[2025 Kobe Attraction] Travel Guide for Sorakuen Garden (Updated Jun)

#cityplaybook #attractive Nestled in the heart of Kobe, Sorakuen Garden is a serene Japanese landscape garden that blends tradition, history, and beauty. Originally part of the former residence of Taijiro Kodera, a former mayor of Kobe, the garden opened to the public in 1941 and remains one of the city's best-kept secrets. Designed in the classic chisen kaiyu shiki style, the garden features a central pond, winding paths, stone bridges, and seasonal plants that offer a new experience with every visit. Highlights include blooming azaleas in spring and brilliant autumn foliage, making it a year-round escape for nature lovers. Sorakuen is also home to unique historical structures such as the Western-style Hassam House and an elegant 1907 brick stable, blending Japanese and Western influences in a peaceful setting. A 500-year-old camphor tree stands tall in the garden, adding to the sense of timeless beauty. 📍 5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station (Kobe Subway) 🕘 Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Thursdays) 🎟️ Admission: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150 #SorakuenGarden #KobeGarden #HiddenGemJapan #JapaneseLandscape #CityPlaybook #KobeTravel #NatureAndHistory

#cityplaybook Tucked away in the heart of Kobe, Sorakuen Garden is a peaceful retreat filled with seasonal beauty and rich history. Known for its stunning sotetsu (cycad) trees, this traditional Japanese garden offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll find the Former Kodera Stable, a Western-style wooden structure from the Meiji era that once housed horses for a noble family. Nearby is the elegant Former Hassam Residence, a preserved Western house that blends beautifully into the Japanese landscape—highlighting the East-meets-West character of Kobe. Why I recommend this place: ・It’s a hidden gem in central Kobe where you can enjoy nature and architecture at once ・The contrast between traditional gardens and historic Western buildings is truly unique 📍Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture #SorakuenGarden #KobeHiddenGem #JapaneseGarden #HistoricArchitecture #KobeTravel #SlowTravelJapan #CityPlaybook

After short metro trip from airport to downtown our exploring of Kobe started from city center because our hotel was next to Sannomiya station. Kobe is not big city and you can explore pretty much everything by walking around. We started with Sorakuen garden which is so peaceful and relaxing and after that of course we tried delicious Ramen, followed by walking around downtown, have coffee, checking architecture, small shops and etc. until evening. Day two was reserved for Kobe Port where are Kobe Tower, Be Kobe mark, cruise ships, big shopping mall and park. For dinner we tried Kobe Beef and one more time I must say food was delicious 😁 If you have more free time you should definitely visit Venus Bridge, football game of FC Kobe, Futabai Park and Herb Museum. #kobe #kobebeef #kobetrip #ramen #japan

#Osaka Attractions 🕰️Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm 📍Address: 5 minutes walk from Kobe Metro Prefectural Hall-mae Station 💰Average consumption per person: 300 yen per person 💞Reason for recommendation: Photo Park is a famous attraction in Kobe, inside there is a beautiful Japanese courtyard, all kinds of plants, spring cherry blossoms autumn maple leaves, picturesque all year round ❤️

#thingstodo Beautiful garden. Filled with various historical architecture and pond filled with adorable koi fish. Pictures are blurry. But it was a nice walk. To get to Sorakuen from the nearest subway station, you have to climb a slope, and there are ups and downs from the gate to the garden, which must be difficult for wheelchair users. There are toilet rest area and a drink vending machine. Free of charge for Hyogo prefecture residents, 300 yen for outsiders.

#thingstodo It is autumn and many leaves have already turned red. There are a lot of locals going in and out, and many are doing photoshoot wearing yukata as the scenery was breathtaking. It was healing and calming. Although only a part of the garden is under reconstruction, the traditional garden, "Sorakuen" with wedding halls is well worth visiting and enjoying at any rate. There is no shortage of locations for pre-wedding photos by professional workers. Of particular note is the pleasure boat built during the Edo period for the exclusive use of the Himeji castle lord, called "Funayakata" ! The only surviving gold-plated boat, one of the important national cultural property, has been relocated to the shore of a pond and is now permanently displayed. It may be worth visiting more than Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple, where you can see things like this only here. To get to Sorakuen from the nearest subway station, you have to climb a slope, and there are ups and downs from the gate to the garden, which must be difficult for wheelchair users. There are toilet rest area and a drink vending machine. Free of charge for Hyogo prefecture residents, 300 yen for outsiders.

Great! Tours can vary widely, from cultural and historical excursions to nature and adventure tours. Could you specify the type of tour you're interested in or a particular destination? That way, I can provide more relevant information or recommendations.