A whole new world of autumn colors spreads out beyond the ropeway! “GARDEN FEST 2026—Autumn: A Leisurely, Stroll-Style Fall Walk” is taking place

The “Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway” (operated by Kobe Resort Service Co., Ltd.,1-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture) will host the seasonal event “GARDEN FEST 2026—Autumn: A Leisurely, Stroll-Through Autumn Walk” from Saturday, September 12, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026.At the end of a roughly 10-minute aerial ride on the ropeway lies a different world bathed in autumn colors and enveloped in the atmosphere of a medieval European castle. Through five categories—gardens, gourmet food, play, hands-on experiences, and photography—the garden offers an escape from everyday life just a short distance from the city center.

URL: https://www.kobeherb.com/topics/48521

GARDEN FEST 2026-Autumn-(1)

GARDEN FEST 2026-Autumn-(2)

GARDEN FEST 2026-Autumn-(3)

■How to Help Visitors Experience “An Autumn That Can Only Be Saved Now” in the Suburbs

Events that make the most of nature’s four seasons are said to create a “sense of exclusivity—an experience available only right now”—which often serves as a strong incentive for visitors to come (Kotsu Shimbun).*1 Furthermore, it has been noted that seasonal initiatives tend to generate buzz on social media, leading to a concentrated influx of visitors over a short period (Kotsu Shimbun).*2

*1 Source: Kotsu Shimbun, “Events that make the most of nature’s four seasons create a ‘sense of exclusivity that can only be experienced right now’ and serve as a reason to visit,” 2026

*2 Source: Kotsu Shimbun, “Seasonal Initiatives Tend to Go Viral on Social Media and Lead to Intensive Visitor Traffic in a Short Period,” February 2026

As autumn deepens, the colorful trees and gardens change their appearance day by day. However, with so many options for “where to go to see these sights,” having a clear “reason to go” is the deciding factor for visitors.Leveraging its unique location—accessible from the city center via a ropeway, an out-of-the-ordinary mode of transportation—and its scale, the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden offers “an autumn day you can only experience here.”

Autumn “Welcome Garden” (1)

Autumn “Welcome Garden” (2)

Scene with Kochia (Glasshouse)

Scene with kochia (Recreation Plaza)

■A Mountain-Top Garden Drenched in Autumn Colors, Accessible by Ropeway

Take the ropeway from the Bottom Station—about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station—and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city of Kobe, the urban landscape between Kobe and Osaka, and the Rokko Mountains spread out below.After a roughly 10-minute aerial ride—covering a total length of about 1,460 meters with an elevation difference of 330 meters—you’ll arrive at the mountaintop, where a garden comprising 12 themes is bathed in autumn colors.

The best time to see them is when the following plants are in full bloom: globe amaranth (late July–mid-November), pampas grass (early September–late November), kochia (late September–late October), sage (late September–early December),roses (early October to early November), cosmos (early October to early December), and Nunobiki autumn colors (early November to early December).Stroll through the garden, sway in a hammock, and take in the breathtaking views while fully immersing yourself in the changing seasons.

Cosmos Field (1)

Cosmos Field (2)

Globe Amaranth and a Hammock

Four Seasons Garden

■ “Halloween Fair 2026”—Exclusive to This Time of Year

Halloween displays made from approximately 300 “pumpkins,” “harvest items,” and “dried flowers” of varying colors, shapes, and sizes have appeared throughout the garden. Hold a pumpkin in one hand and take photos that really capture the essence of fall.Recommended photo spots include the Fragrant Garden, the Glasshouse (entrance, Herbal House, etc.), the Garden Shed in the Four Seasons Garden, and the Cottage in the Four Seasons Garden.

Dates: Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Saturday, October 31, 2026

Halloween Fair (Fragrant Garden)

Halloween Fair (Glasshouse)

Halloween Fair (Four Seasons Garden)

■Enjoy an exotic atmosphere and the flavors of fall alongside breathtaking mountain views

We also offer a wide variety of culinary events where you can savor “autumn flavors” at various locations.

[German Festival 2026 — Beer & Wine Fest —]

Featuring a lineup of 11 varieties of beer and wine from a German brewery with over 350 years of history. We’ll also serve food that pairs perfectly with your drinks, including original herb sausages, lamb brochette, and a limited-quantity original curry. Enjoy a toast in an exotic setting inspired by Germany’s historic Wartburg Castle, accompanied by a refreshing autumn breeze.We also offer “Kinderwein” (grape juice) that’s safe for children to drink.

German Festival (View Plaza)

German Festival (Beer, Wine, & Food)

Dates: September 4 (Fri) – December 28 (Mon), 2026

Hours: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (until 8:00 p.m. during evening hours)

Location: View Plaza *The menu will change starting Saturday, November 7

[Garden Picnic 2026 -Autumn-]

This set includes a bento box, wine, baked goods, a picnic blanket, cutlery, dried flowers, and a garland, allowing you to enjoy a premium picnic without having to bring anything.

Dates: Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Monday, November 23, 2026 (Public Holiday)

　　　*Reservations must be made by phone by 3:00 PM two days prior to your visit (TEL: 078-271-1160)

Garden Picnic

■ Autumn Harvest Fair

Sweets and other treats inspired by the theme of “Autumn Harvest” will be available at “The Herb Dining”—a restaurant nestled within the historic castle—as well as at the café lounge and the open-air terrace “The Veranda at Kobe.”

Dates: September 4, 2026 (Fri) – November 30, 2026 (Mon)

Autumn Harvest Fair

■A Day Full of Fun, Experiences, and Photo Opportunities That Will Make You Want to Come Back Again and Again

Quiz & Stamp Collection 2026-Autumn-:

Under the theme “Autumn is the season for the arts! Let’s Enjoy the Herb Garden Art Festival!”, this game challenges participants to find the party venue using an invitation (map) from the Goddess of Herbs. Dates: September 12 (Sat) – November 23 (Mon, Holiday) / Fee: 300 yen (includes a stamp rally).

“Autumn Harvest Festival 2026” Wreath Kit Sales: Fill a box with as many dried flowers as you like—grown, harvested, and dried right here in the garden—and take them home to create your very own wreath.Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from October 17 (Sat) to November 3 (Tue, holiday) / Price: 1,000 yen (includes wreath base and floral materials) / Location: Craft Corner, 1st Floor of the Glass House.

Autumn Harvest Festival “Wreath Kit Sale”

Photo Contest:

We’re looking for photos that capture the charm and magic of the Herb Garden. Prizes include admission tickets, a pair of restaurant meal vouchers, and an assortment of original brand merchandise. Submission Period: Saturday, September 12 – Tuesday, December 29.

In the morning, enjoy the spectacular views from the cable car and stroll through the 12 themed gardens. For lunch, treat yourself to a satisfying meal at the restaurant or the German Festival.After enjoying the “Search for the Ultimate Scent” fragrance experience and craft workshops, savor autumn sweets and herbal tea at the Scenic Terrace & Café Lounge, and finish by creating autumn memories in the cosmos field. We recommend this itinerary for an elegant day out.

Photo Contest

■Event Overview

Name: GARDEN FEST 2026-Autumn- A Leisurely, Stroll-Through Autumn Walk

Dates: September 12 (Sat) – December 6 (Sun), 2026

Location: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

　　　　　　 (1-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Admission & Ropeway Fares:

Adults: 2,500 yen / Children: 1,250 yen

(Evening rates <after 5:00 PM>: Adults 2,000 yen / Children 1,200 yen)

*During the Christmas season (November 7–December 28), adults: 3,300 yen / Children: 1,650 yen

*There are no evening rates during the Christmas season

*Children are elementary and junior high school students; preschoolers ride free

*All prices include tax

URL: https://www.kobeherb.com/

Organized and Operated by: Kobe Resort Service Co., Ltd.

■ About the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

About a 5-minute walk from “Shin-Kobe Station” on the Shinkansen and the Kobe Municipal Subway. This resort facility offers excellent access, located just a short distance from downtown Kobe and the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan district. Enjoy a 10-minute aerial ride on the ropeway while taking in the cityscapes of Kobe and the Keihanshin area below.Upon arriving at the mountaintop at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, you’ll find a herb garden enveloped in the atmosphere of a medieval European castle. Throughout the four seasons, approximately 200 varieties and 75,000 plants of herbs and flowers welcome visitors.You can spend an elegant day here enjoying meals and desserts at the restaurant, café lounge, or on the terrace, or simply relaxing with a picnic or in a hammock.

Facility Name: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Operator: Kobe Resort Service Co., Ltd.

Address: 1-4-3 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

URL: https://www.kobeherb.com/