Garden · Motomachi / Kencho-mae
Sorakuen Garden 相楽園
Early-20th-century Japanese garden in central Kobe with a Meiji-era Western stable and a relocated merchant's mansion.
Hours9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30)
ClosedThursdays (or next day if holiday); Dec 29-Jan 3
PriceAdult: ¥300
Getting thereKencho-mae Station (Kobe Subway), 5 min; Motomachi Station, 10 min
Time needed30-60 min
Best timeMay (azaleas), November
Address5-3-1 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004
About
Sorakuen was the garden of former Kobe mayor Kodera Kenkichi's residence and opened to the public in 1941. Around its pond garden stand a decorative European-style stable that survived the war and the 1902 Hassam House, moved here from Kitano in 1963, a mix that reflects Kobe's cosmopolitan past.
Highlights
- Pond-centered Japanese garden
- Meiji-era Western-style stable
- Former Hassam House
- Azaleas in May, autumn leaves in November
Tips
- Closed Thursdays
- Easy add-on to a Kitano or Motomachi walk
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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