Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Soar above Kobe to Japan's largest hillside herb gardens with spectacular city views
The Nunobiki Herb Gardens opened in 1991, built on the slopes of Mount Rokko overlooking Kobe city and harbor. The site was developed to showcase herbs and aromatic plants in a European-style hillside garden setting, capitalizing on the mountain's cool climate and scenic views. The accompanying ropeway, which transports visitors from downtown Kobe to the 400-meter elevation gardens, provides one of Japan's most accessible mountain garden experiences. The gardens were designed to educate visitors about herbs while providing a peaceful retreat from urban Kobe.
The 16-hectare gardens are divided into 12 themed areas showcasing approximately 200 varieties of herbs and flowers from around the world. These include the Rose Symphony Garden, Lavender Garden, Oriental Garden, Four Seasons Garden, and medicinal herb collections. The garden's European aesthetic, with structures reminiscent of German and English garden architecture, reflects Kobe's historical international connections as one of Japan's first open ports in the Meiji period. The facility includes restaurants, shops, and an herb museum explaining the historical and practical uses of herbs.
Today, the Nunobiki Herb Gardens attract over 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of Kansai's premier garden attractions. The gardens offer year-round interest with different herbs and flowers blooming each season, though spring through autumn provides the most impressive displays. The panoramic views of Kobe city, harbor, and Osaka Bay from the gardens and ropeway have made it a popular destination for both garden enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking mountain scenery. The facility successfully combines horticultural education, recreational hiking, and spectacular urban views.
Key Highlights
- Japan's largest herb garden with 16 hectares and 200 herb varieties
- 10-minute scenic ropeway ride from downtown Kobe to 400m elevation
- 12 themed garden areas including roses, lavender, and medicinal herbs
- Spectacular panoramic views of Kobe city, harbor, and Osaka Bay
- Seasonal highlights: spring tulips/roses, summer lavender, autumn foliage
- Restaurants serving herb-infused cuisine and herbal teas
- Easy access from Shin-Kobe Station (5-minute walk to ropeway)
- Evening illuminations and night ropeway rides in summer
Access Information
Location
1-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002
Nearest Stations
- • Shin-Kobe Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen, Kobe Subway) - 5-minute walk to ropeway base
- • Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Subway) - 20-minute walk or short bus to ropeway
Opening Hours
Ropeway & Gardens: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (summer 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM for evening illuminations, winter 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Closed in winter for maintenance (typically early January to mid-March - check dates). Restaurant hours align with garden hours.
Admission Fee
Ropeway round-trip + Garden admission: Adults ¥1,800, Children (elementary school) ¥900, Under elementary age ¥500. One-way ropeway ¥1,150 (for hikers). Evening illumination period may have different pricing (¥2,000-¥2,500).
How to Get There
From Shin-Kobe Station
Exit station, walk north 5 minutes to Herb Gardens Ropeway base station. Take ropeway to gardens (10-minute ride). Clear signs from Shinkansen platforms.
20 minutes total
From Osaka
Take JR to Shin-Kobe Station (30 minutes from Shin-Osaka, ¥570), walk 5 minutes to ropeway, then 10-minute ropeway ride
45 minutes
From Kyoto
Take JR or Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe (30-50 minutes), walk to ropeway (5 min), ride to gardens (10 min)
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (April-May): tulips, roses begin blooming. Summer (June-August): lavender peak, rose garden full bloom. Autumn (September-November): autumn roses, foliage colors. Winter closure (January-March) for maintenance. Each visit offers different flowers - check bloom calendar on official website.
Photography & Views
The ropeway ride itself offers spectacular ascending views of Kobe. Observation decks at the top provide panoramic cityscapes - best on clear days. Lavender fields in summer create purple landscapes. Rose gardens frame city views beautifully. Evening illuminations (summer only) transform gardens with lights.
Garden Walking
Gardens slope downhill - most visitors take ropeway up, walk down through gardens (45-60 minutes leisurely), then ropeway down. Alternatively, explore upper gardens and take ropeway both ways. Paths are well-maintained but involve stairs and slopes - wear comfortable shoes. Benches throughout for resting.
Dining Options
Restaurant at garden summit serves herb-infused pasta, curry, and desserts (¥1,200-¥2,000). Herbal teas and lavender soft cream popular. Outdoor terrace seating with city views in good weather. Small cafe midway through gardens. Bring snacks if particular about food - options limited but adequate.
Herb Products Shop
Large shop at summit sells herb-based products: essential oils, soaps, cosmetics, dried herbs, lavender sachets, herbal teas. Many items made from garden-grown herbs. Prices reasonable (¥500-¥3,000 for most items). Unique Kobe souvenirs. Credit cards accepted.
Best Times to Visit
Summer weekday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for lavender in bloom without crowds. Spring weekends busy with rose enthusiasts. Autumn less crowded with pleasant weather. Avoid rainy days - views obscured and outdoor walking less enjoyable. Allow 2-3 hours total including ropeway and garden exploration.
Hiking Options
Experienced hikers can walk mountain trails instead of taking ropeway (45-60 minute hike up, requires stamina). One-way ropeway tickets available for those hiking one direction. Trails connect to wider Mount Rokko hiking network. Most visitors prefer ropeway both ways - hiking optional for the energetic.
Combining Activities
Easy to combine with Kobe Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district (15-minute walk from ropeway base). Shin-Kobe Station has Shinkansen access - convenient for day trips from Osaka/Kyoto. Can precede or follow Kobe beef lunch in Sannomiya. Half-day activity combining gardens and Kitano district works well.
FAQ
How long does the ropeway ride take?
The ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station to the herb gardens takes approximately 10 minutes. The glass-enclosed gondolas provide panoramic views of Kobe city, harbor, and mountains. There's an intermediate station at Nunobiki Falls viewpoint. The scenic ride itself is a highlight, especially the dramatic ascent from the city.
How much time should I spend at the herb gardens?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours to explore the terraced gardens, visit the various themed areas, enjoy the viewpoints, and perhaps have a meal or tea. The gardens are spread over multiple levels on the mountainside. Leisurely visitors and those attending workshops may spend 3-4 hours.
When is the best season to visit?
Each season offers different flowers. Spring (April-June) features roses and colorful blooms. Summer brings lavender and herbs at peak. Autumn offers cooler temperatures and seasonal flowers. Winter has fewer blooms but Christmas illumination (late November-January) creates magical evening atmosphere. Summer can be hot for hillside walking.
Can I see Nunobiki Falls from the ropeway?
Yes, the intermediate ropeway station offers views of Nunobiki Falls. You can get off at this station, walk to viewpoints, and catch a later gondola to the herb gardens. The falls are especially impressive after rain. Some hiking trails from this station lead directly to the falls for closer viewing.
Are there restaurants or cafes in the gardens?
Yes, several dining options exist including a restaurant with city views, cafes, and an outdoor terrace. They serve herb-infused dishes, teas, and light meals. The restaurant offers set menus featuring herbs from the gardens. Prices are moderate. Reservations recommended for the main restaurant on weekends.
Is the garden accessible for people with mobility issues?
The gardens are on a hillside with slopes and stairs between terraced levels. While paved pathways exist, some areas require stair climbing. Wheelchairs can access some sections but not all. The ropeway itself is wheelchair accessible. Consider mobility limitations when planning. Upper garden areas are flatter.
Can I buy herb products as souvenirs?
Yes, extensive herb-related products are available including essential oils, soaps, teas, sachets, cosmetics, and dried herbs. The large shop near the entrance offers Kobe-exclusive items and herb garden original products. Prices range from small affordable items to premium products. Popular souvenirs include lavender items and herb teas.
What is the Christmas illumination like?
From late November through early January, the gardens host evening illumination with hundreds of thousands of LED lights. The city views combined with light displays create romantic atmosphere. It's one of Kansai's popular illumination events. Evening admission is separate. Weekends are very crowded, weekdays more manageable.
Can I hike down instead of taking the ropeway both ways?
Yes, hiking trails lead from the gardens back to Shin-Kobe Station, passing Nunobiki Falls. The descent takes 30-50 minutes depending on route and pace. Trails are well-maintained but include stairs and can be slippery when wet. Proper footwear recommended. Many visitors take the ropeway up and hike down.
Is it worth visiting if I'm not particularly interested in herbs?
Yes, the panoramic city and harbor views alone justify the visit. The beautifully landscaped gardens, ropeway experience, and relaxing mountain atmosphere appeal beyond herb enthusiasts. The location offers escape from urban Kobe. However, if you have limited time, prioritize based on your interests.
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