8th Port Island Science Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

An annual autumn science festival at the Kobe Science Museum on Port Island, now in its 8th year. Universities, companies and Kobe city departments set up experiment classes, craft workshops and exhibits across the museum for two days. Most activities are hands-on for kids, from making artificial salmon roe and filtering water to robot programming and a coffee quiz. Admission to the museum exhibition rooms is free on both days, and outdoors children can ride a train-shaped battery car. A good weekend outing for families with elementary-school children.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Bando Kobe Science Museum (North Bldg. 4F Special Exhibition Room and other areas)

period

October 31, 2026 (Sat) - November 1, 2026 (Sun)

Time

10:00–17:00

cost

Free (museum exhibition admission is also free on both days; the dome theater / planetarium is paid)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

3-min walk from Minami Koen Station on the Port Liner (about 12 min from Sannomiya) / No general parking on site; use nearby paid parking

There are 2 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Bando Kobe Science Museum (North Bldg. 4F Special Exhibition Room and other areas). The map shows each with its walking time.

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

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

Exhibits and some activities need no booking. Most experiment and craft classes require advance online registration from Sept 15 to Oct 4. Apply from each class title on the official page

NOTE

※Most workshops require advance registration (until October 4). Target ages and capacity differ by class

※Battery car rides are cancelled in rain

FAQ

Is there an admission fee?

On both festival days, admission to the exhibition rooms is free and the workshops and exhibits cost nothing to join. Only the dome theater (planetarium) is paid separately.

Do I need to book?

Exhibits, Riblock crafts and the battery car need no booking. Most experiment classes require online registration, which closes on October 4.

What age is it for?

Experiment classes are mostly for elementary school age and up, while the bridge-building class accepts children from age 4. Exhibits and the battery car are open to all ages.

Can I come by car?

The museum has no general parking. Use nearby paid parking, or take the Port Liner to Minami Koen Station and walk.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (.ics)

We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

X FB LINE

Events

Events nearby & around the same time

Other events happening around the same time or in a similar area.

View Recommended Events →

10/12

Wish Shabon Night — Rooftop Yoga & Night Bubble Show

Sorafune Kobe rooftop terrace, Kobe Portopia Hotel / Port Island Shimin Hiroba plaza

10/10 - 10/11

Wanwan Marche vol.52

Kobe Port Island Civic Square

10/17 - 10/18

Kodomo Banpaku mini at Kobe Harborland umie

Kobe Harborland umie, Center Street 1F and South Mall 1F special venues

8/4 - 10/31

Kobe Airport Mystery Game: The Left-Behind Suitcase

Kobe Airport Terminal 1 & Terminal 2

9/29 - 12/28

Sakanaction "Goodnight Planetarium" Special Screening

Bando Kobe Science Museum planetarium

Events

What to do in Kobe this weekend?

View Recommended Events →

5/2 - 3/20

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park

Meriken Park

7/30 - 9/30

Miffy × Kobe Port Tower: Night Time

Kobe Port Tower and venues across the Kobe waterfront

8/1 - 9/30

KOBE MOON HOPPING 2026

Participating venues around Sannomiya, Kobe (one in Tarumi Ward)

9/19 - 12/26

EAT LOCAL KOBE Farmers Market

Higashi Yuenchi Park, Chuo-ku, Kobe

10/3

Bshop Ongakusai 2026

Meriken Park, Kobe

10/3 - 10/4

KOBE AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2026

Sannomiya Central Street to the Waterfront (pedestrian zone)

Nearby Spots

spots

KOBE Brighten

Explore More of Kobe

View All Features →

Sightseeing

Top Sightseeing Spots in Kobe

Local News

Kobe Local News

Openings & Closings

Kobe Shop Openings & Closings

8th Port Island Science Festival

Why You Should Visit

Programs

Essentials

FAQ

Events nearby & around the same time

What to do in Kobe this weekend?

Nearby Spots

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Port Island North Park

TOTTEI PARK

Kobe Customs

átoa

Kobe Children's Book Forest

Explore More of Kobe