Tunnel of Lights: Kobe Luminarie

With Christmas coming in less than two weeks, I just had to post something with Christmas lights! :) The Kobe Luminarie started in December of 1995 to commemorate those who died in the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which devastated a large area of Kobe. The lights gave hope to the citizens of Kobe and became immensely popular, becoming a tourist location during the month of December (it is held during the first two weeks of December).  It has since been held every year and draws over a million locals and tourists alike to the intricately designed lights which were donated by the Italian government. The design changes every year and I was not going to miss this year's one! Last year's one can be seen here.

Crowds along the street waiting for the Luminarie to begin.

Even from far away, the lights were still very impressive.

And it only got better as we got closer :)

Once you pass the entrance, you enter a tunnel of lights that extends almost a hundred yards. 

Once you exit, you're greeted by another design as well as smaller ones throughout the park.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week :) Stay warm!