It’s time for the kokia to shine at this herb gardens and ropeway attraction in Kobe

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway's Garden Fest 2026 -Autumn- event is proving to be a spectacular display of autumn foliage this year, with kokia (bassia scoparia), also known as firebush in English, taking center stage. The park, located at an elevation of 400 meters (1,434 feet), offers a peak viewing period from September 12 to December 6, with the best time to see the vibrant kokia being now until the end of October.

Three main areas within the grounds showcase the kokia in all their fiery glory. The first is right outside the park's Glass House, where the crimson kokia plants have been prominently incorporated into the landscaping, creating a perfect photo opportunity. The second location is the Windy Hill Lawn Plaza, offering a windswept setting with a view of Kobe’s modern skyline, allowing visitors to relax in hammocks and enjoy the contrast between the vivid red kokia and the silver skyscrapers.

Lastly, the third spot features kokia mingling with other fall-blooming plants such as silver cock’s comb in one of the herb gardens.

The gardens boast a diverse collection of approximately 200 plant species and 75,000 individual herbs and flowers, ensuring a colorful experience that will keep visitors entertained. Garden Fest 2026 -Autumn- follows park hours through November 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on weekends. On weekdays, the ropeway opens at 9:30 a.m., with the last ride down at 5:15 p.m., while on weekends, the ropeway opens at 9 a.m., and the last ride down is at 9 p.m.

Admission for an adult with a round-trip ropeway ticket and entrance to the Herb Garden costs 2,500 yen (US$16) for adults and 1,250 yen for children (elementary through junior high school). However, there are discounts available for those entering after 5 p.m. who are only interested in viewing the gardens. To complement the natural beauty, visitors may also want to try a retro eatery specializing in sobameshi, a traditional Japanese dish, during their visit to Kobe.