Kobe Festival
ParadeKansai(Hyogo)
Annual eventDates
2026-05-17
Venue
Kobe Higashiyuenchi Park and Flower Road
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedKobe's biggest spring festival with samba parades and multicultural performances.
Kobe Matsuri is the city's largest festival, celebrating Kobe's cosmopolitan identity with a grand parade along the harbor-front streets. The parade features samba dancers, dragon dances, marching bands, and floats representing the city's diverse international communities, reflecting Kobe's history as one of Japan's first open ports.
Highlights
Grand parade with samba, dragon dances, and marching bands; International community floats reflecting Kobe's cosmopolitan heritage; Street performances and food stalls along the harbor
Access
JR Sannomiya Station or Motomachi Station, 5-10 minute walk to the parade route along Flower Road.
Tips for Visitors
The main parade runs along Flower Road from Sannomiya to the waterfront. Arrive early for curbside spots. After the parade, explore Kobe's Chinatown (Nankinmachi) nearby.