Welcome to a journey where nature and beauty intertwine in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. In this article, you’ll learn all about the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway, one of Kobe’s and indeed Japan’s most popular attractions.
Welcome to the Herb Gardens
Immerse yourself in the sprawling, colorful, and aromatic world of Herb Gardens. These are Japan’s largest herb gardens, home to approximately 75,000 herbs and flowers, spanning around 200 kinds. The gardens are a year-round spectacle of beauty, divided into 12 distinct areas, each featuring a different theme.
In the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, each zone presents a unique, curated horticultural experience. Starting with the Wartburg Castle-inspired Welcome Garden, visitors are led through an aromatic journey of diverse herbs, flowers, and approximately 60 rose varieties in the Rose Symphony Garden. The Fragrant Garden evokes the charm of a European countryside, while the Herb Museum and adjacent Potager offer an educational and home gardening inspiration. A visit to the Glasshouse introduces tropical flora and an Italian gift – the “Statue of Mother and Child.”
The journey unfolds with the Lavender Garden, the Four Seasons Garden symbolizing the year’s progression, and the Waterfall Patio’s tiered beds representing flowing water. The Oriental Garden provides an Asian essence, followed by the summer-favorite Lily Garden. The tour concludes at the Kaze no Oka Flower Garden, with a hillside of vibrant blooms and herbs, promising a sensory feast in Kobe’s panoramic backdrop. The entire visit to these gardens becomes an immersive and memorable journey.
Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway
When you step off the ropeway, visitors are greeted by the Welcome Garden’s captivating architecture, mirroring an ancient castle. The View Plaza offers a spectacular view of Kobe City’s nightscape, further elevated by the Kobe Terrace bar’s delectable offerings during summers. As night falls, the Plaza morphs into a glittering Forest of Illuminations. Nearby, the Veranda at Kobe 1F Terrace provides a relaxing retreat where visitors can enjoy snacks and the endless sky view. The changing seasons each paint a unique backdrop in the Recreation Area, complemented with play structures for both children and adults, making the Herb Gardens a year-round multifaceted attraction.
Dine at the Herb Garden’s Restaurant
After a delightful exploration of the garden and ropeway, visitors can satiate their appetites at the onsite restaurant. This unique dining experience takes gastronomy to a new level, where each dish is artfully created with fresh herbs and flowers sourced directly from the gardens. The restaurant prides itself on delivering a memorable culinary journey by focusing on vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, fresh ingredients, and distinctive herb-infused flavors. Among its offerings is the Garden Plate Collection, a true feast for the palate. Here, guests can select from a pasta, meat, or fish dish, each served alongside an appetizer buffet featuring seasonal vegetables and flavors. To further enhance the dining experience, guests can enjoy an original blend of herb tea, specialty sweets from the patisserie, and a fine selection of wines, all contributing to a memorable feast at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
How to get there
Getting to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens from Kobe Station is relatively straightforward:
By Train and Ropeway:
From Kobe Station, take the JR Line to Shin-Kobe Station. This ride will take about one minute. After exiting Shin-Kobe Station, head towards the northeast and follow the signs to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway. It’s approximately a 5-minute walk to the ropeway station. The ropeway journey to the top, where the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are located, takes about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway is a magical journey into the heart of nature, filled with fragrant herbs, stunning views, and unique experiences. It’s a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or someone looking for relaxation. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure that promises to engage all your senses.
