Nunobiki Herb Gardens are large botanical gardens on a hillside above Kobe, reached by gondola from the city centre.

It's one of the most pleasant places in Kobe for a quiet walk, views and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and often surprises with how quickly it can be reached from Sannomiya Central Station or, better still, Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station.

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Is Nunobiki Herb Gardens worth a visit?

The short answer: yes, if you like views, nature and quieter places; however, it's not an ideal choice for a very short visit to the city.

✅ Yes, if:

• you want a combination of cable cars, views and walks
• you are looking for a quieter place outside the centre
• you have at least half a day in Kobe

❌ More likely no, if:

• you only have a few hours in Kobe and want to see the iconic Kobe Port Tower
• you're not too keen on botanical gardens and walks

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What to expect - diverse gardens and a greenhouse

Nunobiki Herb Gardens are not just one garden, but a large area divided into several themed sections.

A cable car takes you to the top and from there you gradually descend down through the herb gardens, the 4 seasons garden, viewpoints and resting spots as well as a large greenhouse with a cafe and restaurant.

During your visit here you will see:

• the flower and herb gardens
• several viewpoints of Kobe and the harbour
• a café and terraces with seating
• a greenhouse and a small exhibition of historic rural dwellings.

This is not a quick attraction, but rather a place to slowly stroll and relax.

Best time to visit and how much time to reserve?

The gardens are beautiful all year round, but spring and autumn tend to be the most enjoyable. In summer it can be hot and humid, while in winter there are fewer flowers, but the views tend to be very good.

The best light for photographs is in the morning or late afternoon.

• 1-1.5 hours: cable car and shorter walk
• 2-3 hours: quieter pace and sitting

Entrance fees, opening times and tickets

Entrance to the gardens is included in the cable car ticket, which is purchased as a return or one-way ticket depending on whether you want to walk part of the way down.

However, there is no entrance fee if you walk up and down.

Tickets are purchased at the gondola station:

• 1 400 jpy - one-way ticket + entrance to the gardens
• 2 000 jpy - return ticket + entrance to the gardens

Open every day. Times vary according to the season , but the first cable car ride is always at 9:30 and the gardens open at 10:00.

Detailed and up-to-date information on the official website: kobeherb.com/en/hours-of-operation-and-fares.

How to get there

The Shin-Kobe Ropeway entrance is about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen and subway).

The cable car is part of the experience, and most visitors take the cable car up and walk down through the gardens.

Mobile data is very handy in Japan for making connections and navigating - it's handy to get an eSIM for Japan that works as soon as you land.

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