Nunobiki Herb Gardens—perched about 400 meters above Kobe—has entered its peak autumn foliage season. As the mountain air turns crisp, the gardens transform into a colorful canvas of reds, oranges, and golds. Combined with seasonal light-up events and the iconic 25-meter “Forest Christmas Tree,” this is one of the most magical times to visit.
Strolling Through the Gardens: Enjoy Autumn at Your Own Pace
Take the ropeway from the foot of the mountain and arrive at the summit station, where the first flashes of autumn color greet you.
As you walk down toward the Garden Area, you’ll find vibrant trees scattered throughout the pathways. The gentle slopes, panoramic mountain views, and fresh air make it a perfect place for a relaxing autumn stroll.
Visitors can enjoy foliage at multiple spots across the garden, making every turn a new moment to capture.
The trees throughout Nunobiki Herb Gardens are beginning to show their autumn colors.
Evening Light-Up: Autumn Leaves Glow Against the Twilight Sky
Illuminated autumn leaves.
n the late afternoon, selected trees around the gardens are illuminated.
Once the sun begins to set, the combination of warm-colored lighting and the fading orange sky creates a breathtaking contrast—one truly unique to this mountaintop setting.
The leaves are lit from below.
The upward lighting from the ground highlights the shape and color of each leaf, giving the foliage a dreamy, ethereal presence.
Don’t Miss the 25m “Forest Christmas Tree”
The 25-meter-tall metasequoia “Forest Christmas Tree.”
Nunobiki Herb Gardens is also home to the Kobe Christmas Market 2025, held throughout the season.
Alongside the autumn foliage, be sure to see the spectacular 25-meter metasequoia “Forest Christmas Tree.”
From a distance, it shines like a towering beacon above the gardens. But when you stand beneath it and look up, the perspective changes completely—branches illuminated from below stretch into the night sky, creating a magical, cathedral-like canopy of lights.
This shift in viewpoint is one of the most memorable experiences of the season.
Event Information
Nunobiki Herb Gardens – Autumn Foliage Light-up
Dates: November 8 (Sat) – early December 2025
Location: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Hours: 9:30–17:15
Night Hours: Until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and daily from Dec. 15–25
The ropeway operates during night openings, allowing visitors to enjoy Kobe’s night view on the way back down.
