Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan, located in the Chuo Ward of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Kobe city and Nunobiki Falls from the ropeway, and explore a variety of themed gardens featuring seasonal herbs and flowers. The garden also hosts concerts and various events, making it a popular leisure spot.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Take the Kobe Ropeway to the Top
Start your visit with a scenic ride on the Kobe Ropeway, which takes you from the base of Mount Rokko up to the Herb Garden. The ride offers stunning aerial views of Kobe city, the harbor, and the lush greenery of the mountain. During spring and autumn, look out for beautiful cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn foliage.
2. Wander Through the Herb Gardens
The Nunobiki Herb Garden is divided into several themed sections, each featuring different types of herbs and flowers. Stroll through areas like the Rose Symphony Garden, Lavender Garden, and Fragrance Garden, where you can enjoy the soothing scents and vibrant colors of seasonal flowers. In summer, the lavender is particularly fragrant and beautiful.
3. Visit the Glasshouse (Herb Museum)
The Glasshouse is a beautiful greenhouse where visitors can relax while surrounded by tropical plants and herbs. Inside, you'll find a café, a small herb museum, and displays about the various herbs grown at the garden. It’s the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
4. Enjoy a Footbath with a View
After exploring the gardens, treat yourself to a relaxing herbal footbath at the Herb Footbath area, located near the Glasshouse. Dip your feet into warm, herb-infused water while enjoying panoramic views of Kobe and the surrounding mountains. It's a unique and refreshing experience that helps you unwind.
5. Savor Herbal Treats at the Café
Stop by the Herb Garden Café or Herb Dining Restaurant to enjoy dishes and drinks infused with fresh herbs from the garden. Try herbal teas, lavender-flavored ice cream, or other herb-inspired snacks while soaking in the garden’s serene surroundings.
6. Explore the Herb Museum and Herbal Workshops
Inside the Herb Museum, you can learn about the various medicinal and culinary uses of herbs. You can also participate in herbal crafting workshops, where you can create your own herb sachets, bath salts, or aromatic oils using the herbs grown at the garden. These hands-on experiences make for a fun and educational souvenir.
7. Take a Stroll Around the Nunobiki Waterfall
On your way to or from the gardens, be sure to stop by the Nunobiki Waterfalls, a series of beautiful waterfalls that are just a short hike from the ropeway station. The waterfalls are considered one of the top scenic spots in Kobe and offer a peaceful and picturesque retreat into nature.
8. Admire the Seasonal Flower Displays
Throughout the year, the Herb Garden hosts different seasonal flower displays. In spring, the gardens are full of tulips and cherry blossoms, while summer brings fragrant lavender. Autumn offers colorful chrysanthemums and other fall flowers, and winter features festive illuminations and winter blooms in the greenhouse.
9. Relax on the Terrace and Enjoy the View
Near the top of the garden, there is a large observation terrace with sweeping views of Kobe city, the harbor, and the distant islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The terrace is a great spot to sit back, relax, and take in the scenery, especially during sunset when the view becomes even more picturesque.
10. Visit the Fragrance Museum
At the Fragrance Museum, you can experience the world of perfumes and essential oils. Learn about how different herbal scents are used in perfumes and aromatherapy, and even create your own unique blend of perfume to take home as a special keepsake.
Official Website: https://www.kobeherb.com/
Main Positive Reviews:
The cable car ride offers stunning views of Kobe city and the lush green surroundings. It's a serene escape from the urban hustle.
A beautiful garden with a wide variety of herbs and flowers. Every season offers something new to see.
The herb gardens are a peaceful retreat, perfect for a relaxing day out. The air is filled with the fragrance of herbs.
A perfect place for a family day out. The kids enjoyed the open spaces and the various themed gardens.
There are regular concerts and events which are a nice addition. The cafes offer good food and a place to rest.
Main Negative Reviews:
The garden is not very accessible for those with mobility issues. The terrain can be quite steep and uneven.
The ticket price is a bit steep, and the food at the cafes is quite expensive.
It gets very crowded on weekends and holiday especially in xmas, which makes it hard to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Not much to see in winter as most of the plants are not in bloom. Better to visit in spring or summer.
The wait for the ropeway can be quite long during peak times, which is frustrating.
Some of the staff were quite rude and unhelpful. The service definitely needs improvement.
The garden was closed for a whole monthin Feb, and I didn't know it. It was very disappointing and a waste of time.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Admission Fee
- Adults: ¥2,000 (round trip ropeway + garden entry)
- Children: ¥1,000 (round trip ropeway + garden entry)
The high ratings across multiple platforms and the majority of positive reviews suggest that Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway is a worthwhile destination.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Based on the overall ratings and the balance of positive and negative reviews, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway is highly recommended. The garden offers a beautiful and relaxing experience with stunning views, a wide variety of plants, and family-friendly activities. Despite some accessibility issues, high costs, and occasional service problems, the overall experience is highly rated by visitors. Therefore, it is worth a visit if you are in Kobe.
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