Watch, dance and snack on a Sunday this autumn, right at the foot of the bullet-train station. On Sunday, October 18, 2026, ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe holds “Awa Odori and Kobe Gourmet Festival,” a community event on the first floor of Kotonohako Kobe, the commercial complex directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station. Admission is free.
Two troupes, from Tokushima and Kobe, on one stage
Taking part are two Awa Odori troupes (called “ren”): 新のんき連 from Tokushima, the home of Awa Odori, and 楠公連, which is based in Kobe. The Tokushima troupe is known for speed, energy and tightly synchronized dancing that conveys the power of the original festival. The Kobe troupe is known for cheerful, colorful performances. You can compare two very different styles in one place.
There are three performances: from 12:30, from 15:00 and from 18:00. Whether you drop by while shopping at midday or after the day’s plans in the evening, you can pick a time that suits you.
Not just watching: an Awa Odori workshop
From 15:00 to 18:00 there is a hands-on session where you learn the steps and dance along. It is open to children and adults, first-timers and visitors from overseas, and aims to create natural exchange through dancing to the same rhythm. With the venue directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station, travelers who have just arrived by Shinkansen can join the circle right away.
Eight stalls from local Shin-Kobe favorites
Between dances, there is food. Eight stalls, including popular local shops from the Shin-Kobe area, plan to sell Kobe specialties, regional dishes, sweets and soft drinks, mainly easy-to-eat items. There is also a kids’ corner with games and entertainment, and a prize drawing with items such as hotel stay vouchers and dining vouchers. It looks like a good full day out for families and friends.
Event details
- Date and time: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 11:00–19:00 (planned). Held rain or shine; canceled in severe weather
- Venue: Kotonohako Kobe, 1st-floor plaza (1-chome Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)
- Awa Odori performances: 1st 12:30–, 2nd 15:00–, 3rd 18:00–
- Awa Odori workshop: 15:00–18:00
- Performers: 新のんき連 (Tokushima), 楠公連 (Kobe)
- Program: Awa Odori performances, workshop, food stalls (8 shops), kids’ corner, prize drawing and more
- Admission: Free
- Access: Directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station (Sanyo Shinkansen / Kobe Municipal Subway)
- Special stay plan reservations: 078-291-1273, or via the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe website (Japanese): https://www.anacrowneplaza-kobe.jp/plan/156956/
