Established in 1933, the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden is Japan's oldest alpine botanical garden, situated at an elevation of 865 meters near the summit of Mount Rokko in Kobe. In 1955, the garden was designated as a museum-equivalent facility, recognizing its botanical significance and educational role.
The garden's high-altitude location creates a climate similar to southern Hokkaido, with an average temperature of just 9 degrees Celsius. This cool mountain environment enables the cultivation of approximately 1,500 species of alpine plants, cold-climate flora, and native Mount Rokko vegetation across 50,000 square meters of land. The garden has been certified as a Nature Coexistence Site by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, reflecting its conservation efforts. Plants are maintained in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats, with specialized rock garden landscapes designed to support alpine species on flat terrain.
Visitors can explore diverse botanical zones throughout the garden's seasonal displays. The collection includes plants from Japan and the Himalayas, featuring species such as dicentra, edelweiss, and skunk cabbage. The garden showcases seasonal highlights including early spring flowers that bloom through snow, skunk cabbage in March and April, Japanese primrose communities in late May, alpine flowers in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage. The garden contains preserved wetland areas that support rare Mount Rokko plants, including species that have disappeared elsewhere due to development.
Access to the garden requires a multi-stage journey up Mount Rokko. From Kobe stations including Rokkomichi, Rokko, or Mikage, take the Number 16 Kobe City Bus to Rokko Cable Shita Station. The Rokko Cable Car then ascends to Rokko Sanjo Station in approximately 10 minutes. From the upper cable car station, the Rokko Sanjo Bus stops at the garden's east entrance (1-minute walk) and west entrance near the Forest Sound Museum (3-minute walk).
Adult admission is 700 yen, while children aged 4 to 12 pay 350 yen. The garden accepts cash only. Parking is available for 1,000 yen on weekdays and regular holidays. Multi-use coupon tickets are available, including an 8-visit pass for 3,200 yen. The garden operates seasonally, typically closing on Thursdays and during winter months, with hours and dates varying throughout the year.
