Rokko Garden Terrace
By Andrew Liyan · Last updated: September 8, 2026 · Facts verified: September 8, 2026
- Area
- Mount Rokko, Kobe
- Best For
- Couples, Night views, Nature
Visiting Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace (六甲ガーデンテラス) is the specific commercial complex, at roughly 890 meters elevation, that anchors Mount Rokko's famous "10 million dollar" night view. It was renewed and reopened in its current form in April 2003, replacing older hotel and observation facilities on the same site, and today combines several free outdoor viewpoints, the Nature View Cafe and other shops, and the paid Rokko-Shidare Observatory, a distinctive wood-lattice viewing tower.
Most of the complex is free to enter: the Lookout Tower, Lookout Terrace, and Lookout Deck all cost nothing, and it is only the Rokko-Shidare Observatory itself that charges admission, ¥1,000 for adults. A common planning question is how Garden Terrace compares with Mt. Maya Kikuseidai, a separate, free viewpoint on a different Rokko-range mountain: Garden Terrace offers more developed dining and shopping alongside its view, while Kikuseidai is typically less crowded and requires no admission for its own viewing platform.
Things to Do at Rokko Garden Terrace
Watch the "10 Million Dollar" Night View
The Lookout Tower, Lookout Terrace, and Lookout Deck each frame the Kobe and Osaka Bay night view slightly differently, all free to visit.
Visit the Rokko-Shidare Observatory
A distinctive wood-lattice structure offering an elevated, partly enclosed viewing platform, useful in cooler or windier conditions; admission applies.
Relax at the Nature View Cafe
Outdoor terrace seating lets visitors linger over the view with food and drink rather than a quick photo stop.
How to Get to Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace sits near, but not immediately adjacent to, the Rokko Cable Car's summit station.
From Rokko Sanjo Station
Take the Rokko Sanjo Bus, approximately 10 minutes, from Rokko Cable Rokko Sanjo Station (the top of the Rokko Cable Car).
Getting Back Down
Check the last Rokko Sanjo Bus and last Rokko Cable Car departure times before staying for the full night view, since both stop running earlier than the terrace itself may close on some evenings.
Best Time to Visit Rokko Garden Terrace
Clear evenings.
Often the clearest, least hazy night views, though colder at the exposed outdoor viewpoints.
Entry Fee & Hours
| Category | Price (JPY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (junior high and up) | ¥1,000 | ~$7 |
| Child (age 4-elementary) | ¥500 | ~$3 |
| Age 3 and under | Free | Free |
The terrace grounds and outdoor viewpoints are free; only the Rokko-Shidare Observatory charges admission.
- •Only the Rokko-Shidare Observatory charges admission; every outdoor viewpoint and the cafe/shop area are free to enter.
Nearby Attractions
Combine with Rokko Garden Terrace on the same day
Mount Rokko
Mt. Maya Kikuseidai
Rokkosan Pasture
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
Frequently Asked Questions
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