This year, the Kobe Luminarie will be held from December 3rd to 14th, 2009. The area will be open from 6pm to 9:30pm from Monday thru Thursday each week, on Fridays from 6pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 5:30pm to 10pm and on Sunday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
If you wish to experience the Kobe Luminarie, it is best to take the train. Traveling there by car will take much more time out of your day because of heavy traffic. Also, if you visit the area earlier in the month, you will experience less foot traffic, as the event goes on more and more people gather to enjoy it. But if you like crowds, then later in the month is for you.
To get to the Luminarie take the Hanshin Railway line to any of the stations between Motomachi and Sannomiya stations.
NOTE: Illumination area times may change due to weather changes.