I went to Luminarie in Kobe! Kobe is about 30 minutes by train from Osaka Station. Many people will go there for Kobe beef. Luminarie, introduced in this article, has been held for only one week every winter for the past 30 years. The event was triggered by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 17, 1995. This Luminarie is an event not only for the citizens of Kobe, but also for those who suffered from the disaster 30 years ago. It is not just a beautiful illumination, but a special event with a deep history and meaning.
I think the photos posted on social networking sites are more appealing than the photos on this blog. Please search for #ルミナリエ listed below.
#ルミナリエ ＃神戸ルミナリエ
The Origin of Luminarie
The name “Luminarie” comes from the Italian word “luminarie,” meaning “decoration of light. Originally, it was a decoration used in traditional Italian festivals, especially seen in the southern regions of Italy. Luminarie in Kobe started as a way to mourn the victims of the earthquake, but its beauty has attracted many people.
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and Luminarie
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995, greatly affecting the city of Kobe. The earthquake, with an intensity of 7 on the Japanese scale, was a catastrophe that no one had ever experienced at the time. Many lives were lost and the city was devastated. Luminarie was first held in December 1995, 11 months after the earthquake, as a symbol of recovery from the disaster. Its lights have become a special event for many people, both to pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and as a symbol of hope for recovery. The event is held in a square called Higashi Yuenchi, a five-minute walk from Sannomiya Station in the center of Kobe. Currently, the festival is held for only about a week at the end of January every year. Because there are so many people, the road is blocked off from the station next to Sannomiya Station, and people line up for an hour or two to walk to Higashi Yuenchi. It was an important time not only to stand in line in the cold, but also to think about the reconstructed city of Kobe. Every January is a special month for Kobe.
Two photos that are symbolic of the disaster are shown below.
One is a photo of the highway collapsing, and the other is a photo of a bus that was saved in the nick of time as the highway was divided.
Italian Tradition and Technology
Italian craftsmen are involved in setting up the Luminarie. Their skills are an important element in enhancing the beauty of the Luminarie. The design and set-up is based on traditional Italian culture, with a new design every year. This allows visitors to enjoy a different beauty each year.
Impact of the Corona Disaster
Unfortunately, the Luminarie was cancelled for two years starting in 2021 due to the Corona disaster. This was very disappointing, as many people had been looking forward to this event. However, the event was held again in 2024, attracting a large number of people. It was also a moment when the importance of Luminarie was reaffirmed after the Corona disaster.
Introduction of Paid Areas
The event had always been held free of charge since its inaugural event in 1995, with costs covered by donations from Kobe City businesses and citizens. However, there was a problem that donations alone were not enough to cover the cost of this event, not only because of the cost of setting up decorations, etc., but also because of security issues as people flood in from all over Japan. Overcoming the corona, a new paid area was established for Luminarie last year. The paid area is a 15-minute walk from Motomachi Station to the seaward side of the plaza for a more special experience. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the official website. You can enjoy the beautiful illumination up close and personal, creating a special memory.
Free Area
Of course, the East Garden, which was held before Corona, is still a free area for everyone to enjoy. It is not as large as it used to be, but it is still enjoyable enough. Higashi Yuenchi is about a 5-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the seaside.
Reconstruction of the City of Kobe
When you visit Luminarie, be sure to see the reconstruction of the city of Kobe. Thirty years have passed since the earthquake, and Kobe has made a wonderful recovery. It has been reborn as a vibrant city with beautiful streets and fashionable cafes and restaurants. And you will also notice that many old buildings still remain. This is because the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake was a direct earthquake. Despite the magnitude 7 earthquake, areas a short distance away from the epicenter did not suffer much damage. In fact, although Kobe is located between the sea and mountains, neither the tsunami from the sea nor the collapse of the mountains made the headlines. Therefore, after the earthquake, the destroyed city was cleaned up, while a short walk around the area reveals that buildings with a sense of history are still in existence. This kind of information will help you to know more about the charm of Kobe in the light of Luminarie.
Map and Directions
The Luminarie venue is located in the center of Kobe City. Access is very convenient, with JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin trains available. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops around the venue, and it is recommended to stop by after enjoying Luminarie. Please get a map and visit.
Conclusion
Once again, Luminarie is not just an illumination event, but a special event filled with the history of Kobe and the thoughts of its people. It will continue to be loved by many people as an important event to remember the memory of the earthquake and to connect it to the future. We hope you will all experience this beautiful festival of lights ✨.
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