- Q1What makes Rokko Meets Art unique?
- This exhibition is an annual contemporary art festival held on Mt. Rokko in Kobe. Because the festival is held in a tourist area, many visitors, art fans and otherwise, come to Mt. Rokko for sightseeing and leisure, with an estimated 500,000 people visiting the area each year. During the festival, Mt. Rokko becomes a “place of unexpected encounters” with various expressions of contemporary art for both locals and tourists.
- Q2How long does it take to view all the artworks?
- There are approximately 60 exhibits spread across nine venues, so we recommend spending two days touring the event. Your viewing passport can be used over multiple days.
Please also see our Touring the Venues page.
- Q3What kind of clothing is appropriate?
- The temperature on the mountain is about 5 to 6 °C lower than in the city, so please come prepared for cold weather. The festival site also has dirt and gravel paths and slopes. We recommend comfortable walking shoes. Long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellent spray can help protect your skin in the Trail Area.
- Q4What kind of event is Lighting Forest?
- It is a nighttime event that will be held only on weekends and holidays from September 21 to November 24, 2024. You can enjoy a unique nighttime experience on Mt. Rokko, admiring mostly light-based artworks.
We will provide more details on the event website.
- Q5Will the festival still be held in bad weather?
- Some exhibits may be cancelled due to typhoons or other hazardous windy and rainy conditions. If any exhibitions or events are cancelled, we will make an announcement on our official social media channels and website.
- Q6What types of places will the artworks be displayed?
- Click here for an overview of each venue.
- Q7May I photograph the artworks?
- Except for artworks with a “No Photography” caption, you may take photos and videos for your personal enjoyment and upload them to your blog or social media accounts. Please be careful not to damage any artwork or disturb other visitors through your photography. In addition, for commercial activities, please contact the Rokko Meets Art Office to obtain permission before using the photos or videos.
- Q8Are there parking lots?
- There are parking lots at all venues except the Trail Area.
The Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, and Rokko Garden Terrace Area have a common parking ticket that allows you to enter and exit as many times as you like throughout the day for 1000 yen. Please click here for other fees. Please note that there is no gas station on the mountain.
The Trail Area is accessible by foot from the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, Memorial Monument, and Rokko Cable. If you are driving, please park your car at one of the above venues and walk over.
- Q9Is the tour wheelchair-accessible?
- Mt. Rokko has many slopes and stairs, which may cause difficulties depending on the venue and location. Please do not hesitate to ask our staff for assistance if you need help with the steep stairs at the Rokko Cable Station and other locations. Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE is barrier-free. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located at both Rokko Cable Stations, Rokko Garden Terrace Area, Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens MORINONE, and the Rokkosan Silence Resort.
- Q10Can I bring my pet?
- Pets on leashes are allowed in the Rokko Garden Terrace Area, Memorial Monument, Trail Area, and the Tenran Observatory. However, pets are not allowed inside shops (including terrace seating) or buildings at any facility. This does not apply to guide and service dogs.
- Q11Can I use electronic payment or credit card?
- Credit cards are accepted at most stores, restaurants, and ticket sales locations within the venue (however, touch payment may not be available). Electronic payment services based outside of Japan may not be accepted. In addition, some counters, such as Rokko Cable and Rokko Sanjyo Bus, only accept cash. We recommend also bringing some Japanese yen cash.
- Q12Can I visit other sightseeing spots in Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto together? (English only content below)
- It is possible if you plan at least a few days for your trip. The journey from the top of Mt. Rokko to downtown Kobe takes 40 minutes to an hour, while trips to Osaka and Kyoto take 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Q13Is there an English map and explanation of the artworks?
- We plan on distributing maps on-site and placing signs with English commentary that can be read on smartphones next to the artworks.
- Q14Are there coin lockers available?
- There are coin lockers at both Rokko Cable Stations and the Rokko Garden Terrace Area.