Event
The 53rd Kobe Matsuri
日時・場所など詳細はこちら
Kobe’s largest civic festival, the 53rd Kobe Festival (神戸まつり), will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11:00 to 16:30.
The venue spans the Sannomiya Former Foreign Settlement and Waterfront Area. From a breathtaking parade along Kyomachi-suji and Sannomiya Chuo-dori to five stages of dance, jazz, and taiko performances, plus food trucks and bustling market zones — it’s a full day of free entertainment that transforms the heart of Kobe into one big celebration.
Parade
A Opening Ceremony｜11:00–11:10
Near the Kyomachi-suji / Hanakei-sen intersection. The official start of Kobe Festival, announced with energy and fanfare.
B Ladies’ Group Dance｜11:10–11:40
Around 600 members of the Kobe City Women’s Organizations perform a sweeping group dance in unison. One of the festival’s most iconic sights, filling Sannomiya Chuo-dori from side to side.
C Main Parade｜12:00–16:30
The heart of the Kobe Festival — a 4.5-hour procession of handpicked groups marching along Kyomachi-suji and Sannomiya Chuo-dori. Samba teams join the lineup, bringing the whole city to life.
Stages
Five venues host performances all day long (all 11:00–16:30; Jazz Stage until 16:00).
| Code | Stage | Venue | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | Higashi Yuenchi Variety Stage | Higashi Yuenchi Park | Dance, singing, samba |
| E | Kodomo-no-Mori Hanakei Stage | In front of Kodomo-no-Mori | Variety across genres |
| F | TOTTEI PARK Dance Harbor | TOTTEI PARK | Kids & cheer dance |
| G | KOBE Yume Taiko | In front of SMBC Bank | Taiko & percussion |
| H | Kobe Kyu-Kyoryuchi Jazz Stage | Chuo-ku Cultural Center Foyer | Big band jazz (until 16:00) |
Jazz echoing through the historic streets of the Former Foreign Settlement, dynamic dance performances by the waterfront at TOTTEI PARK — stage-hopping on foot is one of the great joys of Kobe Festival.
Food & Shopping
Market and food zones are scattered throughout the parade route area.
Omatsuri Yatai-mura (in front of Kodomo-no-Mori) and Food Trucks (TOTTEI PARK) are your go-to for Kobe’s local flavors. Eating by the sea at TOTTEI PARK’s food truck zone is a particularly popular spot.
Kobe Haikara-ichi (north of Daimaru Kobe) gathers stylish Kobe-made goods — perfect for souvenir hunting. Sister-City Plaza (Higashi Yuenchi Park) showcases PR booths from Kobe’s partner and affiliated cities around the world.
Sports Experience zones at TOTTEI PARK and Higashi Yuenchi Park let you try everything from mainstream sports to lesser-known new sports.
District Festivals Around Kobe
From May 9 to 30, each of Kobe’s nine wards holds its own community festival.
| Date | Ward | Event | Venue | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9 (Sat) | Higashinada | 53rd Higashinada Uhara Festival | Sumiyoshi Park Ground | 10:30–17:00 |
| May 16 (Sat) | Chuo | Fureau Chuo Carnival 2026 | Higashi Yuenchi Park | 11:00–16:00 |
| May 16 (Sat) | Hyogo | Happi Hiroba | Minatogawa Park | 11:00–17:00 |
| May 16 (Sat) | Tarumi | Tarumikko Matsuri 2026 | Maiko Park (Prefectural) | 10:00–17:00 |
| May 23 (Sat) | Nagata | Nagata Festival | Wakamatsu Park | 11:00–16:00 |
| May 23 (Sat) | Suma | Suma Music no Mori | Suma Rikyu Park | 11:00–17:00 |
| May 23 (Sat) | Nishi | 41st Nishi Ward Green & Sun Festival | Plenty Plaza | 12:00–17:00 |
| May 30 (Sat) | Nada | 53rd Rokko Family Festival | Plaza in front of Oji Athletics Stadium | 11:00–17:00 |
| May 30 (Sat) | Kita | 50th Kitakita Festival | Arima Hall & Parking Area | 11:30–17:00 |
Other Related Events
Kobe Port Cutter Race (Sunday, May 10, 8:00–16:00) takes place on the waters west of Shinko Pier No.1 — a thrilling rowing competition befitting Kobe’s proud maritime heritage.
Harbor Ceremony (Wednesday, May 13, morning) at Kobe Port Oasis includes three events: the Port Workers’ Commendation Ceremony, the Harbor Prosperity and Safety Prayer Festival, and the Kobe Port Bell of Prosperity Ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee?
What are the highlights of the parade?
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What happens if it rains?
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