The garden landscape is modeled after the layout of the Wartburg Castle in Germany.
The ropeway covers an elevation change of approximately 330 meters during its 10-minute ascent.
The onsite 'Herbal Footbath' allows visitors to soak their feet in water infused with seasonal herbs while viewing the garden.
The gardens feature an 'Aroma Museum' dedicated to the history and extraction of essential oils.
The climate of the mountain slope allows for the coexistence of both temperate and subtropical plant species.
The ropeway provides an aerial view of the Nunobiki Falls, which are designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
Nunobiki Herb Gardens is Japan's largest herb garden, featuring over 200 species and 75,000 individual plants spread across a mountain slope overlooking Kobe. Access is provided by the Nunobiki Ropeway, which carries visitors from the base station near Shin-Kobe Station to the mountaintop garden. The facility is divided into twelve themed gardens, including a German-inspired house and a lavender field. Walking paths descend from the summit, passing the Glasshouse which contains tropical plants and an indoor cafe. The site overlooks the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Kobe city skyline, offering views spanning across the Seto Inland Sea. The gardens are organized by scent and use, ranging from culinary herbs to medicinal and aromatic varieties.
The observation plaza at the summit station, which offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the Kobe port and cityscape.
Walk downhill from the top station to the middle station to see all garden zones without climbing the steep mountain paths.
Check the blooming calendar on the official website before visiting to see which herbs or seasonal flowers are currently at peak color.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the path from the summit to the middle station is paved but involves significant incline.
Do not attempt to hike the entire mountain trail in formal footwear, as the paths are steep and uneven.
The ropeway and gardens may be closed during severe weather, particularly high winds or typhoons; check the official website for real-time operational status.
Do not pick or remove any plant life from the garden beds.
