The same machine that creates the sea of clouds for the “Autumn Leaves and Sea of Clouds Light-up” at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto will spread a sea of clouds across the winter night in Hyogo. Nesta Resort Kobe in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, is holding its autumn–winter illumination “NESTA illumina” for the first time in two years, from Saturday, November 14, 2026 to Sunday, February 28, 2027. This time the show has been completely redesigned around the theme of the “deep sea”, and for the first time it uses equipment that creates an artificial sea of clouds from mist. Admission is free for elementary school children and younger.
Into the “deep sea” along a 500-meter path of light
The venue is within the resort grounds, which make use of the natural landscape. As you walk the “Hikari no Sanpomichi” (Path of Light), about 500 meters one way, the lights and projections gradually grow deeper, creating the feeling of diving to the bottom of the sea. The latest LEDs have been newly introduced for the show.
It is not just for families, couples and groups of friends — you can also enjoy it with your dog. Hours are 18:00 to 22:00. With free admission for elementary school children and younger, it is an easy pick for a winter outing with kids.
Mist that catches the light: Hyogo’s first sea-of-clouds system
The highlight is the lagoon area at the very back. A huge artificial sea of clouds spreads out there, and the illumination shines onto it. The fine droplets of mist catch the light so that the colors seem to blur and fill the whole space — the idea is to be wrapped in light rather than just look at it. It will also be set up as a photo spot.
Because the sea of clouds constantly changes shape with the wind and temperature, the light looks different every time. The organizers count the fact that you will never see exactly the same scene twice as part of its appeal.
The equipment that creates the sea of clouds was developed by H. Ikeuchi & Co., Ltd. of Osaka. It has been used for “Tokyo Unkai” (Tokyo Sea of Clouds) at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo and the “Autumn Leaves and Sea of Clouds Light-up” at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, and this is the first time it has been installed in Hyogo Prefecture. Note that the sea-of-clouds show is scheduled to run until December 31 and may be cancelled depending on temperature and weather. If you want to see it, plan to go before the end of the year.
Prices vary by date
The “Illumination Pass” uses variable pricing that changes by period. For adults (junior high school students and older), it costs ¥1,900 from Thursday, December 24 to Sunday, December 27 just before Christmas, ¥1,700 on other days from Saturday, November 14 to Thursday, December 31, and ¥1,400 from Friday, January 1 to Sunday, February 28 in the new year (all tax included). Buying online in advance is planned to be ¥200 cheaper. If you have a daytime 1Day Pass, you can enter at no extra charge.
A special website is due to open in October. Details of the show and information on a preview event will be announced once decided.
Event details
- Event: NESTA illumina
- Dates: Saturday, November 14, 2026 – Sunday, February 28, 2027 *Closed from Monday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 10 (park closure days)
- Hours: 18:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00)
- Venue: Nesta Resort Kobe (Miki, Hyogo Prefecture)
- Admission: Illumination Pass (variable pricing, tax included) adults (junior high school students and older) ¥1,400–1,900; elementary school children and younger free. An online advance discount (¥200 off) is planned. No extra charge for 1Day Pass holders
- Sea-of-clouds show: until December 31 (may be cancelled depending on temperature and weather)
- Website (Japanese): https://nesta.co.jp
