Rokko mountain is located at the north of cosmopolitan city Kobe. Developed about 150 years ago by foreigners living in Kobe about 150 years ago, it then became one of the most famous holiday resort destination in the Kansai area.

Today, it offers many facilities, such as observatory deck, a farm and museums, but the cable car (Rokko Cable Car) that goes up to the top of the mountain is an attraction in itself.

Here, we will look back on the history of the Rokko Cable Car and introduce how to ride it, as well as the highlights at the top of the mountain.

Rokko Mountain, which was Developed by Foreigners

First generation cable car

The Rokko Cable Car was inaugurated in 1932. In the 1920s and 1930s, the transportation network on Mt. Rokko, such as driveways and ropeways, was fully developed. Along with this, many resort hotels and tourist destinations were established.

A peaceful harmony between nature and amusement have been an inherent part of Mt. Rokko's culture and charm still present to this day. However, it was not the Japanese who first created it.

It all started in 1895, when Arthur Hesketh Groom, a Japan-lover British merchant who lived in Kobe, built a mountain lodge on the mountain, at a time when even hiking trails had not yet been established.

Following suit, Mt. Rokko was developed by foreigners who lived in Kobe as a place to enjoy activities such as golf, skiing, and ice skating.

Just like in Kobe, there are many Western-style buildings on Mt. Rokko. This is a testimony that the Western culture brought by Arthur Groom and his likes has been passed on to this day. 

Let’s go for a 10-minute excursion with the Rokko Cable Car

We will introduce how to get to the Rokko Cable Car platform from the center of Kobe, the fare, and how to board the cable car.

The best way to get to the Rokko Cable Car Shita (Lower) station is to take a bus (Kobe City Bus No.16) from Kobe city center. Buses can be taken from three stations, which are Hansin Mikage Station, JR Rokkomichi Station, and Hankyu Rokko Station.
From JR Sannomiya station which is close from the city center of Kobe, you can arrive at JR Rokkomichi station in only 5 minutes by rapid train. From there it is a quick 20-minute bus ride from there.

Rokko Cable Sita (Lower) Station is the bus terminal station. It is easy recognizable thanks to its triangle-shaped roofed which makes it look like a mountain hut.

The fare is 600 yen for adults (round trip: 1,100 yen) and 300 yen for children (round trip: 550 yen).

Not only mountain climbers and tourists take the cable car : it is the usual means of transport for the children commuting to elementary school on the mountain.

The cable car connects Rokko Cable Shita Station and Rokko Sanjyo Station (about 1.7km) in about 10 minutes.

Classical type cable car

Retro type cable car.

Each cable car is comprised of two wagons. There are two designs : the “classical type” and the “retro type”. Both of them are as cute as toys.

Each train has a wagon with no windows on one side, ideal to feel the fresh breeze of the mountain.

As you go up, you will be surprised at the steepness of Mt. Rokko, which has a 493.3-meter difference in elevation.

Even though the ride takes only 10 minutes, the greenery of the mountain on either side makes the ride feel like an exciting short excursion.

Inside the Rokko Sanjo Station

The retro architecture of Rokko Sanjo Station makes the station an touristic attraction in itself. The building, which has remained unchanged since the day of its opening, was registered as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization in 2007. On the rooftop, there is an observatory deck overlooking the city of Kobe. 

Rokko Sanjo Station also acts as a bus terminal for buses to ROKKO Forest Sound Museum, Rokko Alpine Garden, and other sightseeing spots.

The following article provides a detailed introduction of ROKKO Forest Sound Museum and the Rokko Alpine Garden.

30 Minutes Away from Kobe. Spending an Afternoon at a Museum and Botanical Garden where you can Feel the Nature

 https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/world/note/16

Top of Mt. Rokko is a HAven ｏｆＳｐｅｃｔａｃｕｌａｒSpectacular Views and Art

Rokko GARDEN TERRACE, 10 minutes away from Rokko Sanjo Station, is a place where spectacular sights and art blend together.

There are 4 scenic spots, 3 restaurants, and 2 stores.

Beer that is made with Mt. Rokko honey

One of the stores, “Rokko Souvenir Shop” offers a variety of souvenirs unique to Mt. Rokko. Beer and sweets made with honey collected in the nature of Mt. Rokko are especially popular.

From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the sea and the urban area extending from Osaka to Kobe. The view is especially beautiful at night fall.

The nature sensory observation deck "Rokko Shidare"

In the center of the area stands Rokko Garden Terrace’s iconic art spot, "Rokko-Shidare", a nature sensory observation deck. It was designed by architect Hiroshi Sanbuichi. Some of his representative works are “Inujima Seirensho (Refinery) Art Museum”, located on Inujima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, and the “Naoshima’s House Project” located in Okayama Prefecture. These buildings are known for their creative designs that incorporate the local natural environment.

Takahiro Sagawa's "Slider in a Flash".The ideogram written on the slider means “Life”.

The art event "Shidare Museum" is also held there. Visitors from abroad will surely be enthralled by the borderless sensory artworks on display.

An about 10 minutes’ walk from Rokko Garden Terrace is Rokko Sancho Station. From there, taking the Rokko Arima Ropeway, you can reach Arima Hot Spring, one of Japan’s most historic hot springs, in just 12 minutes.

Staying overnight, going sightseeing in Kobe on the first day and hopping to Arima Hot Spring on the second day is also an idea for a trip.

Rokko Cable Car (Rokko Cable Shita (Lower) Station)

Address: (Rokko Cable Car Shita Station) 8-2 Nishiyama Takaha Nada-ku Kobe city

 Hyogo Prefecture 657-0001（Google map）

Available time：7:10～21:10（Every 20 minutes）

Regular closing days：None ※The service may be suspended suddenly due to inclement weather. Please check this page (English) for information on the day’s operation.

Website（English）: https://www.rokkosan.com/cable/?lang=en

Rokko GARDEN TERRACE

Address: 1877-9 Gosuke-yama Rokkousan-chou Nada-ku Kobe city Hyogo prefecture 657-0101 (Google map）

Available time: 10:00~21:00 (Last entrance 20:30) ※Depends on the season and store.

Regular closing days: Thursday ※Depends on the season and store.

※Please check this page (English) for more details on available time and closing days.

Website: https://www.rokkosan.com/gt/?lang=en（English）