Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / Ropeway | Review by wendy

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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens / Ropeway

The heavenly paradise of flowers and herbs...See, smell, touch, taste, learn and be healed.

1 Nov 2026 See More

On this trip to Kobe, I made a special visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. I had been looking forward to this attraction, and it really didn't disappoint when I finally visited!

The ropeway ride was fun right from the start. As it slowly climbed the mountain, the cityscape gradually unfolded below. Looking down from above at downtown Kobe, the harbor, and the sea in the distance, the view became more and more expansive, and I couldn't stop taking pictures along the way. Seeing the scenery from the ropeway really made it feel like all of Kobe was spread out before my eyes.

When I arrived at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens on the mountain, the sight was even more impressive! The entire garden is built along the hillside, with beautifully maintained flowers and plants. Combined with the European-style buildings, walking through it felt like visiting a garden in a small European town.

There are also quite a few hammocks throughout the garden, and as soon as I saw them, I really wanted to lie down and enjoy the moment. Finding a comfortable spot, feeling the mountain breeze and warm sunshine, with beautiful flowers, greenery, and views of Kobe Port in front of me, helped me relax quite a bit. When traveling, I'm usually busy rushing between attractions and taking pictures, so it was especially nice to slow down and enjoy the scenery for once.

Since the garden is built on a hillside, some of the paths have ups and downs and require a little stamina. However, because of the higher elevation, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and bay from different angles along the way. It's definitely worth taking your time to walk around and look.

I bought a package that included round-trip ropeway tickets and admission to the herb gardens. To reach the ropeway boarding area, you first need to go up to the building's second-floor platform and then follow the signs. First-time visitors may want to keep an eye out for this.

What left the deepest impression on me during this visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens was the relaxed, carefree feeling. From the expansive views on the ropeway to the fragrance of flowers, greenery, and gentle breeze in the gardens, every corner made me reluctant to leave in a hurry.

Other Reviews by wendy

Moegi House

This Western-style residence was built in 1903 as the home of Hunter Sharp, who served as the American consul general. True to its name, the house stands out with its vivid light-green exterior that immediately catches the eye. The two-story wooden structure features weatherboard siding, and its light, colonial-style design has a storybook-like charm. Asymmetrical bay windows project from either side, with a brick chimney rising at the center.
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On this trip to Kobe, besides Himeji Castle, another thing I was really looking forward to was walking around the Kitano Ijinkan district! Our first stop was Moegi House, with its very eye-catching exterior.

Before even going inside, I was drawn to this Western-style house in a pale mint green! Paired with dark green window frames, white decorative railings, and a red-brick chimney, the whole building has a very distinctive look and a strong vintage, foreign atmosphere. It was beautiful just taking pictures outside.

Moegi House was formerly the residence of the American consul. Its location makes it one of the more convenient houses to visit in the Kitano Ijinkan district, and admission is also relatively inexpensive. Once I went inside, I found that the displays here were somewhat different from those at the other houses. Instead of deliberately creating themed exhibits about different countries' cultures, it recreates the living spaces of the time as faithfully as possible.

As I toured the rooms and looked at the old furniture, windows, and interior decor, I couldn't help imagining what kind of daily life the people who lived here once had. Although the exhibits aren't as extensive as those at some of the other houses, this sense of being close to real life instead inspired an even greater feeling of nostalgia.

Overall, this stop is easy to explore, and you don't need to set aside too much time for it. For me, visiting Kobe's ijinkan isn't just about seeing beautiful architecture. It's also a way to experience Kobe's past history and culture through these preserved old houses.
Nankin-machi (Nanjing town)

"Nankin-machi" (Japanese name for Nanjing town) in Kobe is one of the three best Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. There are more than 100 Chinese restaurants, Japanese and Western restaurants, grocery stores, general stores, and many other stores lining the streets.
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On this trip to Kobe, I made a special point of visiting Nankin-machi to walk around and explore! As soon as I arrived, I was drawn in by the Chinese-style streetscape, with red lanterns, traditional gates, and lively streets. The whole atmosphere was really distinctive and gave me the familiar feeling of being in Yokohama Chinatown.

Nankin-machi is Kobe's famous Chinatown and one of the largest Chinatowns in western Japan. It connects to the Motomachi Shopping Street, and the area is lined with all kinds of Chinese restaurants, food stalls, and specialty foods. Just looking at the wide variety of food made me want to keep eating my way through the neighborhood!

Nankin-machi is mainly surrounded by three gates: Chang'an Gate, Nanlou Gate, and Xi'an Gate. Each has its own distinctive features, and they are all must-photograph landmarks here.

It's also very convenient to get to. Take the train to Motomachi Station, and it's just a short walk from there. You can also walk from Sannomiya Station, though it's a bit farther away.

This is a great place for a food-focused stroll. Take some photos, browse the shops, and try a few snacks that catch your eye while experiencing Kobe's lively, international atmosphere!
Meriken Park

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If you're visiting Kobe, I really recommend making time for a walk around Meriken Park! It has a wide, comfortable waterfront area. Walking along the harbor, feeling the pleasant sea breeze, and looking out over the expansive ocean view made me feel much more relaxed.

We specifically chose to visit around sunset, and it really didn't disappoint! The setting sun slowly turned the sky red, and the orange-pink glow reflected on the water. Combined with the scenery of Kobe Harbor, it was beautiful from every angle. Even casual snapshots turned into romantic landscape photos.

During the day, the blue sky and ocean feel fresh and refreshing, while the evening brings a softer, more romantic atmosphere. Especially as the sun was setting, I couldn't help but stay a little longer. Kobe's beauty isn't limited to its lively streets; it also has this relaxing and charming harbor atmosphere.