The Nankinmachi Lantern Festival is an annual event that takes place at Kobe's Nankinmachi Square (Kobe Chinatown), which is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. The event includes over 400 Chinese lanterns decorating the area with soft lighting, providing a distinctly different atmosphere than other seasonal illumination displays.
The lanterns will be illuminated from approximately 4 pm (sunset timeframe) until 10 pm throughout the event's duration, and there is no admission fee to delight in their beauty.
Getting there
Nankinmachi Square is located approximately five minutes on foot from Motomachi Station, which is served by the JR Kobe Line and the Hanshin Electric Railway's Kōbe Kōsoku Line.
Alternatively, the venue is around the same distance from Kyūkyoryūchi -Daimarumae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway's Kaigan Line (stop K02).
For those who opt to drive, take the Kyobashi Exit from the Hanshin Expressway's Kobe Route (route 3). Nankinmachi is about 5 minutes driving time from there.
More info
Find out more about Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi).
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
