Kobe Christmas Market 2025: Best Highlights and Access Tips

Kobe Christmas Market 2025 runs Nov 8–Dec 25 at Nunobiki Herb Garden, featuring botanical illuminations, a new 7m Christmas Tower and stunning Kobe night views.

Written by

Umezu Kaoru

Tokyo, Japan

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Kobe Christmas Market 2025

Kobe Christmas Market is a famous annual event taking place alongside the Christmas Market in Kobe Harborland umie.

Kobe Christmas Market is held at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens/Ropeway, a resort facility located 400 meters above sea level where various types of herbs and flowers bloom throughout the seasons.

The herb gardens are transformed into a Christmas wonderland, where visitors can enjoy vibrant illuminations and illuminated plants alongside a selection of gourmet treats.

Highlights of the Kobe Christmas Market 2025

Let's take a look at some of the highlights of this event.

Numerous Photo Spots Across Three Distinct Areas

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The sparkling illuminations and adorable displays have been further enhanced!

Kobe Christmas Market 2025: Best Views, Highlights, and Access Tips

Picture courtesy of PR Times
In the garden divided into three areas—Observation Area, Garden Area, and Glasshouse Area—you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at various spots throughout the venue.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Observation Plaza’s Christmas Tower has been enlarged from 6 m to 7 m. Built from natural materials such as cones, branches and Norway spruce, and designed with a botanical theme, the tower is promoted as the Herb Garden’s most popular photo spot. The tower’s lights come on daily at 16:00, and a formal lighting ceremony is scheduled for opening day (Nov 8) at around 17:20.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Forest Christmas Tree, made from a 25-meter-tall metasequoia adorned with about 1,600 bulbs, is a highlight of the herb gardens.

You can enter right underneath the tree to experience a magical atmosphere, and there are many viewing spots to enjoy the collaboration of the night view of Kobe and the tree from the ropeway.

Botanical Christmas Displays

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Using pruned branches and other materials unique to the herb gardens, the displays evoke a warm feeling that highlights the beauty of nature.

Additionally, the glass-domed greenhouse, known as the Glasshouse, is illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a cozy time beneath the cascading lights from the ceiling.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
During the autumn foliage season (typically until early December), the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting.

The luxury of enjoying both autumn leaves and Christmas at the same time is a unique highlight of this event.

Savor Authentic German Cuisine and the Market

Picture courtesy of PR Times
At the German Festival 2025 - Beer & Wine Fest, you can enjoy gourmet offerings such as special mulled wine from authentic German breweries and the famous specialty beef stew.

Strolling around the gardens with a cup of mulled wine is a unique pleasure of the Christmas Market.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The charmingly decorated market features authentic German Christmas ornaments and crafts, along with a variety of original products from the herb gardens.

There are also exclusive items that can only be purchased here, so be sure to check them out.

Overview of the Kobe Christmas Market 2025

Schedule	November 8 - December 25, 2025 *Nighttime operations will be conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the above period, as well as every day from December 15 to December 25.
Location	Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens: MAP
Operating Hours (Ropeway Hours)	Ropeway Ascend Weekdays: 9:30 - 16:45 / Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 9:30 - 21:00 Extended nights (Dec 15–Dec 25): last ascent is 20:15 (see night schedule below) Ropeway Descend* Weekdays: 9:30 - 17:15 / Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 9:30 - 21:00 Extended nights (Dec 15–Dec 25): last descent is 21:00 Night‑operation summary (2025)* Typical light‑up times for major installations: around 16:00–16:30 onward. Opening‑day lighting ceremonies (Nov 8, 2025): Christmas Tower ~17:20; Forest Christmas Tree ~17:45. Ropeway night hours on special nights: first up 9:30 — last up 20:15 (last down 21:00). Regular last up remains 16:45 (last down 17:15).
Admission Fee	Ropeway fare + Herb Garden entrance fee (After 17:00, only round-trip tickets will be sold) Adults: Round trip 2,800 yen, One way 2,200 yen Children: Round trip 1,400 yen, One way 1,100 yen WEB tickets are also available for purchase.
Official Website	Kobe Christmas Market 2025

Access to the Kobe Christmas Market 2025

Photo by Pixta

By Train
It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the Kobe Municipal Subway and Shinkansen Shin-Kobe Station to the ropeway station. It takes about 10 minutes by ropeway from the base station to the venue.

By Car
You cannot access the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (mountaintop) by car. Please use the ropeway from the base station.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and from December 21 (Saturday) to 25 (Wednesday), surrounding parking lots are expected to be full and traffic congestion is anticipated.
It is recommended to use public transportation or parking lots in slightly distant areas, such as in Sannomiya.

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Written by

Umezu Kaoru

Tokyo, Japan

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