug/Sep bookings open July 1 at noon. Museum shop: no reservation needed. Entirely indoors.

Hydrangeas in Bloom at Kakogawa's Enshoji Temple | ~90 Varieties, Peak Through Around July 5

At Enshoji Temple in Shikata-cho, Kakogawa, more than 350 hydrangea plants of around 90 varieties are in bloom. The city says the peak lasts through around July 5, the staggered bloom relay through early July, and the overall season through mid-July. A rain-friendly flower temple, home to rare varieties like Hakujuko, which shifts from white to red.