Mt Rokko
The mountain range directly behind Kobe, accessible by ropeway in 15 minutes, with sweeping Osaka Bay views from 932 metres. In winter the frozen trees are illuminated at night, and the Rokko Garden Terrace serves as Kobe's most famous sunset viewpoint. The mountain trail connects seven peaks in a full-day traverse.
2–3 hours
Rokko Cable round-trip ¥1,550 (adult), ¥780 (child); one-way also available. As of 2025
Mountain: year-round; Rokko Cable: 7:00–21:00 (approx. every 20–40 min); Arima Ropeway: connects to Arima Onsen.
Year-round (December–February for illumination)
Ropeway from Rokko-Sanjo Station bus terminal (15 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Kobe's night view from Rokko — the "10-million dollar night view" paired with Osaka Bay panorama
- 2
Winter illumination (December–February) turns the frozen cedar trees into a blue-lit wonderland
- 3
The Rokko traverse trail (20km, 8 hours) crosses seven peaks above the city
Local Tips
The summit plateau has botanical gardens, an observatory, and a golf course — unusual for a mountain. The Kobe city panorama from the summit at night is outstanding. The cable car from Rokko Station connects to Arima Onsen via the ropeway on the other side — one of the most pleasant mountain-crossing day trips from Osaka or Kobe.
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Arima Onsen
Japan's oldest recorded hot spring resort — mentioned in 8th-century chronicles and praised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as his favourite retreat. The town has two unique spring types: Kinsen (golden-iron water that turns rusty on contact with air) and Ginsen (radium-bearing clear water). Both are found nowhere else in the region.
Awaji Island
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