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A secluded oasis in the middle of the city
Unchanged for over a century

Completed in the early 20th century, the Sorakuen garden was built on the residence of Taijiro Kodera, father of former Kobe City Mayor Kenkichi Kodera. After coming under the ownership of the city of Kobe, it was named “Sorakuen” and opened to the public.

Park hours

■Hours

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

■Closed

Every Thursday (or following day if national holiday falls on a Thursday)
December 29th – January 3rd

* There will be no closings during the Azalea festival (late April to early May)

Admission

■Adults (over 15 years old)・・・300 yen
■Children (elementary/middle school)・・・150 yen

■Group discount
 15-99 people・・・10% off
 100-299 people・・・20% off
 300 plus・・・30% off

■Yearly pass (Four seasons Tricolor Card)
 Shared card for three parks (Sorakuen, Kobe Municipal Arboretum, SumaRikyu Park)
Adults・・・900 yen
Children・・・450 yen

Transportation

5-3-1 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku,Kobe City,
Hyogo 650-0004

Ten minute walk northwest of Motomachi Station (JR and Hanshin Railways) and five minute walk north of Kencho-mae Station (Kobe subway).
* No parking

Facilities

Japanese garden

Stepping stones, stone bridges, streams, and a waterfall surround a central pond in the sprawling, 19,566 square-meter garden. The grounds are full of nature, with a cycad wood, large camphor trees said to be some 500 years old, azaleas, and maple trees in their beautiful autumn colors. A stately front gate, European-style stable, traditional pleasure barge, the Former Hassam House, and the Kanshintei tea house beautifully complement the garden.

Photo album