Admire Fantastic Wintery Scenery and More at the Kobe Luminarie! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 30 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Admire Fantastic Wintery Scenery and More at the Kobe Luminarie!

The Kobe Luminarie is an illumination event where the winter nights of the enchanting city of Kobe are adorned with stunning lights and colors. The 2024 event marks its return after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic and promises to be even more thrilling than previous years! This article covers the history and highlights of this wintertime event in Kobe.

See full listings of Steak restaurants found in and around Kobe.

An Event That Began With Wishes to Revitalize Kobe and Repose the Departed

“Luminarie” once referred to a kind of architectural structure made to show off light that was originally used as decoration for festivals and the like back in the Baroque period (early 17th century to early 18th century) in Europe. As time went by, in southern Italy, it slowly evolved into its current form, becoming powered by electricity and standing on its own as an ethereal artistic light installation or fixture.

The Kobe Luminarie, which now bathes the city of Kobe in light, was established in response to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that struck in January 1995. It was decided to hold the event in December of the same year, serving as a memorial and solace for the victims of the unprecedented disaster that shook all of Japan, as well as a collective desire for the rejuvenation of the city of Kobe. The majestic art of light this Italy-inspired event bestowed upon the city and citizens gave them great courage and hope, especially as, at the time, Kobe was still recovering from the earthquake.

Since then, the festival has evolved and persists to this day as an event symbolizing the dreams and hopes of Kobe and its citizens, passing on the memory of the earthquake from one generation to the next. In 2019, it drew in over 3.46 million visitors from Japan and abroad over 10 days, showing just how big and famous of an event it is today.

Check Out the New Luminarie!

The Kobe Luminarie usually takes place in December, but for its 29th run this year, it will take place in January, so be sure not to miss it! The theme for this year is Kobe, brillando verso il futuro (Kobe, shining towards the future). In order to reduce crowding, they’ve set up extra venues this year.

Date and time: Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 28, 2024 (10 days)

Take a Leisurely Stroll and Marvel at the Glittering Works of Art in Each Area

During the event period, the lights are illuminated every day, starting at dusk. Witnessing the splendid works of art sparkling in the night in the charming port city of Kobe is truly a captivating sight.
Starting this year, the optimal way to experience Kobe Luminarie is to wander through the three venues, admiring the artistic displays.

At Higashi Yuenchi Park, one of the usual venues, a light wall called the Spalliera that measures 39 meters wide and 19 meters high at its tallest point will be installed. Additionally, smaller works will be scattered throughout the park, and a cathedral of light called the Cassa Armonica will serve as the music stage, with a height of 11 meters and a diameter of 7.6 meters.

The Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe, another venue, will showcase an approximately 7.2-meter-high, 14- to 18-meter-wide light billboard enveloping three sides of the plaza in front of the SMBC Kobe Headquarters building. Additionally, there will be a tree-shaped luminaire work, standing at 10 meters high and 5.6 meters in diameter, along with various other works of different sizes.

The highlight of the new Meriken Park venue is a 70-meter-long corridor of light. At its entrance, a 40-meter-wide, 15-meter-high installation called Frontone will be on display. The attractions are scattered from Higashi Yuenchi Park to Meriken Park, allowing visitors to freely enjoy the artworks while strolling through each area.

You Have to Try Kobe Beef While in Kobe! Find Delicious Kobe Beef at These Restaurants

While Japan boasts numerous delicious varieties of beef, Kobe beef stands out as one of the most renowned. A visit to Kobe, the birthplace of this culinary delight, is incomplete without savoring it! After a leisurely stroll through the luminous streets of Kobe, enhance your evening with a Kobe beef dinner in this vibrant city.

Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA (Sannomiya)

Experience the full glory of Kobe beef at Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA with two exquisite cooking methods: teppanyaki steak and teppanyaki shabu (thin slices of meat grilled briefly). The Kobe beef is meticulously chosen from the top tier of A5 Kobe beef, an elevated grade of award-winning beef. The meat's sweetness, melt-in-the-mouth tenderness, flavorful juices, and exquisite taste all contribute to an unforgettable culinary experience.

For those eager to relish Kobe beef to the fullest, we recommend getting a course meal. The [Hanagoromo Course] (16,500 JPY) is an opulent culinary journey featuring two main dishes: A5 grade Kobe beef marbled rib roast grilled shabu and A5 grade Kobe beef loin steak. From salad to dessert, this comprehensive 11-course meal is a treat for the senses.

The restaurant's modern Japanese-style ambiance, with cherry blossoms and dragons adorning the walls, is complemented by soft lighting and provides a relaxing setting for diners to enjoy an unparalleled experience. With three teppan grill and counter seating options, each strategically positioned for an intimate view of the chef's live culinary skills, you can savor watching your meal being expertly grilled from your front-row seat.

Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from [Sannomiya Station]. On the 2nd floor of the building next to Ikuta Shrine.
Address: 203, Lion Bldg. Sannomiya, 2-17-10, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe city, Hyogo Map
More Details Reservation

Kobe Steak Sai Dining (Sannomiya)

Kobe Steak Sai Dining presents the highest-grade A5 Kobe beef, the pinnacle of award-winning beef classes, alongside exquisite ingredients like foie gras, live abalone, and prawns, all at a reasonable price. The accompanying vegetables are also carefully prepared and are fresh produce meticulously chosen by a vegetable sommelier.

The [A5 Grade Kobe Beef Sirloin Steak Course, 160 grams] (15,180 JPY) is highly recommended, featuring a thickly cut, marbled sirloin steak and eight other delectable dishes. Various other courses, such as Chateaubriand and rib roast, are also available. Plus, you can enhance your dining experience with wines from around the world, including second wines from the five major chateaus.

The restaurant boasts a chic interior adorned with striking white wall tiles. Here, you can relish the experience of watching the chef skillfully grill ingredients at the teppanyaki counter, divided into three distinct areas. Immerse yourself in the finest flavors within a modern, relaxed atmosphere that befits the port city of Kobe.

Kobe Steak Sai Dining

Open: Lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:30 - 22:30 (last order 21:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station. Upon exiting the station, proceed west along Sunset-dori Street, make a right at the street after the intersection with Tor Road, and the restaurant will be 150 meters ahead on the right.
Address: B1 Cosmo Building, 3-1-9 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
More Details Reservation

Exploring the enchanting city of Kobe during the day is undoubtedly a fantastic experience, but it's only during the Kobe Luminarie that you can revel in the city glittering magnificently in the night. You're sure to also create lasting memories savoring Kobe beef, a source of Japanese pride renowned worldwide.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.