Kobe Festival

One of the largest festivals in Hyogo Prefecture, the Kobe Festival is held in areas throughout the city of Kobe with a focus on the Sannomiya neighborhood in Chuo Ward. The festival was started in 1971 as a participation-oriented event for local residents. The festival has two components-the main festival held in the area around the Sannomiya and Motomachi neighborhoods, and additional ward festivals held in each of the city's other wards. The festival parade conducted in Sannomiya has many highlights, including Samba dancers, drum and flute bands, paraders in fabulous costumes, and even popular animation characters. There are also stalls and stands selling not just Japanese foods but cuisines from around the world. The variety of events held in conjunction with the festival attracts large numbers of people.