Located one hour from Kyoto and Osaka and an hour and a half from Hiroshima, Kobe has great accessibility from popular cities in Western Japan. Known as a port town, Kobe has also great spots for viewing autumn foliage! The best part of Kobe is that you can appreciate autumn foliage in a relaxing atmosphere with less people than in Kyoto, one of the most popular areas in the Kansai Area. Here are some activities you can enjoy along with viewing autumn colors!
Mt. Maya is famous for its beautiful appearance. With an altitude of 702 meters, the mountain is popular as it is readily accessible by cable car and ropeway as well as by hiking. Did you know that on the top of Mt. Maya, there is Tenjoji Temple that is famous for its wonderful autumn foliage? Japanese maple trees lining the slopes and stairs on the approach and Dodan azalea have red and yellow leaves in autumn, creating a beautiful colorful tunnel for visitors. It is said that autumn foliage starts from mountains, and the top of Mt. Maya, located higher than the surrounding cities, such as Kyoto, has an earlier start of autumn leaf color every year.
Peak season for autumn foliage:
Around late October to mid-November
The trees on the temple grounds change colors one after another
One more recommended place
At the top of the mountain, there is a popular night-viewing spot called “Kikusei-dai,” from which you can gaze away at one of the three most spectacular night views in Japan. Since the air is clear from autumn to winter, it is a recommended season for enjoying night views. Stay until after dark, and enjoy the cityscape of Osaka as well as Kobe!
| Access | Sannomiya Sta. (JR, Hankyu) 20 min by bus Maya Cable Shita stop a short walk (right in front) Maya Cable Sta. (Maya Viewline [cable car and ropeway]) Hoshi no Eki Sta. 10 min walk * Please check the latest timetables for the ropeway and Sky Shuttle Bus. *If you drive there, please use the Tenjoji mae Parking (pay parking). |
| Business hours | The gates of Tenjoji Temple are open from 9:00-17:00. |
| URL | http://www.mayasan-tenjoji.jp/ |
Located 400 meters above sea level, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens attract many visitors with various seasonal flowers throughout the year. You can enjoy herbs and flowers that adorn the garden together with beautiful autumn colors, popularly known as “Autumn Leaves of Nunobiki.” Among many autumn foliage viewing spots in the gardens, the observatory is especially recommended to get a great view. With a view of the cityscape of Kobe behind autumn foliage, you can enjoy a unique scenery of the city, which accommodates both urban and natural areas. From the ropeway going to the gardens, you can also get a wonderful view of autumn foliage.
Peak season for autumn foliage:
Early November to early December
One more recommended place
Walk for about 15 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station, you will come across Nunobiki-no-taki Falls (Ontaki Fall), one of the greatest “divine” falls in Japan. Water falling from a height of 43 meters creates an overwhelming scenery. Enjoy viewing the combination of waterfalls and autumn foliage at Mentaki Fall nearby.
| URL | https://www.kobeherb.com/ |
Near Sumadera Temple, the setting of the “Tale of Genji”, a long novel written in the 11th century, there is Kobe Suma Rikyu Park. In the park, you can enjoy autumn foliage walking along the 150-meter trail covered with colorful maple leaves and at the Japanese garden, where you can enjoy viewing autumn foliage in a relaxing atmosphere. In the Japanese garden, Japanese maple leaves are beautifully illuminated at night on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
Peak season for autumn foliage:
Mid-November to early December
One more recommended place
Near the Suma Coast, Kobe Suma Sea World opened on June 1, 2024! It is the only place where you can see live performance of orcas in Western Japan. Based on the fusion of “Education” and “Entertainment,” this aquarium can excite both adults and children.
| URL | https://www.kobe-park.or.jp/rikyu/ |
