Kobe Rokko Meets Art is an annual modern art festival that takes place at the top of Mt. Rokko in Kobe every year from late August to late November. This article will tell you how to enjoy the artworks in an efficient and satisfactory way, including how to get to the top of the mountain, what to wear, and some recommended spots.

The area of Mt. Rokko includes large and small mountains spanning the cities of Kobe, Ashiya, Nishinomiya, and Takarazuka in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture.The highest peak in this mountain range is Mt. Rokko which rises 931 meters above sea level. Although located near the urban area, Mt. Rokko is rich in nature. 

Click here to know more about Mt. Rokko.

Mt.Rokko is conveniently accessible from Kobe Sannomiya and Osaka Umeda area. Get off at either Hankyu Railway Rokko Station, JR Rokko-michi Station, or Hanshin Electric Railway Mikage Station, and take Kobe City Bus No. 16 or 106 from in front of the station to Rokko Cable Shita Station, the entrance to Mt. It takes only 10 minutes to the top of the mountain by Rokko Cable.

Rokko is located near Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s “Three Famous Hot Springs.” We recommend that you incorporate a visit to the hot springs.

“KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART” is a contemporary art festival where visitors can enjoy artworks exhibited on the Rokko Mountain in Kobe while hiking around the mountain.This will be the 16th time the exhibition will be held, and the duration has been extended for a total of 100 days.

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 20 to November 30, a light-up event called “Hikari no Mori – Night Art Stroll ” will be held at Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Prices with Night Pass are different.

●Adult (13 years old and older) 4,000 yen
●Child (4 to 12 years old) 1,700 yen

 To purchase the ticket please click here

Besides, East-Rokko Round Trip ticket is recommended, which includes both the Rokko Cable and the Rokko Sanjo Bus. Since you will need to get on and off the bus frequently to visit each facility, buying this ticket will allow you to get on and off the bus many times without the need for coins, and the fare is very economical. The ticket can be purchased only at the Rokko Cable Station, so be careful not to forget to buy it.

●Adult (13 years old and older) 2,300 yen

●Child (6 to 12 years old) 1,500 yen

Kobe Rokkosan Tourist Pass is highly recommended for those who go by public transportation.

The Pass including Kobe City Bus + cable car + Rokkosan Sanjo Bus costs 2,400 yen.

To purchase Rokkosan Tourist Pass please click here

The Rokko Sanjo Bus operates between the various facilities on the mountain. Bus schedules are available at each bus stop and on the MAP distributed at the site. Some areas do not have many buses, so we recommend that you check the bus schedule and decide how long you will stay. If you have trouble figuring out bus times, please refer to the model course to get around the area.

While you may use credit cards for Rokko Sanjo Bus, IC cards are not accepted. If you are not comfortable with this, we recommend you purchase a “Rokko Sanjo Bus 1-DAY Ticket”. The ticket can be purchased at the Rokko Cable Sanjo Station.

●Adult (13 years old and older) 800 yen
●Child (6 to 12 years old) 400 yen

It is about 5 degrees cooler on top of Mt. Rokko. It is fine during the hot August to early September, but from mid-September onward, it is recommended to bring a piece of clothing that is easy to put on and take off, as the weather in the mountains is changeable. Also, since you will be viewing the exhibition in a natural setting, you may encounter bees and insects. It is best to avoid wearing black clothing, which bees like.

Moreover, please wear shoes that are easy to walk in, such as sneakers, etc., as the trail area is on forest roads and some of the paths in the facilities are hilly or difficult to walk on. A backpack or similar bag that allows you to keep both hands open is also recommended.

The following is an introduction to the nine venues of Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2025 beyond, among which (4) Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, (5) Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and (9) Chapel of the Wind are highly recommended.

Hope the following will help to decide which venues to visit.

Right after climbing the stairs from the Rokko Cable Car Sanjō (Upper) Station, you’ll find Kobe Wala, an artwork by Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul + Navin Production, on display at Tenrandai.
In India and surrounding regions, adding the suffix “-wala” to a noun refers to a person engaged in a specific job or role. For example, “chaiwala” means a tea seller. The term “Kobe Wala” embodies both the artist’s own roots and the connection with Kobe, a city where diverse cultures coexist.

One may take the panoramic view of Kobe city through the artworks.

At the Rokko Cable Car Sanjo (Upper) Station, you can also find Sasayuri, Nobudo, Rindo by Yoshihiro Suda on display. The works are quite small, so be sure to look carefully so you don’t miss them.

Approximate viewing time: 10-15 minutes (Possible to enjoy during waiting for the cable car/bus)

Single ticket for Tenran Obaservatory: Adult (13 and over) 500 yen, Child (4~12 years old) 200 yen

This is Villa by Suguru Okadome, an artist whose practice centers on performance. The work is periodically live-streamed, and the person you see inside the villa bears a striking resemblance to the artist himself.

Approximate viewing time: 15-20 minutes

The artwork is displayed in the restaurant “Sora no Dining” across the street from the main building. It is possible to enter the restaurant only to view the artworks, but since this is a special opportunity, we recommend that you dine in the space where the artworks are located.

Approximate viewing time: 20 minutes

Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE will be one of the venues for this year’s museum area.

In “SIKI Garden～The Path of Sounds～”, Nara Yoshitomo “Peace Head”, which was selected as the main visual for 2025, is on display. This work carries the message that “humans, who are often prone to arrogance, are in fact only a part of the greater existence of nature.” Standing before the piece amidst the natural surroundings of Mt. Rokko, we are reminded that we, too, are part of nature. This artwork has been chosen as a permanent installation, serving as a new symbol of Mt. Rokko.

In the outdoor zone of SIKI Garden, “Peeking into the forest, The mountain hole.” by Misa FUNAI and other 8 regular artworks are exhibited.

*Exhibition date varies on different work

In addition, there are artworks scattered throughout the SIKI Garden, and besides the art, there are many places to enjoy the nature of Mt. Rokko, such as the hammock area and the treehouse.

Approximate viewing time: 45-90 minutes

Single ticket: Adult (13 and over) 1,500 yen, Child (4~12 years old) 750 yen

Before entering the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, you can see Tadashi Kawamata’s “Rokko’s Floating Bridge and Terrace Extend Submersible Bridge 2025” being exhibited continuously since 2023 in New Pond next to the parking lot. This year, a longer sunken bridge have been completed. If you are not planning to explore the trail area, this work located a minute’s walk from the parking lot is easily accessible.

*Shinike Pond is one of the venues in Museum Area.

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden is also one of the venues for this year’s museum area.

Displayed just a short walk down from the East Entrance is Yasuaki Kagii’s Embrace and the Sea. Encountering a large-scale underwater photograph in the midst of the mountains offers a truly unique and intriguing experience.

Winter/Hoerbelt, Embodiment of Banality is an interactive artwork that invites visitors to step inside and experience a swing.

You may also enjoy the seasonal flowers and plants in the Alpine Botanical Garden as you stroll around the garden.

Approximate viewing time: 40-60 minutes

Single ticket: Adult (13 and over) 900 yen, Child (4~12 years old) 450 yen

The Trail Area, newly opened in 2023, is an area where visitors can view artworks during hiking in the nature. There are no restrooms along the way, so be sure to use the restrooms and prepare for your drinks before entering the area. Since there are few lights in the area, it is recommended to visit early in the day.

BED by Rinne is created entirely from thinned wood. The work addresses issues such as neglected forests and the disruption of ecological balance. Since it is installed outdoors during the exhibition, its appearance may change between the beginning and the end of the exhibition period.

Approximate viewing time: 60-140 minutes (Depends on the walking pace)

Single ticket (Banno Villa/MOWA): (13 and over) 500 yen, Child (4~12 years old) 200 yen

The Rokko Garden Terrace area has three restaurants, making it a convenient base for lunch and souvenir shopping. 

Approximate viewing time: 10-15 minutes

Exhibited on the observation terrace, where you can enjoy sweeping views not only of Kobe but all the way to Osaka, is Roco Shirozu’s Mountain Spirits. Against the panoramic backdrop of Mount Rokko, three of the artist’s works are on display.

Although it is not included in the passport to view artworks, the Shidare Museum in Rokko Shidare Observatory is also a must-visit spot.

Rokko Shidare Observatory “Shidare Museum”

●Adult (13 years old and older) 1,000 yen

●Child (4 to 12 years old) 500 yen

Approximate viewing time: 30 minutes

Located along the Rokko Mountain Range Trail, this exhibition site sits in a quiet forest. Step outside the venue, and a sweeping view opens up before your eyes. Here, you can enjoy six different artworks.

The site is a 10-minute walk from the Rokko Garden Terrace area, or a 5-minute walk from the East Entrance of the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden.

Approximate viewing time: 30 minutes

Single ticket: (13 and over) 800 yen, Child (4~12 years old) 300 yen

One of the works you should not miss is Takahiro Iwasaki’s “Floating Lanterns” at Tadao Ando’s “Chapel of the Wind”. The Chapel of the Wind is one of a trilogy of chapeles designed by architect Tadao Ando, along with the Chapel of Water and the Chapel of Light.

The approach to the building is beautiful.

Displayed inside the church is Takahiro Iwasaki’s Floating Lanterns. This work features countless architectural models, composed from the memories of buildings lost to disasters and wars, quietly floating in space.

In addition, 5 works can be viewed at the nearby Rokkosan Art Center and three works can be viewed at the former Rokko Sky Villa.

Inside the church, you will find Takahiro Iwasaki’s Floating Lanterns. Within the solemn atmosphere of the church architecture, he has created delicate structures that look as if they might float lightly into the air.

Approximate viewing time: 90-120 minutes

Finally, for those who have trouble figuring out bus connections, or would like to go but access is a bottleneck, here is a model route on the mountain.

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Rokko Cable Sanjo Station (Departure: 12:35)

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Rokko Garden Terrace (12:44 arrival / 13:55 departure)

Lunch is also available here.

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Musical Box Museum (13:58 arrival / 15:00 departure)

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5 mins walk

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Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (15:05 arrival / 16:03 departure)

For those who are tired, we recommend spending a relaxing time at the Café.

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Chapel of the Wind (16:06 arrival / 16:46 departure)

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 20 to November 30, “Lighting Forest – Night Art Stroll” is held, so it is recommended to take the bus from Chapel of the Wind (departing at 17:09) and return to the Alpine Botanical Garden to enjoy the evening events.

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Rokko Cable Sanjo Station (16:50 arrival)

Take the Rokko Cable down to the bottom station, and then transfer to a Kobe City Bus to Hankyu Railway Rokko Station. It only takes about 10 minutes to Kobe Sannomiya Station and about 30 minutes to Osaka Umeda Station.

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During the art festival, restaurants and cafés within the venue will offer special limited-time menus. Visitors can savor dishes made with ingredients unique to Mount Rokko.

This dining room overlooks Osaka and Kobe. Lunch is mainly courses, and is recommended for those who can take their time. It is also open until 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:00 p.m.), so it can be used as a dinner after sightseeing.

Located inside the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, this café offers semi-self-service one-plate lunches and café menu items. There is also seating outside, so it is pleasant to eat on the terrace when the weather is nice.

Hyakujidori Tsukune Burger (served with potato chips and soup) ¥1,760 (tax included)
A festival-only menu item! This hearty Japanese-style burger features a tsukune patty made with “Banshu Hyakujidori,” a chicken prized for its sweet flavor and rich umami.

Other plans include a reservation plan with lunch for a private use of the park’s 360-degree transparent “SIKI Dome,” which is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time at the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE.

More details about reservation of SIKI Dome please click here

There are two entrances to the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and Café Edelweiss is located near the east entrance. We recommend the terrace seats overlooking the trees of the botanical garden.

This semi-self-service restaurant offers a casual Western menu of curry rice, hamburgers, stews, and other dishes. Seats by the window overlook the cityscape of Kobe.

Many Japanese people probably associate Mt. Rokko with Genghis Khan. It has been a specialty of Mt. Rokko since ancient times. Enjoy the view from the mountain while eating Genghis Khan.

This café offers chef’s special dishes and sweets made with seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy curry and hamburgers made with “Yamamitsu,” honey from Mt. Rokko.

Original Kobe Rokko Meets Art merchandise is available at five shops within the venue:
・Rokko Yusan Guidebook Shop 737
・Museum Shop Tokine
・Shop Alpicora
・Official Art Shop Holti
・Rokko Souvenir Shop

A recommended stop is the Official Art Shop Horti, located in the Rokko Garden Terrace area. Inside the spacious two-story shop, you’ll find everything from original event merchandise to a wide variety of Rokko Mountain goods. Starting October 1, the official exhibition catalog will also be available, so don’t miss it!

This is a special autumn-only event where you can enjoy art alongside the beautiful nature of Mount Rokko. Since the works change every year, it’s worth visiting each autumn to discover something new.