Kobe Events | KobeCity.com

As part of our list of resources for visitors to Kobe, here is a list of events in Kobe, Japan.

Lists of Events in Kobe

– Kobe Beer Jamboree (February)
– Oktoberfest (April)
– Infiorata Kobe Kitanozawa (May)
– Kobe Rokko Meets Art (August)
– India Mela (October)
– Minato HANABI (October)
– Kobe Jazz Street (October)
– Kobe Marathon (November)

Also see our guide to Kobe festivals for traditional Japanese festivals in Kobe and more.

Kobe Beer Jamboree

Date: End of February
Time: 11:00 20:00
Location: Kobe Sambo Hall
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kobe_beer_jamboree/

Kobe Beer Jamboree is a beer festival held at Kobe International Exhibition Hall. The event aims to promote the development of the craft beer industry and beer culture. Beer bars and bottle shops from Kobe, as well as stores from across Japan, participate in the event.

Oktoberfest

Date: End of April to beginning of May
Time: 15:00 – 20:00
Location: Takahama Wharf Event Space
Website: https://okt-fest.com/

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival in Munich, Germany, celebrated with parades, dancing, orchestras, drinking, and games. Kobe is one of the places in Japan where Oktoberfest is celebrated, offering beer, food, and live music performances. While Oktoberfest is celebrated in October in Germany, the local Kobe event is in April/May.

Infiorata Kobe Kitanozawa

Date: Early May
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Location: 2 Chome-14-29 Yamamotodori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0003
Website: https://infiorata-kobe.net/

Infiorata is an event that originated in Italy, where artworks are created on streets and squares using flowers. The Kobe Infiorata was first held in 1997 in the Sannomiya Higashi area, inspired by the Infiorata in Genzano, Italy. Today, it is established as an annual spring event. The Infiorata is an event where local residents, people who work in the area, and visitors cooperate to create flower artworks.

Kobe Rokko Meets Art

Date: August – November
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: Rooko town
Website: https://rokkomeetsart.jp/

Kobe Rokko Meets Art is a contemporary art festival, held every year on Mt. Rokko in Kobe. Since 2010, more than 580 groups of artists have participated in the event. Visitors can spend a fulfilling and enriching time while enjoying both the nature of Mount Rokko, which is one of Kobe’s iconic mountains, and the art on display.

India Mela

Date: October
Time: 10: – 20:00
Location: Meriken Park
Website: https://india-mela.com/

India Mela is one of the largest Indian festivals in western Japan, where visitors can experience Indian culture, music, dance, and cuisine all in one place. It has been held in Kobe since 2010 under the theme of “introducing Indian culture to more people in Japan.” On the stage, a variety of performances are presented, including traditional Indian classical dance, Bollywood dance, live music performances, and yoga. There are also food stalls offering a wide range of Indian dishes and sweets, including curry, as well as booths selling handicrafts and fashion items.

Minato HANABI

Date: October
Time: 18:30 – 18: 45
Location: Meriken Park
Website: https://minatohanabi.jp/

Minato Hanabi is a five-day fireworks event held at Meriken Park. Beautiful fireworks are launched and synchronized with music, and everyone can enjoy the show free of charge.

Kobe Jazz Street

Date: October
Time: 12:00 – 17:00
Location: Check the website
Website: https://www.kobejazzstreet.gr.jp/

Kobe Jazz Street began 38 years ago and continues to feature the same style of jazz that has been preserved in the city since the post–World War II period. Each year, jazz musicians from Japan and Europe collaborate. Both professional and amateur performers take part, and the event includes a variety of styles and performances by both small combos and big bands.

Kobe Marathon

Date: November
Time: 10:00-19:00
Location: Kobe International Exhibition Hall
Website: https://kobe-marathon.net/2025/

Kobe is the place where the first marathon in Japan was held in 1909. Today, the Kobe Marathon is held every year, and food stalls and markets are set up at the Kobe International Exhibition Hall.

Events in Kobe, Japan