Limited to 10 days only: Kobe’s must-see winter light sculpture show this winter – a stunning 270-meter corridor of light that’s simply breathtaking

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Japan

Across Japan, as the year comes to an end, cities are illuminated with millions of LED lights, creating a romantic winter atmosphere. In Kobe, just a 30-minute drive from Osaka, the must-see winter light sculpture event every December is “Kobe LUMINARIE.” With over 400,000 LED lights adorning the streets, the event features a spectacular light corridor stretching hundreds of meters — a dreamy scene so magical that visitors can’t bear to leave even after taking countless photos.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of “Kobe LUMINARIE.” Originally held in 1995 to mourn those who lost their lives in the Great Hanshin Earthquake and to bring hope for the city’s recovery and rebirth, the event has since become an annual highlight in Kobe every December. In 2016, it attracted as many as 3.25 million visitors who traveled specially to see it, making it one of the most iconic light festivals in the Kansai region.

Kobe LUMINARIE is divided into three main themed zones. Starting at Naka-machi Street in the former foreign settlement area, the entrance to the venue features a majestic towering structure along with light sculptures and arch decorations, creating a 270-meter-long gateway. Many visitors arrive before the lights are switched on to witness the moment the corridor illuminates, slowly walking into this dreamlike hallway accompanied by solemn music.

After passing through Naka-machi Street, you’ll enter the Galleria Arcade, where arch decorations connect both sides of the buildings, creating the feeling of passing through a series of grand archways. The luxurious patterned lines and vibrant lights make it feel as though you’ve stepped into a kaleidoscope. The final zone, Tōyōen Park, is designed to resemble a European castle-like palace of light. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Kobe's port opening, this year’s display illuminates everything from the arcade, hanging scrolls, to the central garden with dazzling and colorful LED lights. This dreamlike castle, open only at night, is sure to delight every girl’s inner child and max out everyone’s camera memory.

The Kobe LUMINARIE light sculpture event runs from now until December 17th. To fully soak in the festive winter vibe, don’t miss out on this beautiful celebration of light.

Kobe LUMINARIE (ルミナルエ)
Date: December 8–17, 2017
Location: Kobe
Lighting Locations & Times: From the former foreign settlement area to Tōyōen Park
Monday to Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Transportation: 10-minute walk from JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin Railway Kobe Sannomiya Station