Free shuttle bus from the east exit of Kobe Electric Railway Kita-Suzurandai Station (10 minutes, 8 round trips per day)
Minato Kanko Bus routes 22 and 211 from Sannomiya Station (Sannomiya Yama-te) to Sakuramori-machi Bus Center (26 minutes), then a 20-minute hike.
On Saturdays and holidays, Kobe City Bus route 25 operates from the Sannomiya Bus Terminal (40 minutes, not in operation during winter). Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Entrance until 4:30 PM) *Opening and closing times may be adjusted during special events.
Cld.Days
Wednesdays (the following day if a national holiday falls on a Wednesday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th - January 3rd). *Some events may result in no closure.
Fee
¥300 for ages 15 and up
¥150 for elementary and junior high school students
Group discounts available for groups of 15 or more, as well as other free admission and discount options.
Free admission for Hyogo Prefecture residents aged 65 and over.
INFO
Parking is ¥500 per day for passenger cars, with 700 spaces available (up to 1,000 spaces during peak season).
Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden is a vast botanical garden that takes full advantage of the rich natural environment of the Rokko Mountains. Opened in 1940, it's located west of Maya Mountain and north of Saidaizan in the Rokko mountain range, boasting a sprawling area of 142.6 hectares. The highest point, around the main gate, sits at an altitude of 440 meters above sea level. As the surrounding area is designated as the Seto Inland Sea National Park, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from within the garden.
The garden features approximately 1200 species of trees, representing both Japan's iconic trees and those from around the globe. These are organized into zones recreating their original forest environments. You can see plants from various countries, such as the Riga Forest, Brisbane Forest, Seattle Forest, and Tianjin Forest. Even among Japanese trees alone, diverse vegetation is visible in zones like the Broadleaf Evergreen Forest, Asian Zone, Northern Japan Zone, and Japanese Conifer Forest.
Seasonal blooms are also a major draw. From cherry blossoms in spring to autumn foliage, the garden offers a stunning display throughout the year. During cherry blossom season, the entire garden is painted in shades of pink, creating a truly beautiful sight. Other seasonal flowers, including hydrangeas and Metasequoia, also flourish, offering a different landscape with each visit.
Well-maintained walking paths and trails allow for leisurely strolls through nature. Children's play areas and open spaces make it a great destination for families. The Forest Exhibition Hall provides exhibits and videos about plants, offering an educational opportunity. Cafes and restaurants are available for rest and relaxation.
Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden is a captivating botanical garden where you can experience the abundant nature of the Rokko Mountains and a diverse collection of plants. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery throughout the four seasons – be sure to visit!