Kobe Illuminage: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Kobe Illuminage" (神戸イルミナージュ), was uploaded by "kobecitychannel." Kobe Illuminage is a magical interactive illumination event at Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo, a roadside station in Kobe, Hyogo, in Japan's Kansai region. Each year the event attracts more than 150,000 visitors.

The illuminations extending over the vast grounds at Kobe Illuminage, one of the most popular winter spots in Japan's Kansai region, make it feel as though you've wandered into a palace of light. Be sure to check out the video before reading on!

Kobe Illuminage – Event Period, Hours, & Other Information

Photo：Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo

Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo is one of the largest roadside stations in western Japan. The park is complete with an amusement park, hot spring facilities, a BBQ space, and even a dog run. Kobe Illuminage, held there every year, is an illumination event that started in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The event was started to send the power of light from Kobe, which itself experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, with the desire to extend support to those in Japan's Tohoku region who were affected by the disaster.

The event will run from November 19, 2022 to February 26, 2023, with no holidays, even during the year-end and New Year holidays. Opening hours are from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and illumination hours are from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Illuminage is a combination of the words "illumination" and "nage," the French word for "swimming." The name is a reference to the way light swims and shines freely while intertwined.
[Video] 0:36 - Approximately 5 million LED light bulbs

Kobe Illuminage – A Host of Attractions! Check Out the Giant Maze at the Event!

Photo：An image of an illumination ※Image is for reference only

Kobe Illuminage is full of diverse illuminations that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. The highlight of the event is a huge maze beautifully illuminated by LED lights. Enjoy a fun adventure as you make your way to the exit while surrounded by the dazzlingly illuminated maze. The view, surrounded by a wall of light, is a mysterious space that's sure to be great for taking photos, especially for Instagram. Don't forget your camera!
[Video] 1:06 - The Giant Maze at Kobe Illuminage

Also, don't miss out on the "Monkey Show of Light" (光のモンキーショー, Hikari no Monki Sho) held at the Monkeys Theater in the park. The combination of cute monkeys and light is sure to impress.

Be Sure to Dress Warm!

Photo：Warm clothing

Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo is located in Kita, Kobe, a place surrounded by nature, and the average temperature is said to be lower than that of downtown Kobe. The advantage of this is that there's less light pollution, which makes the lights shine even more beautifully.

Nevertheless, the winds can be quite strong, and it can get colder than you might expect. It's recommended that visitors wear thick clothes and prepare gloves, hats, scarves, boots, and hand warmers. After you've finished enjoying the event, it's recommended that you warm up at a nearby hot spring or stay overnight at a hotel.

Kobe Illuminage – Ticket Information

Photo：Kobe Illuminage at Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo

Tickets for Kobe Illuminage can be purchased online as "advance admission tickets" with discounts or "advance priority admission tickets" (shorter waiting time for admission). In addition, same-day admission tickets are available at ticket booths. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event period (specified days), a free temporary direct bus service will be available from the nearest station, JR Sanda Station.

■Same-day Admission Tickets
Adults (ages 13 and older): 1,500 yen / Children (ages 12 and younger): 800 yen

■Advance Tickets (on sale from October 1 - November 18)
Adults (ages 13 and older): 1,300 yen / Children (ages 12 and younger): 700 yen

■Advance Priority Admission Tickets (on sale from October 1 - November 18)
Adults (ages 13 and older): 2,000 yen / Children (ages 12 and younger): 1,300 yen

Summary of Kobe Illuminage

Kobe Illuminage is a popular event that continues to attract many people, with more and more visitors every year. Free parking is available for up to 1,500 cars, but according to online reviews, on busy December weekends and dates close to Christmas, you can expect considerable traffic on the way home from the venue, so it's recommended to arrive and leave with plenty of time to spare. If you don't like crowds, you may choose to visit early into the event period. The moment the lights come on is truly fantastical, so be inside the venue before 5:30 p.m.! Also, many people choose to stay at the adjacent Kobe Hotel Fruit Flower with an overnight stay plan that includes an admission ticket. Enjoy a warm time with your loved ones at the wonderful illumination.

◆Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo◆
【Address】Kamiozo-2150 Ozocho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1522
【Access】
Train: Approx. 15 min. by bus or cab from Okaba Station via the Kobe Electric Railway
From JR Sanda Station: Approx. 15 minutes by cab
From JR Sannomiya Station: Approx. 35 min. by Shinki Bus (No. 38) (available only on weekends and holidays)
Car: Located right after the Ozo IC of the Rokko-hoku Toll Road (六甲北有料道路大沢ＩＣ, Rokko-hoku Yuryo Doro Ozo IC)

【Official Website】Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo

【TripAdvisor】Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo