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.

Arima Onsen is popular not only for its hot springs but also for strolling through the town and sampling the local cuisine!

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The 10 best food and sweets in Arima Onsen Town

“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.

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 19 to November 29, 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.

*No service from August 29 through September 18.

≪Day & Night Pass≫
●Adult (13 years old and older) 4,300 yen
●Child (4 to 12 years old) 1,800 yen

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.

≪East-Rokko Round Trip ticket≫
●Adult (13 years old and older) 2,300 yen
●Child (6 to 12 years old) 1,500 yen

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

If you purchase the “Rokko Mountain Bus 1-Day Ticket”, you can ride as much as you like on the routes marked ① and ③ in the photo.

It’s about 5 degrees cooler on Mount Rokko than at the base. While it’s fine during the hot months of August through early September, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket starting in mid-September. Since mountain weather can change quickly, we recommend wearing layers that are easy to put on and take off. Also, since you’ll be viewing the exhibits in a natural setting, you may encounter bees and other insects. It’s best to avoid wearing black clothing, as bees are attracted to it.

The trail area follows forest roads, and some parts of the facilities include slopes and uneven paths, so please wear comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers. A backpack or similar bag that leaves both hands free is also recommended.

≪Clothing≫
・Clothing that’s easy to put on and take off (a light jacket)
・Sneakers

≪Items to Bring≫
・Backpack
・Drinks

The following is an introduction to the nine venues of Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2026 beyond, among which (6) Museum Area
Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, Shinike Pond and (10) Chapel of the Wind are highly recommended.

Taking over the Rokko Cable Lower and Upper Stations in spectacular fashion is NISHIHARA☆Norio×KITAZONO Group ≪Breakout!! My room≫, a collaborative unit formed by sculptor Nishihara☆Norio and the musical sibling duo KITAZONO Group.

On the platform at Rokko Cable Lower Station, visitors can enjoy watching and listening to the opening video for the art festival produced by KITAZONO Group, while three-dimensional works by Nishihara☆Norio are on display at both Rokko Cable Lower Station and Upper Station.

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

Three works are on display at the Tenran Observatory. Since there are more works than usual this year, we recommend setting aside a little extra time to view them.

MIYAZAKI Hiroshi≪CELEBRATION / Vanitas of Borrowed Scenery≫ and Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba≪ A Conversation Between Two Mountains — At the Funeral — Mt. Rokko and Mt. Bà Vì speaking —≫
offer wonderful views of the Kobe cityscape through the artworks. Since the atmosphere of the works changes depending on the weather and time of day on the day you visit, you’ll want to come back again and again.

MIYAZAKI Hiroshi≪CELEBRATION / Vanitas of Borrowed Scenery≫ is an installation that expresses the transience and beauty of the ever-changing city and nature. It’s a work that allows visitors to enjoy watching how it evolves over the course of the exhibition. You’re also welcome to sit in the chair and take photos.

The indoor installation at Tenran Observatory, titled ≪Gaaaze! Fooocus! Fairy Watching≫ is a work by INOUE Ryo, who writes lyrics, composes music, sings, and creates animations for famous Japanese TV Shows”Biju Tune!”. It’s a song that will stick in your head after just one listen—be sure to go check it out.

Approximate viewing time: 40 minutes

Two artworks are on display in this area. At the Hyogo Prefectural Mt. Rokko Visitor Center, you can learn about the origins, history, and flora of Mt. Rokko—all for free—and it’s also a great place to take a break. Plus, from the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Kobe and Kobe Airport.

Approximate viewing time: 15 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: 25 minutes

Banno Sanso is a historic mountain lodge dating back to before World War II, but after many years, it is currently uninhabited. Although the lodge is not normally open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore it.

We will be exhibiting two works at “Banno Sanso” and “Banno Sanso Hanare”, vacation homes that offer a glimpse into the history of Mount Rokko.

There is no dedicated parking lot, so visitors arriving by car can walk about 5 to 10 minutes from the Memorial Monument Parking Lot. Visitors using the mountain bus will also need to walk from Memorial Monument to reach the site.

Approximate viewing time: 40 minutes

At the entrance to the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum—one of the venues in the museum area—is an artwork by YAMAMOTO Shuji≪Visitor Center in Mt.Rokko≫, which also serves as an actual information desk. Staff will be on duty there throughout the exhibition period, so we recommend stopping by here first to get some information before exploring the rest of the exhibition.

At the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, 12 artworks are displayed along a walking path that circles the grounds.

In the pond just inside the entrance to “SIKI Garden” a cluster of Daisy Balloon ≪Between≫ balloons floats on the water.

In addition, the permanent exhibition featuring NARA Yoshitomo Nara≪Peace Head≫ is also very popular. This work conveys the message that “humans, who tend to be arrogant, are part of nature—a greater force”. As you stand before the artwork amidst the natural beauty of Mount Rokko, take a moment to reflect on the fact that we, too, are part of nature.

*Exhibition date varies on different work

Approximate viewing time: 90 minutes

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

Just before entering the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum, at the New Pond next to the parking lot, Shohei Takasaki≪Untitled (August 24, 2026 / A Circle)≫ is on display.

The work features 365 figures depicted on a panel measuring 150 meters in total length. When viewed from above, this large-scale piece takes the shape of the infinity symbol (∞), and viewing it from various angles reveals new discoveries. “Since so many different people are depicted, I hope you’ll come back again and again to make new discoveries”, said Mr.Takahashi. Be sure to pay attention to the reflections on the pond as well.

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

As you walk down from the East Entrance and turn left, you’ll find MATSUI Shota≪Stone of “Saidan”≫ on display. Mr.Matsui is an artist who creates three-dimensional works using unprocessed stones collected from mountains and rivers; his pieces—featuring stones suspended in space or floating on water—have a mysterious quality that invites viewers to take a closer look.

Don’t miss the works ABE Ayaka≪The Mountain Looks Back Through a Boar’s Crystalline Lens≫ and NORIMATSU Karin≪FLORA OF MIAKNVA≫ on display at Shop Alpicola; they’re well worth seeing.

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

Approximate viewing time: 50 minutes

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

This is a small hut where artist KAIHATSU Yoshiaki exhibits his work. It is located in front of the GREENIA Adventure Park and is about a 5-minute walk from the Garden Terrace.

Approximate viewing time: 15 minutes

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

On the observation terrace—which offers a stunning view stretching not only over Kobe but all the way to Osaka—SHIKATA Kenichi≪Excavated Scenery≫ is on display. Against the backdrop of the panoramic view of Mount Rokkō, one large piece is featured, while a group of smaller works is scattered throughout the area.

Approximate viewing time: 40 minutes

You can now use the Passport to enter the Rokko-Shidare Observatory, also known as the “Shidare Museum”. This is the highest-altitude spot on Mount Rokko and was designed by SAMBUICHI Hiroshi.

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by KIMURA Takahito≪Wind and Migratory Birds≫.

DAITO Masaya≪Whereabouts of the soul≫, created by melting bottles, incorporates Ramune bottles from Kobe and stones from Mount Rokko.

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

●Child (4 to 12 years old) 500 yen

Approximate viewing time: 15 minutes

One of the works you should not miss is TANADA Koji≪Crossing the Bridge Beyond Reach≫ 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.

He said he created it not to rival Mr. Ando’s architecture, but so that architecture and sculpture would blend together.

There are four artworks on display along the way to the church. Some of them are placed in spots where you have to peer in to see them, so be sure not to miss them. In addition, you can view 10 artworks at the former Rokko Sky Villa nearby.

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 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.

Recommended for first-time visitors to Rokko Meets Art! A tour focusing on “free” artworks

<START>

11:40 Departure: Rokko Cable Car Sanjyo Sta. (Rokko Sanjo Bus Route 1)
↓
11:43 Arrival: Hyogo Prefectural Mt.Rokko Visitor Center（Memorial Monument）
・From the observation terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Kobe and Kobe Airport.
↓ 5-minute walk
11:50  Arrival: Rokko Mountain Silence Resort (formerly Rokko Mountain Hotel)
↓ 5-minute walk
12:43 Departure: Hyogo Prefectural Mt.Rokko Visitor Center（Memorial Monument）(Rokko Mountain Bus Route 1)
↓
12:49 Arrival: Rokko Garden Terrace
・There are three restaurants here, so we recommend having lunch here.
↓
14:17 Departure: Rokko Garden Terrace (Rokko Mountain Bus Route 1)
↓
14:24 Arrival: Rokko Cable Car Sanjyo Sta.

A One-Day Itinerary to Enjoy the Highlights Using Your Passport

<START>
11:40 Departure: Rokko Cable Car Sanjyo Sta. (Rokko Mountain Bus Route 1)
↓
11:49 Arrival: Rokko Garden Terrace
・There are three restaurants here, so we recommend having lunch here.
・Be sure to experience the Rokko-Shidare Observatory!
↓
13:17  Departure: Rokko Garden Terrace (Rokko Mountain Bus, Route 1)
↓
13:20 Arrival: Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONEt
・Combined, Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE and the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden take about 2.5 hours. Since this will be a somewhat rushed tour, we recommend visiting the Church of the Wind on a separate day if you’d like to take your time.
・Don’t miss the Shinike near the parking lot or Yayoi Kusama.
↓
Walk: About 5 minutes
↓
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
・Enjoy the artworks as you walk from the West Entrance toward the East Entrance. The bus stop for the Church of the Wind is right by the East Entrance.

16:03 Departure: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (Rokko Mountain Bus Route 3)
↓
16:06 Arrival: Church of the Wind
From September 19 to November 29, on weekends and holidays, the night event is held. We recommend taking the bus from the Church of the Wind (departing at 16:29) back to the Alpine Botanical Garden to enjoy the evening event starting at 17:00.

↓
16:46 Departure: Church of the Wind (Rokko Mountain Bus Route 3)

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.

Kobe Beef Hamburger Steak with Melting Cheese Gratin (Served with Rice, Salad, and Pumpkin Soup) 2,000 yen (tax included)

A juicy Kobe beef hamburger steak topped with white sauce and cheese and baked to perfection. This delightful dish combines the rich flavor of the cheese with the savory umami of Kobe beef.

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.

This is an event exclusive to autumn where you can enjoy art along with the beautiful natural scenery of Mount Rokko. We hope you’ll make it a point to visit every fall.