Perched atop one of Japan’s most iconic peaks, Rokkō Garden Terrace (六甲ガーデンテラス) offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the country. Known for its “ten-million-dollar” night view of Kobe and the glittering Osaka Bay, this premier observation destination features unique architectural landmarks like the Rokko-Shidare Observatory. Visitors can stroll through English-style gardens, enjoy gourmet dining with a view, and shop for local souvenirs in a charming hilltop setting. Whether you are stopping by after a day at the nearby GREENIA Athletics Park or visiting for a romantic sunset, Rokkō Garden Terrace is the ultimate vantage point for experiencing the natural beauty of the Hyogo Prefecture.
What to Do at Rokko Garden Terrace in Kobe
- About Rokkō Garden Terrace
- Miharashi no Tō (見晴らしの塔)
- Rokkō Shidare Observatory (自然体感展望台 六甲枝垂れ)
- Rokkō Garden Terrace’s Opening Hours and Access Information
About Rokkō Garden Terrace
Smartly utilizing the terrain, the restaurants and cafes offering delicious French or Swiss menus here are on the observatory deck. Amongst all the eateries, Granite Café (グラニットカフェ) is the most popular amongst visitors. Located just in front of one of the observatories – Miharashi no Tō (見晴らしの塔), you will get a spectacular view similar to the view from the observatory. Customers also praise their creative menus (albeit there is no vegetarian light meal option).
Apart from Granite Café, each restaurant has its distinctive features. Depending on how hungry you are and what cuisines you crave, your favorite restaurant of the day can change!
After enjoying some nice food and scenery at the restaurants, don’t forget to drop by the shops for some local specialties to make your family and friends who didn’t get to come with you happy when you get back home (^_-)-☆.
Miharashi no Tō (見晴らしの塔) at Rokkō Garden Terrace
If you are looking for the observatory, Miharashi no Tō, find that 11-meter-tall European turret on one side of the terrace. Because of its unusual style, you might not notice its functionality if you weren’t told in advance (´▽｀*).
But now you are reading our article, remember to climb up to the top for the magnificent view in the photo on the right after you had a selfie with the tower!
And after you come down to the ground, head down to Miharashi no Terrace (見晴らしのテラス) to see for yourself if there are any differences between the view at the top and the view from the terrace (^_-)-☆.
The cottage garden under the Miharashi no Tō is filled with seasonal flowers. From mid-July to mid-August, you will see “Annabel”, a type of hydrangea, blooming in the hot summer.
Rokkō Shidare Observatory (自然体感展望台 六甲枝垂れ)
The most striking thing on the terrace is probably the Rokko-Shidare Observatory, located at the highest point of Mt. Rokkō. The observatory itself was designed by architect Sanbuichi Hiroshi (三分一 博志) and features a dome-shaped frame that covers the entire architecture.
With the concept of the big tree standing on Mt. Rokkō, Hinoki cypress from Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, is used for the frame, walls, and floor of the observatory, so that the scent of cypress drifts inside.
During the day, sunlight shines through the frame, creating a very fantastic space if you enter the “tree’s trunk”!
Around Rokko-Shidare Observatory , the French chrysanthemum will fully bloom from late May to early June.
At night, the entire observatory is lit with different LED colours to represent the season. In spring, it is purple for the blooming flowers; in summer, blue to match the moon and fireflies at night; in autumn, orange for the sunset; and in winter, silver for the white snow.
Rokkō Garden Terrace’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Rokkō Garden Terrace is open from
- 9:30 am to 6 pm on weekdays
- 9:30 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays
- Note the business hours slightly differ between the shops and restaurants.
- Please refer to Rokko Garden Terrace’s Official Website for the business calendar.
- The admission fee to Rokkō Shidare Observatory (自然体感展望台 六甲枝垂れ) is
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 yen for children from 4 years old to elementary school students
- From Rokkō Cable Line’s Rokkō Sanjō Station (六甲山上駅), take Rokko Sanjo Bus Route 1 (六甲山上バス1系統) and get off at Rokkō Garden Terrace (六甲ガーデンテラス).
- From Rokkō Arima Ropeway’s Sanchō Station (山頂駅), it is less than a 5-minute walk away.
Discover Other Attractions in Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya
Rokkō Garden Terrace is just one of the many awesome attractions in Mt. Maya. To find out where else you can visit during your time on the mountain, check out our article about Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya for more information (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ!
