Featured Events in Kobe in August 2025 (August Updated)

Kobe Port weekend fireworks are set off regularly to liven up Meriken Park. We have added a February schedule. The bright fireworks in the cold and clear night sky are different from the summer. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the art of light with the winter night sky as the background. Fireworks time: [June][June] June 7 (Sat) 19:30 June 21 (Sat) 19:30 [July][July] July 5 (Sat) 19:30 July 19 (Sat) 19:30 [August][August] August 1 (Fri) 1 9:30　August 2 (Sat) 19:30 August 8 (Fri) 19:30　August 9 (Sat) 19:30 August 15 (Fri) 19:30　August 16 (Sat) 19:30 August 22 (Fri) 19:30　August 23 (Sat) 19:30 August 29 (Fri) 19:30　August 30 (Sat) 19:30 Fireworks location: Meriken Park

From July 17 to August 31, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden will host the Summer Garden Festival, a seasonal event where visitors can enjoy a variety of different activities. There will be fields of blooming sunflowers, a cooling mist garden, nighttime illuminations, and drinks from the terrace bar featuring mint and edible flowers grown on site. Families with children shouldn’t miss out either – there are a number of activities designed just for kids. From making your own cosmos seed paste “dumplings” to take home and plant, to exploring the garden’s herb scavenger hunt, there’s plenty to keep kids interested.

The festival is centered around the Kobe International Flute Competition, the flute world cup held every four years in Kobe, and will feature about 100 performances of music from classical to various genres throughout the city. World-class artists, local musicians, junior and high school students, etc. participate in the event, and the whole city is colored by music. The Japan Flute Conference and large flute ensembles are also held during the festival.

The Kobe Port summer tradition "Kobe Bon Odori" will be held again this year. Kobe Bon Odori is a Bon Odori competition where you can dance to the powerful sounds of live songs and live music along with representative folk songs from all over the country and folk songs unique to Kobe. Located in Meriken Park, one of Kobe's most famous night view spots, visitors of all ages, genders, and nationalities gather together, form a circle, and enjoy the dance.

The festival is held at the Ocean Shrine, located to the south of Ikuta Shrine. The event, dedicated to the memory of Saruhiko no Kami (the god of travel and safety at sea), highlights the local spirit of Kobe through a fusion of traditional and modern attractions. The festivities will kick off on Friday evening with a special performance by Super Strings Kobe, a professional string band whose members are active both in Japan and abroad. Their string quintet will take the stage at the opening ceremony, which begins at around 5:30 p.m. In addition to music, the festival also features a sports experience corner where visitors can try out practical activities hosted by local teams. One of the highlights is a rugby challenge with the women's team Kobe Fast Gyro on Saturday, August 2 at 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for kids and beginners to try out a new sport under the guidance of a player. Festival hours are Friday 5pm to 10:30pm, Saturday 2:30pm to 10:30pm, and Sunday 2:30pm to 10pm. Admission is free.