Kobe Christmas Market 2025 at Nunobiki Herb Gardens | Illuminations & Night View Magic in Kobe

“Kobe Christmas Market 2025” Has Begun

The beloved winter tradition of port city Kobe—“Kobe Christmas Market”—has returned once again to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens in 2025.

At an elevation of about 400 meters, the gardens turn into a dreamy world called “Castle Christmas.”
Here, visitors can enjoy German-inspired food and crafts, surrounded by glittering illuminations that make both day and night feel magical.

A Ropeway Ride to the Herb Gardens

Begin your journey aboard the Nunobiki Ropeway from the foot of the mountain.
As the gondola ascends, the cityscape and port of Kobe unfold below you, gradually fading into a peaceful distance.

View of Kobe from inside the ropeway.

The panoramic view of Kobe from above is a sight you’ll only find here—each moment offering a perfect photo opportunity.

A 360-degree panoramic view unfolds from the ropeway.

Castle Square — Welcome to “Botanical Christmas”

A 7-meter-tall Christmas Tower greets you upon arrival.

Arriving at the summit feels like stepping into a European castle.
In just 15 minutes from downtown Kobe, you are transported to a festive wonderland.

This year’s theme is “Botanical.”
Natural materials unique to the Herb Gardens—such as dried plants, branches, and herbs—create warm, organic displays filled with seasonal charm.

The Christmas Tower stands out with an impressive presence.

At the heart of the plaza stands the 7-meter “Christmas Tower”, designed with fir trees and branches pruned from the garden itself.
When it lights up at 4:00 p.m., the soft glow embraces the hilltop, symbolizing the harmony between nature and human creativity.

Experience a “German Christmas” at the Market

Feel the spirit of a German Christmas at the market.

Rows of adorable tents adorned with red ribbons and cypress leaves recreate the charm of a German-style Christmas market.
You’ll find imported ornaments, advent calendars, nutcrackers, incense smokers, and cuckoo clocks—beautiful European crafts that bring festive spirit to life.

The Giant Welcome Wreath — “Welcome to the Herb Gardens”

A giant welcome wreath about 3 meters in diameter.

At the entrance to the plaza, a massive 3-meter wreath greets visitors.
Its lush greenery and vivid red ribbon seem to whisper, “Welcome to Christmas on the hill.”

Warm Up with a Cup of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine and an original herb sausage platter.

Few things warm you up like authentic German Glühwein—mulled wine directly imported from a winery in the Pfalz region (900 yen).
With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s the ideal drink for chilly winter air.
It pairs wonderfully with the garden’s original herb sausage platter.

Forest Christmas — The Corridor of Light

Walk through the “Corridor of Light” toward the “Forest Christmas.”

From the main tree to the Glasshouse area, a softly glowing path transforms into the “Corridor of Light.”
Walk slowly and take in the magical fusion of nature and illumination.

The 25-Meter Christmas Tree That Shines Over the Hill

The “Forest Christmas Tree,” a 25-meter metasequoia adorned with lights.

Deep within the forest stands the “Forest Christmas Tree,” a 25-meter metasequoia decorated with about 1,600 sparkling lights.
Surrounding trees are also illuminated, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Looking up from the base of the tree reveals a magical, dreamlike view.

Standing beneath the towering tree and gazing upward, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of lights—an experience that’s simply unforgettable.

The Veranda Christmas

The Glasshouse consists of four shining domes.

In the Glasshouse area, the Veranda Christmas glows with four shining glass domes.
At night, even the greenhouse, the “Herb House,” and the courtyard sparkle with illuminations, each area offering its own distinct atmosphere.

The decorations inside the glass domes are equally captivating.

From the Veranda Terrace, you can enjoy a sweeping night view of Kobe’s city lights.

The Veranda Terrace offers a sweeping night view of Kobe.

Enjoy the seasonal dessert “Special Savarin” while admiring the city lights.

Relax in this luxurious space with a cup of Glühwein or the limited seasonal dessert “Special Savarin.”
It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet, memorable evening.

A Magical Ride Home with Kobe’s Night View

The night view of Kobe from the returning ropeway is simply breathtaking.

End your visit with a ropeway ride back down the mountain.
Below you, the glittering night view of Kobe spreads out like a sea of lights—
a completely different world from the daytime scene.

In that moment, you may find yourself thinking,
“I want to come back to this hill again next Christmas.”

Event Information

Kobe Christmas Market 2025 – Castle Christmas
📍 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
🗓 November 8 (Sat) – December 25 (Thu), 2025
🕒 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. (last ropeway ascent 4:45 p.m.)
🌙 Night Illumination: until 9:00 p.m. (last ropeway ascent 8:15 p.m.)
Night openings on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and daily from Dec. 15–25.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway (Official Website)

Access from Sannomiya st.

From Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, or Subway lines), take the Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line one stop to Shin-Kobe Station.
The Nunobiki Ropeway is about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station.
Ride the ropeway for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Herb Gardens Top Station, where the Christmas Market takes place.

Alternatively, a taxi from Sannomiya to the ropeway base station takes around 10 minutes.