Kobe Travelogue: Mount Rokko

December 21, 2017

Kobe Travelogue: Mount Rokko

When traveling to a far far way land & unfamiliar places, it is a must to plan ahead. Months ago before this trip to Osaka, I had a difficulty thinking of itinerary. As much as possible we want to visit many places as we can but Osaka and neighboring prefectures do have lots of tourist spots. As a nature lover a visit to Mount Rokko was included in our long lists. The thought of a cable car ride over mountains of colorful leaves makes us excited.

This image of Mount Rokko to Arima Onsen
cable car got me hooked. Unfortunately due
to the location from our accommodation, we
did not able to visit. [Photo Grab Only]

Its another cold morning in the early winter of November. It is struggle to get up, do a quick shower and start the adventure again. How we managed to reach Mount Rokko relied upon our rented pocket wifi and google map.

This is how it looks like. From Osaka almost two
hours to Mount Rokko. We got lost,
we alighted at wrong train station.

Kinda worried that day, with our guts we rode
back assuming we are on the right track.
No foreigners on the platform,
the more we feel isolated haha.
We supposedly to alight at
Rokko Station.

We are finally at Rokko Station. From
here a bus ride to Rokko Cable Shita

Jhun: Where is the bus station going
to Mount Rokko?

Local: Eh eh Mount Rokko? (Then pointing
to the station, he even accompanied us)

There! We reach the Rokko Cable Shita Station
then another Cable Ride to the mountain.

The inside of our ride!

1st Stop: Mount Rokko is the highest peak in the
Rokko Mountain Range. Panoramic views of
Kobe and Osaka can be enjoyed around sunset.

There is a bus operating circular that connects

various attractions including botanical garden,

music box museum, Rokko garden terrace,

a pasture & observatory deck.

We did not visit them all as we are in slow pace

due to second trimester of pregnancy.

Even in this mountainous area, Japanese are so
organize. Bus will stop at certain location only.
Buses are using swipe cards so less ticket trash.

2nd Stop - ALPINE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Can you feel the soothing spirit of these
autumn leaves? This awesome background
is exactly what we are looking for.

Underneath the tree on the bed of leaves!

Long time ago, when looking for desktop
wallpaper my keyword was always nature.
I came across something look like this. From then
on it became one of my bucket list so today I can
say "FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS".

Had lunch before embarking on new spot

Where's next?

3nd & Final Stop: Garden Terrace,
Arima Ropeway & Observatory Deck
in one place.

What to see here: Restaurants & Shops

Here's the Observatory Deck Structure

We don't understand of how it works
but here is the inside of the observatory!

At the back of observatory is the
Arima Ropeway.

Been here and doing this makes
our heart full as well as our eyes.
Japan has so many places that
you can indulge yourself and have
Me - time without disturbance of
wifi and fast-pace city life.

Connecting in nature is also
connecting in yourself and
ohh how I love it!!!