A historic temple known for its Great Buddha, a symbol of Kobe
About this spot
Known as a historic temple connected to Taira no Kiyomori, the grounds are graced by a large bronze Great Buddha affectionately known as the "Great Buddha of Kobe." This imposing statue, sometimes counted among Japan's three great Buddhas, will leave you awestruck when viewed up close. The temple grounds also contain Kiyomori's mausoleum, a place where you can sense how Kobe's Hyogo Ward has long been a stage of history.
Season & hours
Name: 献燈祭・菊水天神祭
Date & time: 8/22 (Sat)–8/26 (Wed) Time TBA
Venue: 湊川神社・神戸市中央区
楠木正成公を祀る湊川神社で営まれる「献燈祭・菊水天神祭」です。2026年は8月22日(土)から26日(水)までの5日間にわたって開催され、このコースでは初日である8月22日を主役に据えています。境内には多くの献燈が並び、地域の人々の祈りとともに幻想的な灯りの世界が広がります。会場には屋台も出店し、食べ歩きを楽しみながら祭りの熱気を味わえるのも魅力です。昼間に訪れた能福寺や新開地本通り商店街で感じた神戸兵庫区の下町らしい歴史が、夜の献燈の灯りとともに一層味わい深く感じられるはずです。
Tips
祭り期間中は神社周辺が混み合うことがあります。公共交通機関の利用が安心です。屋台での買い物には小銭があると便利です。夜は虫が出やすいので虫除け対策を。
Food stalls
Food stalls: Yes
※Based on previous years. Stall lineups change year to year. Please check the official site for the latest details.
Turn this into a day plan with stall time includedTips
About a 15-minute walk from JR Kobe Station. Admission to pay respects is basically free. Remember to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
Best time to visit
About 50 minutes. Visiting during the cool morning to midday hours is recommended.
Access & map
Postal Code 652-0837 Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Kitagyakusegawa-cho 1-39
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Kobe Lantern Festival and Kikusuiten Tenjin Festival - Full Day Experience
Hyogo
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.