Autumn Activities in Kobe

ByJustin Hanus
Aug 20, 2020

Autumn Activities in Kobe

There’s always something interesting going on in Kobe, and autumn is no exception! Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for events because of the beautiful colors. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find plenty to do this year.

View the Autumn Leaves

A not to miss activity is seeing the autumn leaves. As there are several places to visit, you may like to dedicate several days over the autumn to visiting different scenic spots.

For instance, you could go to Kobe Municipal Arboretum, which consists of 143 hectares of land with a picturesque pond at the center. Another option is to take the Rokko-Arima Ropeway up Mount Rokko for views of the landscape below. You can even see leaves in downtown Kobe such as at Sorakuen Garden.

Museum Exhibitions

With so many museums in Kobe, it’s unsurprising that there are several exhibitions to choose from this autumn. A few top ones to consider include:

  • Admiration of Paris and France at Kobe City Koiso Memorial Museum of Art. All the pieces were painted by artists that have some connection to Kobe.
  • 75 Years After the War also at Kobe City Koiso Memorial Museum of Art. The paintings were made Ryohei Koiso in the prewar, wartime, and postwar periods.
  • Denmark Design at Kobe Fashion Museum. The exhibition features more than 200 items, ranging from ceramics to modern pieces.
  • The Glass Menagerie at Kobe Lampwork Glass Museum. A collection of lampwork zoo animals.
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Rokko International Musical Box Museum. Listen to a surreal performance accompanied by illustrations from the novel.

Fruit Picking

Late summer to early autumn is the perfect time to go fruit picking. At Kobe Kanko, you can visit a vineyard to pick grapes between mid-August and mid-September. Plus, starting late August, you’ll also find the sweetest of Japanese pears.

Carnivorous Plants

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden is hosting a Carnivorous Plants Secret Exhibition. You can see a variety of insect-eating plants up close, learn more about this fascinating flora, and join in many of the hands-on events.

Night Fishing

Over the autumn, Hiraiso Marine Fishing Park stays open for night fishing until 9:00 p.m. You can fish at any point along the 1,400-meter stretch while enjoying the views of the illuminated Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

Minatogawa Market

On the fourth Saturday of every month, head to Minatogawa Market. Browse a wide variety of handmade items, including clothing, ceramics, and soap. You can also buy local vegetables, bread, and other food.

Mt. Maya Backpack Market

A completely different type of market is Mt. Maya Backpack Market. People flock to the mountain with things they no longer need or want. Fill a backpack with your possessions to trade. Held every third Saturday of the month, the market will be running until November.

There’s plenty to keep you busy all through the autumn in Kobe. Whether you want to spend time outdoors, go shopping, or expand your mind at an exhibition, you have a wide array of options.

Ethan Doyle White / CC BY-SA

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Justin Hanus editor