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Visited Suma Rikyu Park to See Autumn Foliage on November 6, 2025
I visited Suma Rikyu Park around 4:00 PM on a weekday evening. Being early November, the autumn foliage was just beginning to change color. Though still a bit early for peak viewing, the gradation of trees turning yellow and orange mixed with remaining green leaves was beautiful.
Being a weekday evening, the park was quiet. I was able to enjoy the autumn foliage at a leisurely pace.
”the sun coffee and bake” - Worth Stopping by Before Your Stroll
Before heading to Suma Rikyu Park, I stopped by “the sun coffee and bake” near Suma Kaihin Koen Station around 3:00 PM.
Shop Features
- Small cafe with about 4 seats
- Walking distance from Suma Kaihin Koen Station
- Hidden gem atmosphere loved by locals
During my visit, there were 2 groups of customers inside, and another group came in later - proof of its popularity. Despite being a small shop, you can spend a relaxing time in a calm atmosphere.
What I Ordered
- Hot Cafe Latte
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
The coffee taste was excellent, of course, but what impressed me most was the leisurely atmosphere that you can’t experience in busy areas like Sannomiya. I recommend calming your mind here before heading to the park.
Access: JR Suma Kaihin Koen Station is the Best Deal
I headed from Kobe Station to Suma Kaihin Koen Station.
Access Points
- About 10 minutes walk from JR Kobe Line “Suma Kaihin Koen Station”
- You can also go from Sanyo Electric Railway “Tsukimiyama Station,” but JR is recommended as the fare is cheaper
From the station to the park is a gentle uphill slope. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Admission Fee and the Too-Good-to-Be-True Annual Free Pass
Regular Admission Fee
- Adults (15 years and older, excluding junior high school students): 400 yen
- Children (elementary and junior high school students): 200 yen
Annual Free Pass “Four Seasons Tricolor Card”
- Adults: 900 yen
- Children: 450 yen
- Validity period: Until the day before 1 year from purchase date
This is Super Valuable!
The annual pass can be used not only at Suma Rikyu Park but also at all 3 parks: Forest Botanical Garden and Sorakuen Garden. Since regular admission is 400 yen, you can break even with just 3 visits.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy seasonal scenery. Plus, they accepted credit card payments!
Highlights: Fountain Plaza and Early Autumn Colors
Though the autumn foliage was still slightly before peak, the fountain plaza in the park was very beautiful. The contrast of trees beginning to change color in a European palace-like atmosphere was wonderful.
The state of autumn foliage:
- Many trees beginning to turn yellow and orange
- Green leaves still remaining, creating beautiful gradation
- Some trees already turned red
The peak season will likely be mid to late November.
Roses are also in season during this time!
Visiting Tips
Be Aware of Closing Time
- Closing time in November is 5:00 PM
- Entering at 4:00 PM allows about 1 hour for a leisurely tour
- If you want to take your time, morning or early afternoon visits are recommended
Weekday Evenings are Hidden Gems
- Few people, allowing quiet enjoyment of autumn foliage
- You can take photos at your leisure
- Soft evening light beautifully illuminates the autumn leaves
Recommended Model Course
Based on this visit, here’s a recommended course:
PM Arrive at JR Suma Kaihin Koen Station
PM Cafe time at the sun coffee and bake (40 minutes)
- I intended to have a quick tea in this relaxed space, but time flew by 😦
PM Enter Suma Rikyu Park
PM Park stroll
- The maple tree path will be at its peak in the coming season
- Roses can be enjoyed at the fountain plaza even in autumn
PM Park closes
This is a course you can enjoy leisurely from the afternoon. If you want to spend more time strolling, morning or early afternoon visits are recommended.
Summary: Peak Season from Mid-November Onward
Suma Rikyu Park in early November was in the early coloring stage of autumn foliage. The peak season will likely be from mid to late November.
The annual free pass for 900 yen that allows access to 3 parks is really a great deal, so I highly recommend it to those who want to enjoy Kobe’s four seasons.
Next time, I plan to visit during peak season and update this article!
Suma Rikyu Park Basic Information
- Address: 1-1 Higashisuma, Suma-ku, Kobe City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Thursdays (or the following day if a holiday)
- Admission: Adults 400 yen, Children 200 yen
- Access: About 15 minutes walk from JR “Suma Kaihin Koen Station”
- Official website: Kobe City Park Association
the sun coffee and bake
- Address: 📍3-1-13 Murasame-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 654-0046
- Business hours: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (irregular holidays)
- Check Instagram for updates @thesun_coffeeandbake
- Access: 1 minute walk from JR “Suma Kaihin Koen Station”
This article contains affiliate links.
