Nankinmachi Lantern Fair 2026｜11/28〜12/25 Access & Fees

Dates & time: November 28, 2026 (Sat) - December 25, 2026 (Fri) About 16:00–22:00 (lighting ceremony on 28 Nov from about 16:50)
cost: No fee is listed (lanterns hang over the public streets; food and goods are paid at each shop)
Venue & access: Throughout Nankinmachi About a 5-minute walk from the east exit of JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station.

There are 12 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Throughout Nankinmachi, and 1 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Kobe's Chinatown hangs more than 400 Chinese lanterns over its streets for this 'festival of Eastern light', running through the winter evenings. Instead of the usual Christmas illuminations, the glow here is soft and distinctly Chinese, and you can wander it from late afternoon until night. During the fair, large balloon figures of Caicai and Lailai stand at the square's pavilion, and an arched 'Rosone' light structure is on display to promote January's Kobe Luminarie. The opening day, 28 November, begins with a lighting ceremony cued by firecrackers and followed by a lion dance. A good excuse to stay on in Nankinmachi after dark, street snacks in hand.

NOTE

Lighting ceremony (28 Nov, from about 16:50)

Lights go on at the sound of firecrackers, followed by a lion dance by the Nankinmachi Dragon & Lion Troupe

On display throughout

Square pavilion: large balloon figures of Caicai and Lailai
Arched 'Rosone' illumination, promoting January's Kobe Luminarie

Motomachi Nankinmachi Illumination Winter Culture Art Date

出典: 南京町商店街振興組合公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

What time are the lanterns lit?

Every day from 28 November to 25 December, from about 16:00 to about 22:00.

When is the lighting ceremony?

On the opening day, Saturday 28 November, from about 16:50. The lights go on at the sound of firecrackers and a lion dance follows.

Do I need to book?

The lanterns hang over the streets for anyone walking through, and no booking or numbered tickets have been announced.

Nearby Spots

spots

Nankinmachi Lantern Fair

Why You Should Visit

NOTE

Where to go next

FAQ

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