[November 2025] Autumn Leaf Viewing at Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden | Free Shuttle Bus & Lunch Info

November 12, 2025: Autumn Leaf Viewing at Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden

On a weekday afternoon in mid-November, I took the Kobe Electric Railway to visit Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden. The autumn foliage was at its absolute peak. While some green trees remained, the beautiful gradient created by red and yellow leaves was truly stunning.

Walking slowly while searching for autumn colors, the dappled sunlight and crisp air felt refreshing, offering a soul-cleansing experience.

Pre-Visit Stop: Seasonal Lunch at “Saiba iRoHA”

Before heading to the Forest Botanical Garden, I had lunch at “Saiba iRoHA” around 1:00 PM.

Restaurant Features

• Located just past the bus stop from Kita-Suzurandai Station
• Perfect location for a pre-visit stop before the Forest Botanical Garden
• Cozy, intimate interior
• Large windows providing an open, airy atmosphere

What I Ordered

• Daily set meal: 1,600 yen

The gentle flavors using seasonal ingredients were absolutely delicious. I highly recommend stopping by before visiting the Forest Botanical Garden. The ginkgo trees outside the restaurant were bright yellow, and just walking along the roadside, you could feel the autumn atmosphere 🍂

After spending about an hour there leisurely, I headed to the Forest Botanical Garden.

Access: Convenient Free Shuttle Bus from Kita-Suzurandai Station

A free shuttle bus operates from Kita-Suzurandai Station on the Kobe Electric Railway to the Forest Botanical Garden.

Free Shuttle Bus Details

• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
• Capacity: 55 people
• Boarding location: Bus stop immediately from Kita-Suzurandai Station
• Fee: Free

Timetable (November 3 - December 7, 2025)

🌙 = Weekends and holidays only (illumination period)

Illumination Period

• Period: November 3 (Mon/Holiday) - December 7 (Sun), 2025
• Days: Weekends and holidays only

Opening Hours

• Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Weekends/holidays during illumination period: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM

I used the bus on a weekday and it was quite empty, allowing for a comfortable ride. I recommend checking the detailed timetable on the official website before your visit.

Admission Fee and Value Annual Pass

Regular Admission

• Adults (15 years and older, excluding junior high students): 300 yen
• Children (elementary and junior high students): 150 yen

Annual Pass “Shiki Tricolore Card”

• Adults: 900 yen
• Children: 450 yen
• Validity: Until the day before one year from purchase date

Valid at 3 Parks!

The annual pass works not only at the Forest Botanical Garden but is valid at all three parks: Suma Rikyu Park and Sorakuen Garden. Since regular admission to the Forest Botanical Garden is 300 yen, the pass pays for itself after just 3 visits.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy seasonal plants year-round.

Check out our Suma Rikyu Park autumn leaves report here

Highlights: Nagatani Pond’s Spectacular Views and Trees from Around the World

The main attraction of the Forest Botanical Garden is Nagatani Pond. The scenery created by the autumn leaves reflecting on the water surface and the surrounding red and yellow trees is breathtaking.

Garden Features

• Trees from various countries and regions
• Not just autumn leaves, but diverse plants to enjoy
• Spacious grounds perfect for a full walking tour
• Experience like traveling through the world’s forests

Regarding the autumn foliage condition:

• Many trees turned red and yellow
• Green leaves still remaining, creating beautiful gradients
• Absolutely at peak viewing season

I entered around 2:00 PM, leisurely explored the grounds, and returned on the 4:20 PM bus. Since the last bus was at 4:50 PM, I left a bit early, but 2 hours and 20 minutes was more than enough to enjoy the experience.

Visiting Tips

Pay Attention to Bus Times

• Check the last bus time in advance
• Plan with extra time
• I left on the 4:20 PM bus (last bus at 4:50 PM)
• For those wanting to take their time, morning visits are recommended

Weekdays Are Less Crowded

• Fewer people, peaceful autumn leaf viewing
• No crowds on the free shuttle bus
• Take photos at your leisure

What to Wear

• Comfortable walking shoes essential for the spacious grounds
• Bring a jacket as mid-November can be chilly
• A hat is useful when walking through dappled sunlight

Recommended Itinerary

Based on my visit, here’s a recommended course:

This is a relaxing afternoon course. For those wanting more exploration time, morning visits are recommended. During the illumination period on weekends and holidays, you can also enjoy evening hours.

Summary: Mid-November is Peak Autumn Foliage Season

In mid-November, Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden was at absolute peak autumn foliage season. The spectacular views centered around Nagatani Pond and the diverse scenery created by trees from around the world are truly captivating.

Combined with easy access via the free shuttle bus from Kita-Suzurandai Station and delicious lunch at “Saiba iRoHA,” you can enjoy a fulfilling autumn day.

The annual pass at 900 yen valid for 3 parks is a great value, so I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to enjoy Kobe’s four seasons.

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Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden Basic Information

• Address: 1-2 Nagatani, Kamitatanigami, Yamada-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a holiday)
• Admission: Adults 300 yen, Children 150 yen
• Access: Approximately 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Kita-Suzurandai Station (Kobe Electric Railway)
• Official Website: Kobe Parks & Green Spaces Association

Free Shuttle Bus Information

• Route: Kita-Suzurandai Station ⇔ Forest Botanical Garden
• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
• Capacity: 55 people
• Operating Hours:
  • Regular period: 9:05 AM - 4:50 PM (30-45 minute intervals)
  • Illumination period (November 3 - December 7, 2025) weekends/holidays: Extended operation until 7:35 PM
• Timetable: Check official website

Saiba iRoHA

• Address: Suzurandai-Kita-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe (A few minutes walk from Kita-Suzurandai Station toward the bus stop)
• Business Hours: Please confirm (irregular holidays)
• Instagram: @iroha.gohan.331
• Access: A few minutes walk from Kita-Suzurandai Station (Kobe Electric Railway)