HomeItinerariesToursBlogGuidesLocations
Cart
Trip To Japan
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

About Trip To Japan

Company

  • About Us
  • Careers
    New!
  • Blog
  • Travel Guide
  • All tours
  • All itineraries
  • Groups

Partners

  • Tour operator signup
  • Hotel signup
  • Creator signup
    New!

Contact us

+81 03-4578-2152

info@triptojapan.com

Address

Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Best Locations To Visit

FukuokaHakoneHiroshimaHokkaidoKawasakiKobeKyotoMiyajimaMt. FujiNaganoNagoyaNaoshimaNaraNaritaNikkoOkinawaOsakaTakayamaTokyoTsumagoSee All Locations
Ribbon illustration

License

Certified Travel License
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office: No.3-8367
Japan Travel

QualityTermsPrivacyCommerce Disclosure
© Takanawa Travel

  1. Places
  2. Kobe
  3. Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Kobe
Sorakuen Kobe
Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Garden
Sorakuen Garden

Sorakuen Garden

4.3 (1950)GardenTourist AttractionParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Sorakuen Garden, located in the bustling city of Kobe, is a serene oasis that offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. This traditional Japanese garden, completed in 1911, exemplifies the timeless beauty and meticulous design of classic Japanese landscaping.

Sorakuen Garden was originally the private residence of the Kodera family, one of Kobe's prominent merchant families. The garden features meticulously manicured lawns, elegant stone bridges, and tranquil ponds teeming with colorful koi fish. One of the garden's highlights is the former Hassam House, a Western-style building that adds a unique architectural contrast to the traditional Japanese elements.

The garden is especially enchanting during the changing seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms create a stunning pink canopy, while autumn transforms the garden into a vibrant tapestry of red and gold leaves. The well-maintained paths and scenic viewpoints make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and quiet reflection.

Visiting Sorakuen Garden provides a unique opportunity to experience the harmony and beauty of Japanese garden design. It's a hidden gem in Kobe, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical charm that captivates all who wander through its serene landscape.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry until 4:30 PM)

Closed: 

Every Thursday and December 31st to January 3rd for year-end and New Year holidays.

Available: 

All year

Minimum Age: 

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Adults (15 years and older): 300 yen

Children (elementary and junior high school students): 150 yen


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 78-351-5155
Website
sorakuen.com


The area

Address
5-chōme-3-1 Nakayamatedōri, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 78-351-5155

Website

sorakuen.com

Top ways to experience Sorakuen Garden

Arima Onsen
8 hours
Kobe's Hidden Gems: A Private Car Journey Through Mountains, Gardens, and Hot Springs
Kobe Harborland
8 hours
Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City

What other travelers are saying about Sorakuen Garden

Visited in July recently on a day trip to Kobe from Osaka. It is not a long walk from Motomachi Station. There is a small entrance fee. Beautiful garden, definitely worth a visit. Well maintained and beautifully landscaped. There were very few people about, so relaxing to walk around. There is a little box at near the ticket office to buy some fish food ¥100. Get a packet and enjoy feeding the carps.
Profile
Google Lum
Oct 14, 2025
It was a real pleasure discover this japanese garden in the middle of Kobe for take refuge some time from the hot weather of that day. The garden was really very well kept with lots of fish in the lake and also there is a tea house but unfortunately there was closing. There are a lot of benches, automatic machine drink and a public toilet. The price for enter it's 300 yen and you can pay only with cash.
Very beautiful garden. If worth the entry fee. We spend more than an hour there to take pictures.
Such a lovely garden in Kobe. Paired with the koi pond, the fall colors were stunning. The staff were also helpful and welcoming.
Hidden gem in the city Absolutely worth the little entry fee. The garden is peaceful, beautifully maintained, and full of charm. Loved seeing the koi fish and even spotted a crane by the water. A perfect quiet escape from the busy city — recommended if you’re nearby.

Nearby attractions to see

A vibrant cityscape of Kobe, Japan at dusk, featuring the illuminated Kobe Port Tower, a ferris wheel, modern buildings, and reflections on the waterfront under a colorful sky.

Kobe Port Tower

Modern cityscape featuring a tall skyscraper, a red observation tower, and a unique white, sail-like structure with trees and a paved plaza in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Kobe Meriken Park

A red-brick, Western-style house with a pointed tower sits among green trees, overlooking a modern city skyline under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Kitano-cho

Nearby attractions to see

A vibrant cityscape of Kobe, Japan at dusk, featuring the illuminated Kobe Port Tower, a ferris wheel, modern buildings, and reflections on the waterfront under a colorful sky.

Kobe Port Tower

Modern cityscape featuring a tall skyscraper, a red observation tower, and a unique white, sail-like structure with trees and a paved plaza in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Kobe Meriken Park

A red-brick, Western-style house with a pointed tower sits among green trees, overlooking a modern city skyline under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Kitano-cho


More about Sorakuen Garden from our blog

Best Day Trips in Japan

Top 10 Best Day Trips in Japan You Can't Miss

March 11, 2026
Affordable Japan Trip

Affordable Japan Trip: Essential Guide for Budget Travelers

March 5, 2026
Read blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Key attractions include the Former Hassam House, a historic Western-style building, the funa-yakata (a traditional boat house), and the beautiful pond surrounded by meticulously manicured landscapes.

Sorakuen Garden is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season. The garden also hosts special events and illuminations during these periods.

The garden hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including tea ceremonies, flower arrangement exhibitions, and seasonal festivals. These events offer a deeper appreciation of Japanese traditions and the garden's beauty.

Sorakuen Garden is easily accessible by public transportation. It is a short walk from Kenchomae Station on the Kobe Subway Kaigan Line or a 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station, Kobe's main transportation hub.
Kobe
Home
Profile
Daniele Butera
Aug 21, 2025
Profile
Man Loong Woo
Nov 20, 2025
Profile
Third
Nov 20, 2025
Profile
Cheechee C
Jun 17, 2025