Kobe to host Minato HANABI 2026 fireworks festival

The Minato HANABI 2026 event is scheduled to take place in Kobe from October 19 to October 23, 2026. Celebrating its fifth year, the festival will feature fireworks synchronized with music and laser displays at Meriken Park.

Each of the five nights will follow a unique theme, ranging from memories of Kobe to the evolution of the waterfront. The event includes live music performances by local artists before and after the fireworks displays. While Meriken Park offers free viewing, paid reserved seating is available at the Shinko Dai-ichi Pier area.

Special cruise options are also being offered, allowing spectators to view the fireworks from the Royal Princess or the Azataya Maru. These 70-minute night cruises depart at 18:00. Visitors are advised that traffic restrictions will be in place around the waterfront, and the use of drones and pleasure boats is prohibited for safety reasons.