About Nunobiki Herb Garden

Nunobiki Herb Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located on the slopes of Mount Rokko in Kobe, Japan. It covers an area of approximately 8 hectares and is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan. Here are some more details about the garden:

  • History: Nunobiki Herb Garden was established in 1995 and is part of the larger Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1933. The garden was created with the aim of introducing visitors to the beauty and health benefits of herbs.
  • Location: The garden is located on the southern slopes of Mount Rokko, in the Kitano district of Kobe. It is easily accessible by cable car, which departs from Shin-Kobe Station, or by foot, for those who enjoy hiking.
  • Features: Nunobiki Herb Garden is home to over 75,000 herb plants and 200 varieties of herbs from around the world. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, such as the English Garden, the French Garden, and the Japanese Garden. There are also several greenhouses, including a tropical greenhouse and a Mediterranean greenhouse, as well as a shop selling herbal products and a restaurant serving herbal cuisine.
  • Seasonal highlights: The garden is open all year round, and each season brings its own highlights. In the spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms and tulips, while in the summer, the garden is filled with colorful flowers and fragrant herbs. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with the changing leaves of the trees and the vibrant hues of the chrysanthemums. In the winter, the garden is decorated with lights for a magical winter illumination event.
  • Views: From Nunobiki Herb Garden, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Kobe, Osaka Bay, and the surrounding mountains. There are several observation points throughout the garden that provide panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Nunobiki Herb Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, flowers, and herbs, and it offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

History time line of Nunobiki Herb Garden

Here is a brief history timeline of Nunobiki Herb Garden:

  • 1933: The Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden is established on Mount Rokko in Kobe, Japan.
  • 1987: Planning for a herb garden begins as part of the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden.
  • 1992: Construction of Nunobiki Herb Garden begins.
  • 1995: Nunobiki Herb Garden officially opens to the public, becoming one of the largest herb gardens in Japan.
  • 2006: The garden is designated as one of the “100 Best Fragrant Gardens in Japan” by the Fragrant Plant Society of Japan.
  • 2013: The garden celebrates its 18th anniversary with various events and special exhibitions.
  • 2015: Nunobiki Herb Garden undergoes a major renovation and expansion, adding new themed gardens and facilities, as well as a new cable car system for easier access.
  • 2016: The renovated Nunobiki Herb Garden reopens to the public, featuring new attractions such as a lavender garden, a rose garden, and a shop selling herbal products.

Today, Nunobiki Herb Garden remains a popular destination for visitors to Kobe, who come to explore the beautiful gardens, learn about herbs and their health benefits, and enjoy the stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

How to reach Nunobiki Herb Garden

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is found in Kobe, Japan, on the lower slopes of Mount Rokko, and visitors can get there either by foot or by taking a cable car. The following is information regarding how to go to the garden:

Ropeway cable car from Shin-Kobe Station : Taking the Nunobiki Ropeway cable car from Shin-Kobe Station is the best and most convenient way to get to the Nunobiki Herb Garden. This is the easiest and most convenient method to get there. The garden may be reached on foot in about ten minutes from there. The cable car departs approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, and the one-way price for adults is approximately 1,500 yen.

on foot : It is possible to access Nunobiki Herb Garden on foot for those individuals who take pleasure in going on hikes. The garden may be reached on foot in approximately half an hour along a path that is clearly designated and is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers away from Shin-Kobe Station. Because the terrain is relatively steep and can be challenging, it is recommended that you bring water with you and wear shoes that are comfortable.

By Car:  Driving to Nunobiki Herb Garden is an option, however visitors should be aware that parking may be difficult to come by and costly. There is a tiny parking area at the base of the cable car station, although it is prone to becoming full very fast, particularly on the weekends and on holidays.

There is a ticket office at the garden, which can be found once you have arrived there. You can buy admission tickets there. The garden is accessible at all times of the year and is open throughout a range of varied hours according to the different seasons. It is highly recommended that you look up the most recent information on the garden’s hours of operation and entry pricing on the website of the garden.

Do's and Dont's at Nunobiki Herb Garden

To make the most of your visit to Nunobiki Herb Garden and ensure that you have an enjoyable and respectful experience, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s:

  • Follow the garden’s rules and regulations, which are posted at the entrance.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the garden has steep hills and uneven paths.
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take plenty of photos, but be respectful of other visitors and do not obstruct foot traffic.
  • Take time to smell and appreciate the various herbs and flowers in the garden, and consider purchasing some herbal products at the on-site shop.
  • Follow proper etiquette when visiting the on-site restaurant, such as waiting to be seated and using utensils appropriately.
  • Consider bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks, as there are several picnic areas throughout the garden.
  • Take advantage of the various seasonal events and exhibitions, which can enhance your experience at the garden.

Don’ts:

  • Do not litter in the garden or leave trash on the paths.
  • Do not pick or damage any plants or flowers in the garden.
  • Do not climb over fences or barriers, as they are in place for your safety.
  • Do not bring pets or animals into the garden, as they are not allowed.
  • Do not smoke in the garden, as it is a non-smoking area.
  • Do not be too loud or disruptive, as the garden is meant to be a peaceful and relaxing environment for all visitors.

By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can have a respectful and enjoyable visit to Nunobiki Herb Garden, while also helping to preserve the beauty and tranquility of this natural attraction.

Highlights of Nunobiki Herb Garden

Nunobiki Herb Garden is a beautiful and serene natural attraction located on the slopes of Mount Rokko in Kobe, Japan. Here are some of the highlights that make Nunobiki Herb Garden a must-see destination:

  1. The beautiful gardens: The garden boasts a wide variety of flowers and herbs, which are arranged in several themed gardens, including the European Garden, the Asian Garden, and the English Garden. The gardens are carefully tended to and provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  2. The cable car ride: The garden can be reached by a scenic cable car ride from Shin-Kobe Station, which offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
  3. The herb shop: The garden has an on-site shop where visitors can purchase a wide variety of herbal products, including teas, oils, and cosmetics. The shop also sells fresh herbs and flowers, as well as souvenirs.
  4. The restaurant: The garden has a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes made with fresh herbs and ingredients grown on-site. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and offers stunning views of the city and the mountains.
  5. The seasonal events: Nunobiki Herb Garden hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, including a lavender festival, a rose festival, and a winter illumination event. These events feature special exhibitions, performances, and activities that are designed to enhance the visitor experience.
  6. The panoramic views: The garden offers panoramic views of the city of Kobe and the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Nunobiki Herb Garden is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, herb enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful retreat in the heart of Kobe.

Frequently asked questions about Nunobiki Herb Garden

What is Nunobiki Herb Garden?
The Nunobiki Herb Garden is a vast botanical garden that may be found in Kobe, Japan. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Rokko. In addition to the spectacular views of the surrounding area, it has a café, a shop specializing in herbs, and themed gardens that are home to a diverse selection of flowering plants and medicinal plants.
When is the best time to visit Nunobiki Herb Garden?
The garden is open every day of the year, although the time of year that is most conducive to your particular interests is up for debate. If you want to see cherry blossoms and azaleas, the best time to go is in the spring, and if you want to see lavender and roses, the greatest time to go is in the summer. The garden is at its most vibrant and brilliant during the autumn season, and during the winter months it plays host to a stunning illumination display.
How do I get to Nunobiki Herb Garden?
The easiest way to get to the garden is by taking the Nunobiki Ropeway cable car from Shin-Kobe Station. The garden can also be reached on foot from the station, or by car.
How much does it cost to visit Nunobiki Herb Garden?
Admission fees to visit Nunobiki Herb Garden vary depending on the season, but generally cost around 700 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. There is an additional fee for the cable car ride.
Is Nunobiki Herb Garden wheelchair accessible?
Parts of the garden are wheelchair accessible, but the steep hills and uneven paths may make it difficult for some visitors. The cable car and restaurant are wheelchair accessible.
What else is there to do near Nunobiki Herb Garden?
Nearby attractions include the Nunobiki Falls, the Shin-Kobe Ropeway, and the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Botanical Gardens. The city of Kobe also has many other cultural and historical attractions worth visiting.