Nunobiki Herb Garden

Published on : 22/10/2014
by : K.P.

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Nunobiki Herb Garden
© Note Thanun, Unsplash

Enchanted world

In Kobe, the south-western slopes of Mount Rokko are home to a 40-hectare floral park, easily accessible, and sumptuous waterfalls.

From Shin Kobe station, the kingdom of Nunobiki is just a stone's throw away. Far from the concrete and the city, it's a green haven of peace where you can spend a relaxing day. Upstairs, you'll find a large garden, lush greenhouses and, next door, magnificent waterfalls.

For the more athletic, there are trails up Rokko Mountain - but beware, it's a tough climb! Less strenuous, there's a cable car that takes you to the top in 10 minutes. The panoramic view from the cabins gives you the opportunity to fly over this vast park. The last stop on the cableway takes you to the top of Nunobiki Herb Garden, the large park overlooking the city of Kobe.

Nunobiki Herb Garden - The kingdom of flowers

If you want to visit the park in its entirety, we advise you to get there in the morning, so that you can take the time you need to enjoy it to the full. Get off at the highest station of the cable car (Kobe Herb Garden) and walk at your own pace down the side of the mountain to take the cable car back to the station (Kaze no oka chukan eki), to reach Shin-Kobe station.

The park

At the very top is the Floral Park. Here, thousands of species release an aroma and are adorned with colors to delight both the eyes and the sense of smell. A perfume museum is housed in one of the buildings next to the rose garden and cable car station. We recommend a visit, as in addition to the beautiful surroundings, there are many scents and fragrances to discover.

The park winds gently downhill, passing several areas dedicated to specific flowers and plants. A lavender garden, an oriental garden, a field of flowers that change color according to the season (sunflower, thistle...), a herb garden, a vegetable garden... You'll find it all as you stroll through the winding paths of the Nunobiki Herb Garden.

Nunobiki Herb Garden
© 663highland, wikimedias

The garden greenhouses

Halfway along the path, stop off at the Nunobiki garden greenhouses! These feature lush vegetation, glowing flowers and beautiful light when the weather's clear. Take advantage of the chairs and tables within the greenhouses to sit down. Within the greenhouses is a spice museum where you can smell and discover new aromas.

You'll also find "The Veranda at Kobe" restaurant, where you can enjoy cakes and drinks from two terraces, one inside and one outside, offering stunning views of the harbor and the city of Kobe.

Footbath with a view

On your way down to the park, make a stop at the Nunobiki footbath. As well as leaving with a lighter step, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation with a splendid view of Kobe city and the sea. You can buy towels for 100 yen if you want to dry off, and as the bath is quite small, each visit is limited to 15 minutes, but that's more than enough time to relax your feet!

Footbath at Nunobiki Herb Garden
© 663highland, wikimedias

The inspiring waterfalls

Ontaki, Medaki, Meotodaki and Tsutsumigadaki are the names given to the Nunobiki waterfalls. Located halfway to the summit, a ten-minute walk from the station, they cut through the Idagawa River. These four waterfalls have inspired poets and writers for hundreds of years. Their beauty is such that they are ranked among the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The climb can be difficult in summer, as it gets very hot and humid in the forest along the way. So take something to drink and good shoes!

Ontaki waterfall in Kobe
© Jason Forrest, Unsplash

When should you visit Nunobiki Herb Garden?

The Nunobiki Herb Garden can be admired in all seasons, although the flowers are particularly resplendent in spring and summer. In winter, a Christmas market takes place at the top of the cable car, with decorations and festivities (note that the price of the cable car increases during this period). Autumn, meanwhile, is synonymous with the park's red and gold foliage, making it a special place to admire the koyos.

How do I get to Nunobiki Herb Garden?

Nunobiki Herb Garden is easily reached on foot or by cable car from JR Shin Kobe station. The Sanyo shinkansen passes through this station, as do the Hokushin and Seishin Yamate line subways.

Fare: A round trip by cable car to the top of the station costs 2,000 yen.