Mt. Rokko and Night Views

Mount Rokko 

Mount Rokko (六甲山, Rokkōsan, 931 meters) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, which provides the pleasant green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset.

Various small tourist attractions can be found on Mount Rokko, including a botanical garden, a music box museum, a pasture with flowers and sheep, Japan's first golf course and Rokko Garden Terrace, a tourist complex with a few restaurants, shops and an observation deck.

A circular bus line (running in clockwise direction only) connects the various attractions with the top stations of both the Rokko Cablecar (going to central Kobe) and the Rokko Arima Ropeway (going to Arima Onsen).

Here is the map of Mt. Rokko area. 

Rokko Cable Car

Having been operated since 1932, Rokko Cable Car takes you up to the Mt. Rokko in 10min. When you reach the last terminal you could see the "10 million Dollar of Night View" at Tenran Observatory. 

【Tickets】
One way for Adult: 600yen    Child: 300yen    
Return for Adult:1100yen   Child: 550yen 

【Timetable】
　　　　　　　　(h)          (min)

Rokkosan Tourist Pass

2day: 1,200yen
Advantageous train/bus ticket valid through two days, combined with special favours and discount in the Rokko area. 
Valid section: Kobe municipal bus Route 16,106 round trip
                         Rokko Cable Car: 
                         from Rokko Cable Shita to Rokko Sanjo round trip

Sale location is listed on the website linked on the image above. 

Things to see in Mt. Rokko

➀Tenran Observatory

This is the observatory where you could see all the area from Akashi to Osaka. This spot is one of the ”Japan Night View Heritage Sites". This beautiful night view is one of the Kobe's icons. 

【Opening Hours】: 7:10-21:00 

【Access】: 15min bus from Rokko Station (Hankyu Line) to Rokko Cable Shita → 10min Cable car from Rokko Cable Shita Station to Rokko Sanjyo Station. 

②Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden

Look at【Google Map】

There are more than 1,500 kinds of alpine plants that are native to Mount Rokko. It is worth to come and visit every season to see different kinds of seasonable plants. 

【Opening Hours】: 16/3 (Sat) - 24/11 (Sun)   10:00-17:00

【Ticket】: Adult: 700yen      Child: 400yen 

③Rokko Garden Terrace

Rokko Garden Terrace provides a wide range of experiences, from picturesque sceneries, shopping to great dining experiences besides the great night view. Views from the European-style tower are worthwhile. 

View spot 1. Rokko-Shidare Observatory 

The light comes differently in every season. 

View Spot 2. Miharashi-no Tou 

View Spots 3. Miharasshi-no Terrace

A paranoma where you could see mountains in Rokko and the brightning city of Kobe. This place is best to heal your trip all the way to Mount Rokko.