Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden on Rokko Mountain is currently showcasing a spectacular mass bloom of Hime Ajisai hydrangeas in their signature "Rokko Blue," expected to remain at peak through late July 2026.
The Hime Ajisai is a hydrangea variety named in 1929 by botanist Tomitaro Makino. Its graceful, feminine appearance inspired the name — "hime" meaning "princess." Rokko Mountain's granitic acidic soil is ideal for producing exceptionally vivid blue coloring in hydrangeas, giving rise to the beloved nickname "Rokko Blue," which has been designated as the official city flower of Kobe.
The history of hydrangeas on Rokko Mountain is captured in Rokko Arekore: Stories Around Rokko Mountain by Sadahiro Murakami. The book recounts how Kobayashi Ichizo, founder of Hankyu Railway, concerned about the mountain's decline during and after the war, expressed his wish to "make Rokko Mountain a mountain of hydrangeas" and offered seedlings. Nakamoto Hayashi, a teacher at the Rokko Mountain Elementary School at the time, was consulted, and this exchange set in motion the planting of hydrangeas across Rokko Mountain.
Event: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden × Koyomi-Seikatsu Hanabiyori
Running alongside the hydrangea season is a special collaborative event featuring an exhibition pairing the traditional 72-season Japanese almanac (七十二候) with floral colors, alongside a flower-collecting stamp rally. Visitors can take in alpine flowers from the Alps, the Himalayas, and Japan while savoring the beauty of the changing seasons.
Dates: Now through Sunday, July 12, 2026
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Free (garden entrance fee required separately)
Garden Information
Open: Now through Sunday, November 29, 2026 (closed on certain days; check the official website for details)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission:
- Adults (middle school and above): ¥900
- Children (ages 4 to elementary school): ¥450
Parking: ¥1,000
Note: Hours and events may be changed or cancelled due to inclement weather.
