Benny's Japan Insider Vol. 14 | 2026 Kobe Christmas Drone Show, Nagoya Amulet DIY, Kochi Light Art Exhibition, and Pokémon Craft Exhibition
Hello everyone, I’m Benny! For this autumn and winter, I want to help you find some unique travel inspiration in Japan: hand-crafting a mint chocolate-themed amulet, spending Christmas by Kobe Port, or taking half a day to leisurely enjoy art and crafts. In this issue of "Benny's Japan Insights" Vol. 14, I have curated five updates from Nagoya, Kobe, Kochi, Niigata (Nagaoka), and Miyagi (Tagajo), including dates, ticket prices, reception times, and reservation requirements. Choosing the right place isn't enough; choosing the right dates ensures a relaxed trip.
Benny's Travel Essentials | Pack light for exhibitions, save battery for the night
Information compiled: October 18, 2026. Prices are in JPY, times are in Japan Standard Time. Activities, availability, and operating arrangements are subject to change; please double-check with official sources and product pages before departing, purchasing tickets, or placing orders.
2026 Japan Autumn/Winter Activity Overview: 5 Travel Inspirations
- Nagoya Amulet DIY: New "Mint Chocolate" version available from Oct 15. Crafting experience: ¥1,000, no reservation required.
- Kobe Christmas Night: Dec 19–25. Free admission to Meriken Park; fireworks only on the 19th and 25th.
- Kochi Immersive Exhibition: Oct 17 – Dec 6, AEON MALL Kochi 2F. Adult timed tickets: ¥1,100 (weekdays), ¥1,300 (weekends/holidays).
- Nagaoka Kimono Exhibition: New exhibits from Oct 14, runs until Nov 15. Adult same-day ticket: ¥1,800.
- Miyagi Pokémon Craft Exhibition: Runs until Dec 27; artist talk on Nov 14 requires separate online reservation.
1. Nagoya Mint Chocolate Amulet DIY: Exclusive to Ichihatasan Yakushiji Nagoya Branch
Ichihatasan Yakushiji official product visual; the item is an amulet, not edible chocolate.
For those who love crafts and are visiting Nagoya, I recommend checking out the Ichihatasan Yakushiji Nagoya Branch. From October 15, 2026, they are introducing a mint chocolate-themed amulet. The mint and chocolate colors give it a lovely retro dessert vibe. However, this is an amulet-making experience, not a cooking class—don't be misled by the theme!
The crafting experience is ¥1,000 and requires no reservation; the version including prayer and matcha is ¥2,000. Located about an 8-minute walk from Ike-shita Station, you can easily slot this into your Nagoya itinerary without feeling rushed.
Please note the reception time: the new announcement states until 16:30, while the general page says 16:00. Given the discrepancy, I suggest arriving early rather than cutting it close; if you want to include prayer, you must arrive before 15:30. Please verify the actual reception arrangements with the temple directly.
See the October 15 new item announcement | Official access and address for Nagoya Branch
2. Kobe Christmas Drone Show 2026: Free admission to Meriken Park, fireworks only on two nights
2026 official branding visual, not an actual event photo; show times yet to be announced.
If you're heading to Kansai in December, keep this Kobe Meriken Park Christmas event in mind. "Kobe Meriken Xmas 2026" takes place from December 19 to 25, 16:00–21:00. Admission is free, though food and drinks are extra. It’s perfect for a walk by the port to soak in the Christmas atmosphere.
Two drone shows per day are planned, but please don't assume they will proceed regardless of weather. Fireworks are strictly limited to December 19 and 25. If you want to catch both the fireworks and the drone show, focus on those two days, though specific times haven't been announced yet.
Shows may be canceled due to rain or high wind. I would keep the dates in mind but wait for the organizer to announce specific schedules rather than booking your dinner or transport based solely on the promotional poster.
Kobe Meriken Xmas 2026 Official Site | Official dates and firework announcement | Kobe City event info
3. Kochi Immersive Post-Impressionist Exhibition: Van Gogh lights mixed with Tosa Ekin and Monet’s Garden content
Official exhibition visual, ©Alamy Stock Photo/amanaimages; do not confuse this with an exhibition of original classic paintings.
If you're looking for indoor activities during a trip to Shikoku, consider the "Immersive Museum Kochi." Held from October 17 to December 6, 2026, at AEON MALL Kochi 2F, it features light-based projections of famous works by Van Gogh, combined with Tosa Ekin screen paintings and Monet’s Garden-inspired content. For me, the appeal lies in combining classic visuals with local Kochi elements rather than viewing original masterpieces.
Adult timed tickets are ¥1,100 (weekdays) and ¥1,300 (weekends/holidays); same-day tickets at the venue are ¥1,300 and ¥1,500 respectively. Same-day tickets are only sold if timed tickets haven't sold out, so they aren't guaranteed. If you only have one day in Kochi, secure your timed ticket first.
Open 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30); large luggage must be stored. This type of experience is great for indoor itineraries, but check for the latest ticketing and operational status.
Official ticket prices, times, and FAQ | Kochi Prefecture exhibition announcement
4. Niigata Nagaoka "Secrets of Kimono": Late-period update with ~60 new exhibits, until Nov 15
Exhibition branding visual; actual late-period items may differ.
For those interested in kimono, dyeing, and Japanese crafts, this Nagaoka exhibition is worth noting for its "late-period" update. The Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art's "Secrets of Kimono" (きもののヒミツ) will rotate about 60 items starting October 14, including all Living National Treasure kimono works, and runs until November 15, 2026. Even if you've seen the early exhibits, check what's changing before deciding on a return visit.
Focus on the "exhibit rotation" rather than just the opening date; if you are visiting for a specific work, the content may have changed. The image here is the main exhibition visual, not a list of the late-period works.
Adult same-day tickets are ¥1,800. Open 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Remaining closure dates for October/November are Oct 19, 26 and Nov 2, 9. I suggest arriving early to enjoy the details of the patterns and craftsmanship.
Official October 14 update announcement | Exhibition details and fees
5. Miyagi Pokémon Craft Exhibition: Takuro Kuwata x Reiko Sudo artist talk, reservation required
Exhibition overview; artist talk availability unverified.
Pokémon and craft fans, make a note of this in Tagajo, Miyagi. The Tohoku History Museum’s "Pokémon Craft Exhibition" runs from October 10 to December 27, 2026. Adult tickets are ¥1,600. It’s a fun way to engage with traditional crafts through familiar characters.
There will be a Takuro Kuwata x Reiko Sudo talk on November 14 at 13:30, limited to 280 people. It's free with an exhibition ticket or ticket stub, but you MUST reserve online separately. Having an exhibition ticket does not automatically grant you a seat for the talk. Check the reservation page first before booking travel.
The museum is next to JR Kokufu-Tagajo Station; closed on Mondays. Since the exhibition and the talk are separate, ensure you understand the requirements for both so you don't mistake "having a ticket" for "registered for the talk."
Artist talk reservation announcement | 2026 Exhibition and events | Official museum access guide
Japan Insights Vol. 14 FAQ
Do I need to reserve the Nagoya mint chocolate amulet DIY?
No, the crafting experience costs ¥1,000 and requires no reservation. Reception is until 16:30 (though check with the temple as some pages say 16:00). For the ¥2,000 package with prayer, you must arrive before 15:30.
Are there fireworks every day at the Kobe Christmas event?
No. Fireworks are only on December 19 and 25. Drone shows are planned daily, but times are unannounced and weather-dependent.
Are same-day tickets guaranteed for the Kochi Immersive Exhibition?
No. Same-day tickets are only sold if timed tickets haven't sold out.
Does the late-period Nagaoka Kimono Exhibition differ from the early-period?
Yes. Approximately 60 items will be swapped on October 14. Always check the museum's announcement for specific works you wish to see.
Can I use my exhibition ticket to enter the Pokémon artist talk?
No. You must register separately online, even with an exhibition ticket or stub. Space is limited to 280 people.
Benny's final tip: Choose according to your route, don't rush
With these five events spread across different regions, I suggest choosing based on your existing travel plans: add a craft session in Nagoya, spend a night in Kobe for Christmas, book an indoor experience in Shikoku, check the exhibit rotation in Niigata, or confirm the talk reservation in Miyagi. You'll have a more memorable time if you choose one or two things you're truly interested in rather than rushing to do everything.
Save this issue of "Japan Insights" and cross-check with official announcements before you leave. For more Japan travel and lifestyle news, follow my Instagram: @benny.lee.jp. See you in the next issue!
