Where to see autumn leaves in Kobe｜Stories｜VISIT KOBE

Where to see autumn leaves in Kobe

The autumn leaves are definitely a highlight of any trip to Japan. Kobe’s leaf viewing season lasts a long time because its best spots—including the mountains, the hot spring resort town and the city centre— all reach their peak at different times. Let’s start planning your spectacular autumn leaves trip to Kobe!

Mt. Rokko/Mt. Maya
Arima Onsen
Kobe city centre
Suma Area
In conclusion

Mt. Rokko/Mt. Maya

Best season: late October to late November

The mountainside forest changes colour before the city, as the leaves turn first at higher altitudes.

The ropeways and cable cars of Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya offer sensational leaf viewing from the cabin windows.

Marvel at the autumn colours from your cabin

Rokko Arima Ropeway: Enjoy the autumn colours in comfort on a 12-minute ride from the top of Mt. Rokko to Arima Onsen. Through the large windows of the gondola, look down for views of the reddening mountain slopes.; See more

Rokko Cable: From the Rokko Cable Shita station of the Rokko Cable Line, gateway to Mt. Rokko, it takes about 10 minutes to reach Rokko Sanjo Station at an altitude of 737 meters. Observe closely as the trees gradually take on color with every lift in elevation.; See more

Famous autumn leaf viewing spots on the mountain

Kobe Municipal Arboretum: A botanical garden on the west side of Mt. Rokko. This is the place to see changing leaves on trees from around Japan and worldwide, all in one place. For a limited time only, the garden is lit up at night.; See more

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden: Harnessing the chilly temperatures around the summit of Mt. Rokko, a wide variety of plants are grown in these gardens. As well as a vivid foliage display, expect to see unusual alpine plants and botanicals from cooler regions.; See more

Mayasan Tenjoji Temple: This historic temple is built atop Mt. Maya. Red and gold maple and gingko trees line the paths and stairs up to the temple, enveloping the grounds in ethereal beauty. On a clear day, the views extend all the way to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the islands that dot the horizon.; See more

Hot spots in the area

Rokko Garden Terrace: The exotic Rokko Garden Terrace area features four restaurants and two shops, a leisure spot for the best seasonal treats and sh…; See more

ROKKO Forest sound Museum: ROKKO Forest sound Museum is a relaxing spot on Mt. Rokko based on the concepts of “sound” and “nature.”In addition to the displ…; See more

Arima Onsen

Best season: early to late November

Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s top hot spring resort towns, famous for its two distinct thermal spring waters: the bronze-coloured kinsen (“golden spring”) rich in iron and salt, and the colourless ginsen (“silver spring”). After a walk in the colourful woods, be refreshed and revived by soaking in a hot spring bath. In this old hot spring resort town, eating the local sweet treats and discovering its elegant crafts will only add to the memories of your trip.

Zuihoji Park: The profusion of pines and maples here make it one of Kansai’s best autumn leaf viewing spots. The park was developed on the site of the old Zuihoji temple, which was abandoned in the 19th century. Its entrance gate is said to have been moved here from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto.; See more

Nene Bridge: This bridge crosses Arimagawa Shinsui Park near Arima Onsen train station. It is a fine place to snap a picture as the red balustrades complement the colourful trees flanking the bridge. Enjoy the splendour of autumn as the waters burble below.

Zenpukuji Temple: This historic temple is situated within the main area of Arima Onsen. Built on a hill, the temple grounds are the place to gaze at the deep red maple trees.

Hot spots in the area

Arima Trout Pond: A fishing spot to enjoy catching (small) rainbow trout, without the need to bring any of your own gear.Cooking of your catch is …; See more

Taiko no Yu, Arima Onsen: Taiko no Yu is the biggest hot spring resort in Arima Onsen, sprawling across 7,000 square meters.With a total of 26 baths and g…; See more

Arima Toys and Automata Museum: Look, listen, play, make: this museum collects and displays imaginative, well-designed, high-quality toys from around Japan and …; See more

Kobe city centre

Best season: mid-November to early December

Here we present leaf-viewing spots to visit in tandem with the classic destinations of central Kobe, from Meriken Park and Harborland in the bay area to the exotic neighborhoods of Kitano and Nankinmachi Chinatown.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Nestled in the mountains about 10 minutes by ropeway, entry to which is but a quick step from Shin-Kobe Station, the herb gardens offer fine vistas over Kobe. The red and golden trees backgrounded by the sea are a spectacle. Cosmos flowers happen to bloom at this time of year too.

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Sorakuen Garden

This Japanese garden is an oasis of quiet and tranquillity close to the action in Kobe’s most vibrant districts, Sannomiya and Motomachi. Autumn leaves reflecting on the pond and carp swimming gracefully beneath the water will still your beating heart.

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Shopping and Dining: The perfect complement to autumn leaf viewing in the city centre

Kobe Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street, across the road from Sannomiya Station and Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, just across from Motomachi Station, are packed with shops and eateries. Find a massive range of products including souvenirs, fashion, accessories and cosmetics on offer here.

On the south side of Motomachi is one of Japan’s big three Chinatowns, Nankinmachi. If you are feeling peckish, grab a Chinese snack and go.

Shopping and Dining: The perfect complement to autumn leaf viewing in the city centre

Suma Area

Best season: mid-November to early December

The Suma area is about 20 minutes by train to the west of Sannomiya. View autumn foliage against a classic Kobe background of clear blue sea.

Kobe Suma Rikyu Park

This park is famous for its panoramic views of Osaka Bay, open skies and a superb Versailles-style fountain garden. It is packed with places to see, from historical structures to autumn leaf tunnels. The colours of some 600 trees, many shared by the adjacent botanical garden, are a sight to behold, as are the maple leaves overhanging the waterfall in the park reflected on the pond’s surface.

This is also the season of spectacular autumn rose blooms.

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Sumadera Temple

About 10 minutes’ walk from Suma Rikyu Park is this historic Buddhist temple. Its symbol is an impressive vermillion three-story pagoda that when surrounded by colourful maples, will have you reaching straight for your camera. The statues of two busho (military generals) on their horses speak to the dramatic history of this area: the Genpei War was fought in this vicinity in the 12th century.

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In conclusion

Kobe is known as an exotic port city, but you ought to know by now that it is an easy place to explore the delights of autumn too. Please visit us to experience the intense colours of Japan in autumn with all five senses!

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