Kobe Christmas Market 2025 - Christmas at the Old Castle -

Why You Should Visit

The old castle plaza and the vast herb garden at 400m elevation transform into a full Christmas world. Enjoy authentic German glühwein, craft markets, illuminations, a giant Christmas tower, and the iconic forest Christmas tree.

Essentials

location: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / Ropeway (1-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
period: November 8, 2025 (Sat) - December 25, 2025 (Thu)
Time: 09:30-17:15 / 09:30-21:00
cost: Seasonal admission: Adults 2,800 yen, Children 1,400 yen (ropeway + garden entry).
access: About a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station to the ropeway.
NOTE: Last ropeway: 16:45 (normal), 20:15 at night (downhill last 21:00). Night operations on Fri/Sat/Sun/Holidays and daily from Dec 15–25. Market opens at 10:30, glühwein served from 11:00. Ropeway operates every ~30 seconds. Accessible parking and drop-off area unavailable after 14:00 on weekends/holidays. During night operations, hiking gates (north/south) close after 17:30.

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Please check official site for hours, fees, etc.

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About the Venue

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

GALLERY

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WHY VISIT

Japan's largest herb garden opened in 1991. Located at 400m elevation, just 10 minutes by ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station, offering a healing space away from urban bustle with excellent accessibility. 12 themed gardens feature about 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally: roses and lavender in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos and kochia in autumn, Christmas illuminations in winter. Observatory plaza offers 360-degree panoramic views from Kobe Port to Osaka Bay, with fantastic night views combining million-dollar cityscape and illuminations. Restaurant 'The Herb Dining' serves dishes with morning-picked herbs, while Cafe 'The Veranda at Kobe' offers herb tea with spectacular views.

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Japan's Largest - 12 Themed Gardens

About 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally. 12 gardens including Rose Symphony Garden, Lavender Garden, and Wind Hill

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Scenic Ropeway

10 min ride from Bottom Station (5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Stn) to mountaintop. Panoramic city and sea views from gondola

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Night View & Illuminations

Night operations on weekends/holidays, summer, and Christmas. Million-dollar Kobe night view with Forest of Illuminations

PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE

BEST SHOTS

— Kobe cityscape panorama from Observatory Plaza
— Rose Symphony Garden roses (mid-May-June, Oct-Nov)
— Purple lavender carpet at Lavender Garden (late May-early July)
— Herbs and ropeway collaboration at Wind Hill lawn
— Greenhouse and herbs at Glass House Area
— Fantastic night views and illuminations (weekends/holidays, summer, Christmas)
— Forest Cathedral light illuminations

BEST TIMING

— Spring (mid-May-June): Best season for roses and lavender
— Autumn (Sep-Nov): Beautiful cosmos, kochia, autumn leaves
— Summer (Jul-Aug): Night operations for cool visits with night views
— Winter (late Nov-Dec): Christmas illuminations and night views
— Ropeway runs every 30 seconds with minimal wait time

Photography allowed. Tripods permitted (some restrictions). Shooting Kobe cityscape from ropeway gondola recommended.

ESSENTIALS

Opening Hours: [Spring/Autumn] Weekdays 9:30-16:45 (last down 17:15), Weekends/Holidays 9:30-20:15 (last down 20:45) [Summer] Jul20-Aug31 daily 9:30-20:15 [Winter] Special hours early Dec-Christmas
cost: Ropeway round-trip + Garden admission: Adults ¥2,000, Elementary/Junior high ¥1,000. After 17:00 night rate: Adults ¥1,500, Children ¥700
Best Time: Best in spring (May-June) for roses and lavender. Autumn (Sep-Nov) cosmos and autumn leaves also beautiful. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Night operations on weekends/holidays, summer, and Christmas for night views.
Suggested Duration: About 1h 45m
Access: 5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen/Subway) to Ropeway Bottom Station. 10 min ropeway ride to Herb Garden Top Station. Runs every 30 seconds, no timetable needed.
Accessibility: Ropeway and elevators available. Wheelchair and stroller accessible (some steep slopes). Nursing room and diaper changing facilities available.

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