Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Garden

Prefecture

Hyogo

Type

Garden

N/A

1 review

¥1,800

Entry Fee

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Hilltop herb and flower garden reached by a scenic ropeway ride from Shin-Kobe Station, offering panoramic views of Kobe city and harbor.

The Nunobiki Herb Gardens spread across the slopes of Mount Rokko, accessible via a scenic ten-minute ropeway ride that departs directly from Shin-Kobe Station. As the gondola climbs, the city falls away below, revealing panoramic views that on clear days extend across Osaka Bay to Kansai Airport. At the summit, approximately 200 varieties of herbs and flowers are cultivated across themed gardens dedicated to lavender, roses, and culinary spices. A German-style building houses workshops where visitors can blend their own perfumes or take herb cooking classes. After dark during select seasons, illuminations transform the gardens into a glittering nightscape above the city lights. The return journey offers an opportunity to stop at the midway station and hike to Nunobiki Waterfalls, one of Japan's most celebrated waterfall sites, making it possible to combine botanical gardens and forest trails in a single afternoon.

Location

Prefecture: Hyogo

Address: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Nearest Station: Shin-Kobe Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: The garden has a hilltop cafe serving herb-infused drinks, light meals, and seasonal sweets. A terrace restaurant offers lunch with garden views.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens?

From JR Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station, walk 5 minutes to the Shin-Kobe Ropeway base station, then take the 10-minute scenic gondola ride directly to the gardens at the summit. The ropeway entry fee includes garden admission. From Sannomiya, take the Kobe City Subway one stop to Shin-Kobe (240 yen) — total time door to door is about 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Nunobiki Herb Gardens?

Mid-May to mid-July for roses and lavender at peak bloom is the most spectacular. Late September through October brings cosmos and autumn herbs. Evening illuminations operate on selected dates from spring through autumn — buy a Twilight Set ticket at the ropeway base for sunset gondola rides. Winter is quieter and clear days give the longest views over Kobe and Osaka Bay.

What's included in the Nunobiki ticket?

Adult round-trip ropeway plus garden entry is 1,800 yen (children 900 yen). One-way ropeway with hiking down via Nunobiki Waterfalls is 1,400 yen — popular with active visitors. The ticket also covers the workshop building and viewpoints. Workshops (perfume blending, herbal cooking) cost extra and require advance booking. Cash and major credit cards accepted.

Can I combine Nunobiki Herb Gardens with the Nunobiki Waterfalls?

Yes — many visitors take the ropeway up, enjoy the gardens, and then walk down via the Nunobiki Waterfalls trail (about 60 minutes downhill, mostly stone steps and forested paths). Get the one-way ropeway ticket if you plan this. The waterfalls are listed among Japan's most celebrated, and the trail brings you back to Shin-Kobe Station, completing a satisfying half-day loop.