Photo: 663highland / CC BY 2.5Checked against official sources · updated · Takumi Yamada
This is a hillside herb and flower garden reached only by ropeway, on the slope above Shin-Kobe Station and the city. The cars take about 10 minutes to climb 400 m over 1,460 m, and the view over Kobe and the bay opens as you rise.
At the top you walk down through themed gardens. The garden's site lists autumn 2026 events: an Autumn Harvest Fair (4 September to 30 November), a German Festival with beer and wine (to 28 December) and Garden Fest events. The Sky Bar closes in strong wind or rain.
The catch: it is priced like an excursion, the best view is clear weather, and from Naka Pier it means a bus ride across town. On a short call, the Port Tower beside the berth gives a view for less. In winter, the gardens are smaller and the ropeway closes for maintenance from 23 January 2027.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- Weekday ropeway up line closes at 16:45 and the down line at 17:15; the gardens close at 17:00. Last admission to the gardens is 17:00.
- After 17:00 on weekends only the top observatory area is open.
- Check the ropeway is running: the garden's site says it may close for wind or thunder.
- Shin-Kobe Station is about 5 minutes from the garden on foot; the lower station is west of the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe.
- Port Loop buses run roughly every 20 minutes from about 9:25 on weekdays; check the day's timetable.
The Sky Bar closes in strong wind or rain.
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Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
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Questions people ask here
How much is the Nunobiki ropeway?
¥2,500 return or ¥1,900 one way for adults in the daytime; children ¥1,250 return. The page lists no senior rate.
How do I get there from the cruise terminal?
Take the Port Loop bus from Shinkocho to Shin-Kobe Station, then walk about 5 minutes. The Port Loop site does not publish a fare.
Is it open in the evening?
On weekends and holidays in spring and autumn the ropeway runs until 21:00, but only the top observatory area is open after 17:00.