TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Rokko Garden Terrace is an observation and facility area located on Mount Rokko in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is known as a viewing spot offering a panoramic view of Kobe city and Osaka Bay. Restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and observation decks are gathered on terraces and plazas that make the most of the natural beauty of Mount Rokko, and it is popular for both its daytime views and night views (the night view of the Hanshin area known as the "10 million dollar night view"). It is characterized by the fact that it can be enjoyed all year round, with seasonal flowers and plants, events, and winter illuminations. It is used as a place of relaxation not only by tourists but also by locals.
Highlights
- Observation deck/terrace: A panoramic view of Kobe city, Kobe Port, and Osaka Bay. A particularly beautiful spot on a clear day, at dusk, or at night.
- Cafes and restaurants: There are shops that serve dishes and sweets made with local ingredients, and you can enjoy your meal while admiring the view.
- Seasonal Garden: The plants and garden arrangements, such as spring flowers, early summer greenery, and autumn leaves, give a sense of the changing seasons.
- Event illuminations: Weekend and seasonal events, as well as winter illuminations, are especially popular.
- Walking trails and photo spots: You can enjoy the scenery from various angles while walking around, and there are plenty of spots perfect for taking photos.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Cable/Bus (General Route)
- From Sannomiya (Kobe Sannomiya): Take the Hankyu or JR lines to the Rokko area
- The most common route is to take the Rokko Cable (Rokko Cable Shita Station) to the top of Mt. Rokko, then take a shuttle bus from the top of the mountain or walk to the Garden Terrace.
- Rokko-Arima Ropeway: Depending on the season and route, this can be used as a means of transportation to Mount Rokko and Arima Onsen (please check connections).
- car: Use the roads that connect the Hanshin area to Mount Rokko (such as Mount Rokko Driveway). There is a paid parking lot on-site. It gets crowded on weekends and during the night view hours, so be sure to allow plenty of time.
- Estimated travel time (access): It takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Sannomiya (depending on road conditions), and it takes about 40 to 60 minutes by cable car, walking, or bus, including transfers.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short trip (view only): 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Relaxing time including meals and coffee: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Walking around the area (including the botanical gardens and ropeway): Half a day to a full day
Nearby spots
- Hiking trails and observation decks on Mt. Rokko (walking trails where you can enjoy the mountain's natural beauty)
- Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (seasonal flowers and alpine plants on display)
- Rokko Cable and Rokko-Arima Ropeway (travel itself is a sightseeing spot)
- Arima Onsen (accessible by car or ropeway; stay overnight or take a day trip to the hot springs)
- Kobe city (Motomachi, Nankinmachi, Kitano Ijinkan, etc.): Getting off at Rokko and walking around the city is also recommended.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: On weekends and holidays, especially in the evenings and at night (when many people come to see the night view), parking lots, restaurants, and observation decks tend to be crowded. Be aware of waiting times and full parking lots during peak hours.
- Weather and visibility: On foggy, low cloudy or rainy days, visibility may be poor and the scenery may not be visible. Fog can occur especially in the mornings and evenings of summer and early mornings of winter, so please check the weather forecast.
- Cold protection/clothing：The temperature on the mountain is lower than on the ground, and there are days when the wind is strong, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket regardless of the season. It gets especially cold in winter.
- Nature Conservation and Manners: Please do not enter planted or flowerbeds, take your trash home or dispose of it in the designated area, and if you have pets, please follow the rules (keeping them on a leash, disposing of their waste, etc.).
- Check business hours and facility information: The operating hours of stores, facilities, and shuttle buses may change depending on the season and day of the week. Please check the official website or local information before visiting for the latest information.
- Barrier-free：The facilities are relatively well-maintained, but there are some slopes and steps. If you require special consideration, such as wheelchair access, it is a good idea to inquire in advance.
Rokko Garden Terrace is a spot that offers the perfect combination of scenery, food, and nature. It looks completely different depending on the time of day and the season, so try visiting on a nice day or at dusk or to see the night view.
