Benny's Japan Travel Guide Vol.22 | Autumn Leaves in Shinhotaka, Kobe Moomin Red Box and Winter Lighting | 2026.10.26

Hello everyone, I'm Benny! In Vol. 22 of "Japan Early Bird" on October 26, 2026, I want to start by talking about the autumn colors at different heights on Mt. Shinhotaka, then go to Kyoto to see the jewelry exhibition, and find the Moomin limited red box and glowing butterfly swing in Kobe. However, this issue not only recommends attractions but also includes important updates on Kyoto's museum closure and the cancellation of the Kokura Castle Bamboo Light Festival. I've clearly separated the dates, prices, and restrictions for you. Save this, and remember to check official information again before heading out.

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Information date for this issue: October 26, 2026.The following is compiled based on the official information provided in this issue. All times are in Japan Standard Time, and all prices are in Japanese yen. Foliage conditions have independent observation dates and do not represent the real-time status on the day the article is published; please refer to the latest official announcements for weather, operations, ticket types, and gift availability.

1. Mt. Shinhotaka Ropeway Autumn Colors: You Don't Have to Rush to the Summit to See the Fall Foliage

When it comes to viewing autumn colors on the mountain, many people's first reaction is to "go to the highest point." But looking at this issue's Mt. Shinhotaka Ropeway information, I really want to remind everyone: the progress of autumn colors varies at different altitudes, and the summit may not be the best place to see the fall foliage at that moment.

The official foliage report for October 23, 2026 shows that the areas around Birch Flat at an altitude of 1,308 meters and Tower No. 2 at an altitude of 1,809 meters have reached "best viewing" conditions, meaning they are suitable for viewing; leaves have begun to fall around the Nishihotaka Pass at an altitude of 2,156 meters. The area around the Shinhotaka Onsen Station at an altitude of 1,117 meters was marked at that time as about to enter the viewing period.

• Round-trip tickets for Ropeway 1 and 2: ¥3,800 for adults, ¥1,900 for elementary school students.
• Highlights: The changes in autumn colors at different heights along the way, not just at the highest station.
• Nature of the image: Official foliage information graphic, not a real-time photo taken on October 26.

Benny's Tip: I will first check the latest autumn foliage information, then check the day's operations and weather before deciding on the itinerary highlights. The ropeway may be affected by weather or maintenance, so do not assume that the "best viewing" status of October 23 will be the same every day afterward.

Official links: Mt. Shinhotaka Ropeway Latest Announcements and Operating Status | Ticket Prices and Operating Arrangements | Transportation and Parking Information

2. Kyoto Jewelry Exhibition: Wear Jewelry to Apply for a ¥100 Discount, Closed on October 26

The Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art exhibition "Reflections in Jewellery: Memory and Identity" will be held from October 24, 2026 to January 17, 2027, displaying approximately 350 pieces. I will leave this stop for friends who love design, craftsmanship, and want to see another form of artistic expression in everyday accessories.

The interesting admission discount is: wear your own jewelry, go to the ticket counter, and proactively apply for a ¥100 discount. It is not automatically deducted just by wearing it; remember to ask for it when buying tickets.

• Adult general ticket: ¥2,000.
• Jewelry discount: Apply for a ¥100 discount at the ticket counter according to the conditions.
• Friday evening ticket: ¥1,800 for adults after 18:00, discounts cannot be combined.
• Opening hours: 10:00–18:00; Fridays until 20:00, entry stops 30 minutes before closing.
• Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station Exit 1.

Most importantly, it is closed on Monday, October 26, 2026, so do not go directly on the day the article is published! It is generally closed on Mondays, but open on November 23 and January 11, 2027; it is also closed on November 24, December 29 to January 3, and January 12, so plan your itinerary carefully.

Benny's Tip: If you plan to go on Friday evening, I will compare the evening ticket and jewelry discount, do not assume both can be used at the same time. The exhibition period spans the New Year holidays, which also does not mean it will be open every day during the holidays.

Official links: Exhibition, Ticket Prices, and Discount Details | Museum Transportation | Official Online Ticketing

3. Kobe Port Tower Moomin Limited Red Box: Available from October 31, Photo Spot Opens November 1

If you love Moomin and are planning to go to Kobe Port Tower, I will remind you to check the ticket type and date carefully. The overall collaboration event period is October 10 to November 30, 2026; from October 31, you can receive a limited Moomin collaboration red box by entering with a designated collaboration ticket, limited quantities, available while supplies last, and not included with all admission tickets.

• Designated collaboration ticket: ¥1,500 for adults, ¥800 for elementary and junior high school students.
• Includes: Observation deck, rooftop deck, and collaboration perks according to the arrangements.
• Red box gift: Available from October 31, while supplies last.
• New photo spot: November 1 to November 30, not debuting simultaneously with October 31.
• Electronic ticket: Must enter during the designated time slot, non-refundable.

General tickets do not include this collaboration perk; additionally, the towel and red box products sold separately from November 11 are different arrangements from the admission gifts, so do not confuse them.

Benny's Tip: If you want to see the new photo spot and get the red box at the same time, I will consider an itinerary on or after November 1, but still need to check the collaboration ticket arrangements and gift status first, cannot guarantee there will definitely be any left.

Official links: Felissimo Latest Collaboration Arrangements | Kobe Port Tower Events and Ticket Prices | Designated Collaboration Ticket Reservation

4. Kobe Illuminage Winter Illumination: 4-Meter Glowing Butterfly Swing, Location is Not in the Port Area

If you want to see winter illuminations, Kobe Illuminage opened on October 23, 2026, until February 14, 2027. One of this year's new highlights is the about 4-meter high glowing butterfly swing, with colorful wings in the image paired with the night view, creating a very fairy-tale feel.

But I will first talk about transportation: the venue is Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozawa, not in the Kobe City Port Area. Even though Kobe Port Tower is also in the same article, it does not mean the two attractions can be visited in a convenient walking order.

• Event period: October 23, 2026 to February 14, 2027.
• General ticket: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for children.
• Opening time: 17:00–22:00.
• Illumination time: 17:30–21:30.
• Last admission and ticketing: 21:15.
• December 31: Countdown event requires a separate ticket, do not assume the general ticket applies.

Benny's Tip: Re-entry is not allowed on site, and no luggage storage is provided. I will first arrange large luggage and return transportation, then enter to take photos slowly; especially when leaving at night, do not only check the outbound route and miss how to get back to the hotel.

Official links: Kobe Illuminage Event Page | Admission and Venue Frequently Asked Questions | Organizer Opening Announcement

5. Kokura Castle Bamboo Light Festival: October 26, 27 Cancelled, Vaundy Lantern Does Not Mean the Whole Venue is Open

Finally, I want to get straight to the point for this one: The Kokura Castle Bamboo Light Festival was originally scheduled to be held from October 23 to November 3, 2026, but the main events from October 23 to 27 have been cancelled, including the 26th on the day of this issue's publication and the 27th the next day, do not follow the old schedule to head out.

The Vaundy special bamboo lantern in front of the castle can still be viewed freely, scheduled to turn off at 21:00 on October 26 and 27; however, this supplementary arrangement does not mean the entire Bamboo Light Festival is open as usual. The image is an official illustration, not a real-time photo taken on site.

• Main event cancellation dates: October 23 to 27, 2026.
• Vaundy special bamboo lantern: Installation period is October 23 to November 3, specific viewing arrangements are subject to announcements.
• October 26, 27: Special bamboo lantern scheduled to turn off at 21:00.
• After October 28: Still need to check the official latest announcements again, cannot be viewed as guaranteed to reopen.

Benny's Tip: I will separate "the single lantern in front of the castle can be viewed" and "the paid main event is held normally". Friends who have tickets or have already planned their itinerary, please first check the official cancellation and ticketing arrangements, do not rely solely on a beautiful promotional image to judge the real-time status on site.

Official links: Kokura Castle Bamboo Light Festival Latest Announcements | Vaundy Special Lantern Arrangements | Kitakyushu City Event Updates

Quick Q&A Before Heading Out: Autumn Colors, Tickets, and Cancellation Arrangements

Do you have to go to the highest station to see the best autumn colors at Mt. Shinhotaka?

Not necessarily. The official foliage report for October 23 shows that the areas around Birch Flat and Tower No. 2 have reached the viewing period, while the higher Nishihotaka Pass area has begun to fall leaves. This is dated observation data, you should check the latest foliage and operations before heading out.

Wear jewelry to the Kyoto Jewelry Exhibition, is it automatically discounted by ¥100?

No, you need to wear your own jewelry and proactively apply at the ticket counter, and it cannot be combined with other discounts. Closed on October 26, 2026; please check the museum calendar for other dates.

Kobe Port Tower Moomin Red Box, do general tickets also include it?

No. From October 31, you need to enter according to the arrangements with a designated collaboration ticket, gift quantities are limited, available while supplies last. The new photo spot starts on November 1.

Is Kobe Illuminage near Kobe Port Tower?

The venue is located at Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozawa, not in the city center Port Area, and should not be considered a night viewing spot within walking distance of the Port Tower. Please check the venue transportation and return route before planning.

There are Vaundy lanterns at Kokura Castle on October 26, 27, does that mean the Bamboo Light Festival is open as usual?

No. The main events from October 23 to 27 are cancelled, the Vaundy special bamboo lantern is an independent supplementary arrangement. After the 28th, you also need to check the official latest announcements again.

Benny's Itinerary Summary: Check the height, ticket type, and cancellation announcements carefully

For the five pieces of news this issue, I think the most worth saving is not just the attraction names, but several easily overlooked differences: for autumn colors, check the altitude; for the jewelry exhibition, check the closure; for Moomin, choose the right collaboration ticket; for winter illuminations, arrange transportation first; and for Kokura, read the cancellation announcement first.

Gifu, Kyoto, Kobe, and Kitakyushu are not on the same simple route, I will choose one or two items based on the original destination, rather than forcing myself to rush around to catch all the news. Save this Vol. 22, and send it to friends traveling together to coordinate the dates. I'm Benny, see you next issue to see more interesting new news from Japan!

This article is compiled based on the posts and official source list provided in this issue. Information graphics, works, and character attributions are according to each image shown; Shinhotaka is a dated foliage information graphic, Kokura is an official illustration, neither is a real-time photo taken on the day of this article's publication. Events, ticket prices, operations, and gift arrangements are subject to the latest announcements from each organizer.