Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens is one of Japan's largest herb gardens, perched around 400 m up a hillside reached only by ropeway, a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Shinkansen station. About 200 species and 75,000 plants bloom across 12 themed gardens through the seasons, while the roughly 10-minute ropeway ride sweeps over the city and Osaka Bay. The ropeway is effectively the only way up to the garden.
Panoramic views of Kobe city and harbor from the 'View Plaza', modeled on Germany's Wartburg Castle
Twelve themed gardens that change with the seasons — spring tulips and roses, early-summer lavender (late May to early July), autumn cosmos
A glasshouse of tropical plants and herbs, enjoyable indoors regardless of weather
Views from the ropeway of Nunobiki Falls and the Gohonmatsu Dam (Nunobiki Reservoir), a nationally designated Important Cultural Property
The 'million-dollar' night view under evening illumination (nightly in summer; weekends in spring/autumn; and select periods such as year-end)
Good to know
SafetyThe ropeway can suspend operation without prior notice during strong winds or thunderstorms, and there is essentially no alternative way to reach the upper garden when it is closed.
RulesThere is no road access up to the garden and entry requires riding the ropeway, so you must buy the combined ropeway-plus-admission ticket to reach the summit.
RulesThere is no on-site parking for general vehicles; walking from Shin-Kobe Station is recommended over driving (use nearby paid lots if needed).
SeasonThe facility has scheduled maintenance closures — roughly 4 days in autumn (around September) and about 3 weeks in winter (around January–February); check the dates before visiting.
SeasonNight-view and evening operation run only in limited periods (daily in summer; weekends/holidays in spring and autumn; select year-end dates), so confirm operating days and the last descending gondola time in advance.
MannersAt around 400 m elevation the summit is noticeably cooler and windier than the city with changeable weather, so bring a light layer and comfortable walking shoes for the sloped garden paths.
Practical info
Getting there: about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station to the base station, then a roughly 10-minute ropeway ride. Fares were revised in April 2026 (adult round-trip around ¥2,500); hours, fares, and closure dates vary by season, so confirm the latest on the official site.
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