The “Christmas Market in the Sky” begins at the ropeway. From a lively square reminiscent of a German castle, to the 25-meter-tall “Christmas Tree of the Forest,” a forest bathed in light, and the night view of Kobe—experience it all at the “Kobe Christmas Market 2026.” The event begins on November 7.

The “Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ropeway” (Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture), operated by Kobe Resort Service Co., Ltd., will host the “Kobe Christmas Market 2026 – Christmas at the Castle” from Saturday, November 7, 2026, through Monday, December 28, 2026.This year, the number of nights with extended evening hours has been expanded, with the market open for 18 consecutive nights from Friday, December 11, through Monday, December 28 (until December 6, extended evening hours were available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays). Visitors can now enjoy the Christmas illuminations and Kobe’s night view even on weeknights.

The Old Castle Plaza Bathed in Christmas Lights

Take the ropeway to a Christmas wonderland spread out atop a mountain at an elevation of approximately 400 meters. From the Old Castle Plaza, explore the enchanting “Christmas of the Forest,” the Glasshouse aglow with lights, and the terrace overlooking Kobe’s night view. With every step you take through the park, you’ll encounter a different Christmas scene. Look up at the “Christmas Tree of the Forest,” follow the “Corridor of Light,” and take photos at your favorite displays. Enjoy a special day exploring the park while taking in the scenery, savoring delicious food, and doing some shopping.

■ A Sky-High Christmas Market Accessible by Ropeway

Enjoy a roughly 10-minute aerial stroll with the cityscape of Kobe spread out below you. As the ropeway ascends the mountain, the scenery shifts from the cityscape to the lush, green mountain views. Upon exiting the Top station, the square in front of the ancient castle—decorated for Christmas—comes into view. Your Christmas day begins the moment you set off for the mountaintop.

■Stroll Through a World Like an Old Castle Theme Park

The View Plaza, surrounded by buildings and castle gates modeled after a German castle, is decorated under the theme of “Botancial Christmas.” Natural materials such as wood, leaves, and nuts are paired with red ribbons to create a warm and inviting Christmas atmosphere.

The View Plaza Adorned with Red Ribbons and Green Decorations

A Christmas tower approximately 7 meters tall, a welcome wreath about 3 meters in diameter, and charming displays dotted throughout the grounds. As you walk from the Old Castle Plaza through the garden, the forest, and the Glasshouse, you’ll encounter a succession of different Christmas scenes. Just as if you were exploring an “old castle theme park,” you can spend your time searching for your favorite views and taking photos.

A Large Welcome Wreath Greeting You at the Old Castle Plaza

The Christmas Tower Towering Over the Plaza by Day

A moment spent gazing up at the Christmas Tower at night

The Christmas market lighting up the square at dusk

The night market, enveloped in sparkling decorations

Buildings with castle motifs illuminated by vibrant lights

■Christmas in the Forest: A Magical Tree and a Corridor of Light

Emerging from the nighttime forest is the “Christmas Tree of the Forest,” a metasequoia standing approximately 25 meters tall. Together with the illuminated trees in the surrounding area, it creates a magical scene that evokes the feeling of Christmas in the forest. Look up at the tree aglow with lights, or step back a bit to admire how it blends with the surrounding trees. Amid the beauty woven by nature and light, you can enjoy a special Christmas moment.

The “Christmas Tree of the Forest” Rising from the Woods

The garden path leading from the tree to the Glasshouse transforms into a sparkling “Corridor of Light.” As you walk along the path of light, the Glasshouse—with its gleaming glass dome—comes into view. Enjoy a Christmas stroll through the forest where each changing vista will make you eager to move on to the next spot.

The Glasshouse at Night, Enveloped in Plants and Light

During the fall foliage season, the “Illumination of the Autumn Colors” adds a splash of color, allowing you to enjoy a harmonious blend with the Christmas lights.

*The best time to view the fall foliage is from early November to early December. The coloration and peak viewing period may vary depending on weather conditions.

Gazing Up at the Lights Beneath the “Christmas Tree of the Forest”

A Christmas Photo Spot Enveloped in Starlight

The “Statue of Love” in the Glasshouse, where greenery and light intertwine

■ Expanded evening hours offer more opportunities to enjoy Kobe’s night views

This year, we’ve expanded our evening hours. In addition to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event period, we’ll be open for 18 consecutive evenings from Friday, December 11, through Monday, December 28. Even after Friday, December 25, you can enjoy the Christmas illuminations and night views until Monday, December 28. Whether it’s a weeknight spent with a loved one or a winter break outing, we invite you to experience a special time up in the mountains.

From dusk to night, the scenery of the port city of Kobe changes moment by moment. At the View Plaza and “The Veranda at Kobe,” the city lights spreading out below add a festive touch to your Christmas celebration on the mountain. After exploring the park’s illuminations, enjoy the spectacular night view from the ropeway on your way back. The Christmas spirit will linger with you until the very end of your aerial journey.

The night view of Kobe as seen from “The Veranda at Kobe”

A moment on the mountain, enjoyed on the terrace at dusk

A mountain-top terrace where you can enjoy the evening sky and waterfront views

■ Enjoy dining and shopping while searching for your favorite views

Search for the cute displays and Christmas trees scattered throughout the park and take commemorative photos. Choose gifts at the market, and take a break with a warm drink while strolling. The joys of taking photos, savoring delicious food, and shopping will enrich your time exploring the park.

At the Old Castle Plaza, we offer special mulled wine made by an authentic German winery, as well as original herb sausages and beef stew. Warm drinks and dishes add a special touch to your time on the mountain. The market is lined with German Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, and more, offering the joy of selecting items to decorate your home or gifts for your loved ones.

The joy of finding your favorite items at the Christmas Market

Christmas displays made from natural materials throughout the park

Stroll through the market while enjoying the Christmas decorations

Market stalls adorned with red ribbons

■Event Overview

Name: Kobe Christmas Market 2026 - Christmas at the Castle -

Dates: November 7 (Sat) – December 28 (Mon), 2026

Venue: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ropeway

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

Evening Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

　　　　　　　　　　　 Held for 18 consecutive days from Friday, December 11 to Monday, December 28

Herb Garden Hours: Regular hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. / Evening hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Ropeway Operating Hours: [Regular Operating Days]

　　　　　　　　　　　　Hours of Operations: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM

　　　　　　　　　　　　Up Line Closed: 4:45 PM

　　　　　　　　　　　 [Evening Operation Days]

　　　　　　　　　　　　Hours of Operations: 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

　　　　　　　　　　　　Up Line Closed: 8:15 PM

Fares: Adults (round-trip) 3,300 yen / Children (round-trip) 1,650 yen

　　　　　　　　　　　 Includes ropeway ride and admission to the herb garden

　　　　　　　　　　　 Special Christmas Season Rates

Access: From Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen and Kobe Municipal Subway)

　　　　　　　　　　　 About a 5-minute walk to the Herb Gardens Bottom Station.

　　　　　　　　　　　 About a 10-minute ride on the ropeway; get off at Herb Gardens Top Station.

Special Website: https://www.kobeherb.com/tips/kobechristmasmarket/

*Business hours vary by store and facility. Please check the official website for details.

■ About the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

This flower and herb resort is situated on a mountainside overlooking the cityscape of Kobe. Enjoy a day immersed in nature and scenic views, whether taking an aerial ride on the ropeway, strolling through the gardens that change with the seasons, or relaxing at the restaurants, cafes, and terraces.