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