A day discovering Nagata’s shoemaking and looking for the perfect pair
Kutsukko Festival
The 2026 edition of Kutsukko Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/06/07Ended
- Season / frequency
- Twice a year
- Location
- Shinnagata Tetsujin Hiroba (within Wakamatsu Park)
- Area
- Hyogo Prefecture・Kobe City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 40 min–3 h 10 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Admission is free.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A special sales event bringing together shoe manufacturers from Kobe and Nagata, with an assortment distinctive to a town known for its shoes.
About Kutsukko Festival
The Kutsukko Festival is an event held in Nagata Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, to introduce people to “Nagata, the town of shoes” through footwear.
Organized by the Japan Chemical Shoes Industry Association, it is a special sales event where shoe manufacturers and consumers can interact.
It is an opportunity to enjoy shopping while learning about Nagata’s shoemaking, with women’s, men’s, and children’s shoes on offer.
Source: くつっ子まつり - Wikipedia / 6/7(日) 第59回くつっ子まつり in 鉄人広場 9～16時 - 新長田まちづくり株式会社
Festival highlights
A highlight is that shoe manufacturers from Nagata gather to offer shoes in a special sales format that differs from usual retail.
Women’s, men’s, and children’s shoes, sneakers, and more are available, making it easy for families to find shoes for everyone.
At the 59th festival in 2026, 24 companies exhibited, and discount vouchers that could be used toward shoe purchases were also available at the venue.
Source: 第59回 くつっ子まつり – FrantzVoice / 靴が激安に！鉄人広場で「第59回くつっ子まつり」が6月7日開催！ | 明石じゃーなる | 明石市の地域情報サイト
A day discovering Nagata’s shoemaking and looking for the perfect pair
What to expect
At the venue, visitors compare products from shoe manufacturers, try on shoes they like, and enjoy shopping.
In 2026, the event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 12 p.m., 600 ¥500 discount vouchers were distributed at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis.
The discount vouchers could only be used toward shoe purchases, and no change was given.
How to take part
This event is open to the general public and offers a chance to enjoy shopping, with the aim of fostering interaction with consumers.
In 2026, admission was announced as free, and visitors who want to buy shoes can choose products at the venue.
No information is provided about how to participate as a vendor or about individual vendor requirements.
Location and access
- Venue
Shinnagata Tetsujin Hiroba (within Wakamatsu Park)
Event venue 兵庫県神戸市 新長田鉄人広場
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 59th Kutsukko Festival in 2026 was held on June 7 (Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some notices state that the event will go ahead in rain but be canceled in severe weather.
October 2, 2026The event date has now passed.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hyogo Prefecture / Kobe City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
If you want to use a discount voucher, you need to arrive in time for distribution starting at 12 p.m.
In 2026, 600 vouchers were available on a first-come, first-served basis. They could only be used to buy shoes, and no change was given.
The event is held in rainy weather, but guidance is provided for severe weather, so check the event status if conditions deteriorate significantly.
Nearby attractions
人と防災未来センター
兵庫県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
兵庫県立美術館
兵庫県神戸市「HAT神戸」にある美術館
布引ハーブ園
兵庫県の公園・庭園のスポットです。
生田神社
神戸市中央区にある神社
白鶴美術館
兵庫県神戸市東灘区にある美術館
写真：Original uploader was 663highland at ja.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
神戸どうぶつ王国
兵庫県の公園・庭園のスポットです。
神戸ポートタワー
神戸港にあるタワー
神戸市立博物館
神戸市中央区京町にある博物館
神戸市立小磯記念美術館
神戸市東灘区にある美術館
Origins and History of Kutsukko Festival
The Kutsukko Festival began in 1997 to promote “Nagata, the town of shoes.”
It was initially held in front of Shinnagata Station and later moved to Wakamatsu Park.
Against the backdrop of postwar shortages of goods, shoes made using vinyl sheets were devised in Nagata, which went on to develop as a production center for chemical shoes.
Official information
The organizer is the Japan Chemical Shoes Industry Association.
The event page of the Japan Chemical Shoes Industry Association is provided as the official information source.
For inquiries, contact the association at 078-641-2525.
Kutsukko Festival at a Glance
The Kutsukko Festival is an event where you can experience the shoemaking culture of Nagata Ward, Kobe, up close while choosing and buying products from manufacturers.
The 59th festival in 2026 was held at Shinnagata Tetsujin Hiroba, with 24 companies exhibiting.
One of the highlights is the chance to compare a wide range of products, from women’s shoes to children’s shoes, at a venue just a short walk from the station.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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