Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
By Andrew Liyan · Last updated: September 8, 2026 · Facts verified: September 8, 2026
- Area
- Mount Rokko, Kobe
- Best For
- Nature, Photography, Couples
Visiting Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (六甲高山植物園) opened on June 24, 1933, at an elevation of about 865 meters on Mount Rokko, and cultivates roughly 1,500 plant varieties, including alpine and cold-climate species from Japan and around the world alongside native Mount Rokko flora. The elevation keeps the garden's climate noticeably cooler than central Kobe, allowing plants that would not otherwise survive this far south in Japan.
The garden operates seasonally, open from mid-March through late November (March 14-November 29 for the 2026 season) and closed entirely through winter, with additional Thursday closures in March, April, and from mid-June to mid-July. It is frequently confused with Nunobiki Herb Gardens, but the two are on entirely separate mountains, reached by different cable systems (the Rokko Cable Car plus a bus here, versus the Shin-Kobe Ropeway directly behind Shin-Kobe Station for Nunobiki), and cultivate different kinds of plants: alpine and high-altitude flora here, cultivated herbs there.
Things to Do at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
Walk the Alpine Plant Collections
Around 1,500 varieties of alpine and cold-climate plants are arranged across the garden, at their fullest from June through August.
Photograph the Bay View
Like other Rokko-summit-area facilities, the garden's elevation offers views over Kobe and Osaka Bay between the planted areas.
How to Get to Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
The garden sits near Rokko Sanjo Station, reached the same way as Rokko Garden Terrace and Rokkosan Pasture but via its own bus stop.
From Rokko Sanjo Station
Take the Rokko Sanjo Bus from Rokko Cable Rokko Sanjo Station (the top of the Rokko Cable Car) to the garden's stop.
Best Time to Visit Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
June-August for peak bloom.
The garden reopens for the season with early alpine blooms.
Peak bloom for the roughly 1,500 plant varieties.
Later-season foliage and blooms before the garden closes for winter at the end of November.
Closed for the season.
Entry Fee & Hours
| Category | Price (JPY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (junior high and up) | ¥900 | ~$6 |
| Child (age 4-elementary) | ¥450 | ~$3 |
| Disability discount, adult | ¥450 | ~$3 |
| Disability discount, child | ¥220 | ~$1.50 |
- •Closed for winter, roughly December through February.
- •Additional Thursday closures apply in March, April, and mid-June through mid-July, except April 30.
Nearby Attractions
Combine with Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden on the same day
Mount Rokko
Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokkosan Pasture
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Frequently Asked Questions
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