Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival

The Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival is one of Kansai’s premier fireworks displays, held over the waters of Kobe Port in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, typically on the first or second Saturday in August each year. As a summer tradition in Kobe, the event draws crowds of over 300,000 on the day of the show. The launch area is generally offshore from the Shinko Pier to the waters south of Meriken Park in Kobe Port. Most spectators walk to the area from nearby stations such as JR Kobe Line Sannomiya, Motomachi, or Kobe; or from Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line stations including Sannomiya/Hanadokei-mae, Kyukyoryuchi–Daimaru-mae, Minato Motomachi, Harborland, and Chuoichiba-mae. Because it is crowded every year—often to the point that traffic restrictions and station-gate entry controls are implemented—caution is required. Choosing where to watch is always a big question, but the area in front of Meriken Park, where many food stalls line up, is a particularly recommended spot. Since heavy congestion is expected, it’s best to arrive early. Another good option is to purchase one of the many paid seating areas (in front of Meriken Park, in front of Mosaic, at the No. 2 Pier, etc.). If you want to enjoy both Kobe’s night view and the fireworks at the same time, watching from an elevated location such as the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is also an option.