The Kobe Herb gardens and Ropeline is Japans largest herb garden with 14 garden areas and spectacular views across the Port of Kobe.

Our trip to Japan had been filled with the craziness of Tokyo, the excitement of the thrilling  rides at Tokyo Disney and shopping for Anime merchandise…. so when i suggested that we spend our spare day in Osaka at the Kobe Herb Gardens my 18 year old daughter was, well unenthused to say the least! But at the end of the day, even she will admit, it was a relaxing and picturesque place to explore.

Using our JR passes, we caught the Shinkansen from Osaka to Shin Kobe and after a short walk behind the station (plenty of signs!) we were aboard the ropeway that took us up the mountain. With a 360 degree view from the ropeway car we got an awesome view of the Nunobiki no Taki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam as well as looking back down onto the city of Kobe and the working port.

Once at the top we were greeted by the view plaza, a spot with more amazing views, gift shops and restaurants /cafes. There was also some walks around the mountain that started here, but we weren’t up for a challenging day so we decided, after investigating the herb museum, to begin the walk down through the gardens. The walk was not difficult, the path wove down through the various gardens which include a variety of seasonal herbs and flowers. Visiting in December wasn’t prime time to to view an amazing array of plants, even the Autumn leaves weren’t in full force, but because it was so close to Christmas we were treated to some gorgeous Christmas displays that really got us into the spirit!  Another favourite place for us was the enormous greenhouse which housed many different varieties of tropical plants, including a small waterfall and little creek which flowed on through.

Half way down the mountain we stopped among the locals for a picnic on the terraces, enjoying the view yet again and treating ourselves to a Lavender hot Chocolate and Lavender Ice cream (the Japanese seriously love their ice cream!!) After relaxing and filling our bellies we took the Ropeway back down the mountain content with our time at the Kobe Herb Gardens and Ropeway.

Where: Kobe Herb Gardens and Ropeway : 1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0002 Japan

How Much?: Round trip on the Ropeway Adults: ¥1,400 Child/ Elementary/ High school students: ¥700 Preschoolers: Free

Where we stayed?: APA Hotel Osaka – Temma 

Need to know: The ropeway is literally just behind the Shin Kobe just follow the signs from the station, each season brings different herbs and flowers … check out there webpage for more, take a picnic lunch and enjoy the views, allow a full day if you are travelling from Osaka so you don’t rush, the ropeway is pretty high and does sway in the breeze! it is definitely a great way to relax between busy days!

Do you think this would be on your travel list for Japan?

Safe Travels!

Kerrie

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