Why You Should Visit
Forest of Illuminations is a magical light event held at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. As night falls, the garden is illuminated with beautiful lighting displays that transform the forest into a dreamy atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy stunning night views of Kobe from the observation areas.
Essentials
- location
- Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
- period
- March 14, 2026 (Sat) - July 5, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 17:00 – 21:00
- cost
- Ropeway ticket required for entry
- access
- 5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen/Subway) to Ropeway Bottom Station. 10 min ropeway ride to Herb Garden Top Station. Runs every 30 seconds, no timetable needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Forest of Illuminations held?
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
GALLERY
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WHY VISIT
Japan's largest herb garden opened in 1991. Located at 400m elevation, just 10 minutes by ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station, offering a healing space away from urban bustle with excellent accessibility. 12 themed gardens feature about 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally: roses and lavender in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos and kochia in autumn, Christmas illuminations in winter. Observatory plaza offers 360-degree panoramic views from Kobe Port to Osaka Bay, with fantastic night views combining million-dollar cityscape and illuminations. Restaurant 'The Herb Dining' serves dishes with morning-picked herbs, while Cafe 'The Veranda at Kobe' offers herb tea with spectacular views.
Japan's Largest - 12 Themed Gardens
About 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally. 12 gardens including Rose Symphony Garden, Lavender Garden, and Wind Hill
Scenic Ropeway
10 min ride from Bottom Station (5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Stn) to mountaintop. Panoramic city and sea views from gondola
Night View & Illuminations
Night operations on weekends/holidays, summer, and Christmas. Million-dollar Kobe night view with Forest of Illuminations
PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
BEST SHOTS
- — Kobe cityscape panorama from Observatory Plaza
- — Rose Symphony Garden roses (mid-May-June, Oct-Nov)
- — Purple lavender carpet at Lavender Garden (late May-early July)
- — Herbs and ropeway collaboration at Wind Hill lawn
- — Greenhouse and herbs at Glass House Area
- — Fantastic night views and illuminations (weekends/holidays, summer, Christmas)
- — Forest Cathedral light illuminations
BEST TIMING
- — Spring (mid-May-June): Best season for roses and lavender
- — Autumn (Sep-Nov): Beautiful cosmos, kochia, autumn leaves
- — Summer (Jul-Aug): Night operations for cool visits with night views
- — Winter (late Nov-Dec): Christmas illuminations and night views
- — Ropeway runs every 30 seconds with minimal wait time
Photography allowed. Tripods permitted (some restrictions). Shooting Kobe cityscape from ropeway gondola recommended.
ESSENTIALS
- Opening Hours
- [Spring/Autumn] Weekdays 9:30-16:45 (last down 17:15), Weekends/Holidays 9:30-20:15 (last down 20:45) [Summer] Jul20-Aug31 daily 9:30-20:15 [Winter] Special hours early Dec-Christmas
- cost
- Ropeway round-trip + Garden admission: Adults ¥2,000, Elementary/Junior high ¥1,000. After 17:00 night rate: Adults ¥1,400, Children ¥700
- Best Time
- Best in spring (May-June) for roses and lavender. Autumn (Sep-Nov) cosmos and autumn leaves also beautiful. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Night operations on weekends/holidays, summer, and Christmas for night views.
- Suggested Duration
- About 1h 45m
- Access
- 5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen/Subway) to Ropeway Bottom Station. 10 min ropeway ride to Herb Garden Top Station. Runs every 30 seconds, no timetable needed.
- Accessibility
- Ropeway and elevators available. Wheelchair and stroller accessible (some steep slopes). Nursing room and diaper changing facilities available.
TICKET
Book online tickets for smooth entry on the day.
This link leads to an external ticket booking site and may contain affiliate links.
Nearby Spots
We present captivating tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Nunobiki Falls
A mystical waterfall just 15 minutes walk from Shin-Kobe Station. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, it has been beloved by poets since the Heian period.
Kitano Ijinkan District
Historic district lined with exotic Western-style houses
Kobe Oji Zoo
A nature-rich zoo at the foot of Mt. Rokko. Houses about 120 species and 700 animals, and was once famous as Japan's only zoo where you could see both pandas and koalas. Features the nationally designated Important Cultural Property 'Former Hunter Residence' and an amusement park, also renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory
One of Japan's three major night views. A spectacular viewpoint overlooking Kobe cityscape and Osaka Bay.
KOBE KITANO NOSTA
A complex facility renovated from the former Kitano Elementary School (over 90 years old)
Ikuta Shrine
A historic shrine that gave Kobe its name. Known for matchmaking blessings, its lush grounds provide a peaceful retreat in the city center. The beautiful vermillion gate makes it Kobe's premier power spot.
Events at This Spot
Events being held at this location
Forest of Illuminations at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Forest of Illuminations is a magical light event held at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. As night falls, the garden is illuminated with beautiful lighting displays …
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Rose & Lavender Fair 2026 at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
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