Kobe City Rokkosan Farm is a spacious mountain farm located near the summit of Mount Rokko in Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Inspired by traditional alpine farms in Switzerland, the farm combines open pastures and lush natural surroundings with opportunities to get close to a variety of animals. It is an appealing destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing escape from the city.
The farm covers approximately 126 hectares, of which 23 hectares are open to the public. Sheep are among its most recognizable residents, and visitors can enjoy seeing them roaming the pastures and resting in the grass. Other animals, including horses, also contribute to the farm’s peaceful rural atmosphere.
Designated areas allow visitors to interact with sheep and enjoy hands-on experiences in a natural setting. Activities and seasonal events offer different ways to discover farm life throughout the year, making each visit a little different.
Scenic spots are scattered throughout the grounds. Highlights include the Cheese House, a traditional-looking silo, and the terrace of Heidi Pasture Café, where visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The animals themselves are also a major attraction, whether they are grazing in the fields or relaxing in the mountain sunshine.
Although Rokkosan Farm was once known as a place where visitors could bring their pets, pet entry was prohibited in March 2015 following problems related to some owners’ behavior and pet management. Exceptions are made for guide dogs, assistance dogs, and hearing dogs.
The farm began operating as a grazing area in 1956. In 1976, it opened to the general public, allowing visitors to experience its mountain pastures and animals firsthand. Since then, it has become a popular destination for people seeking outdoor recreation and a closer connection with nature.
The Rokkosan Q.B.B. Cheese House introduces visitors to the history and production of cheese. Its facilities include a cheese factory, an exhibition area about cheese, and a display area dedicated to wool. These exhibits offer an engaging introduction to dairy production and the materials obtained from farm animals.
Visitors can also enjoy cheese-based dishes at Restaurant Kobe Cheese or take a break at the Cheese House Parlor. The facility makes it possible to combine learning about dairy products with sampling local flavors.
Makiba Yume Kobo is a learning facility where visitors can take part in hands-on experiences related to dairy products, including cheese-making activities. It offers an opportunity to learn more about how milk is transformed into familiar foods.
The facility also includes Heidi Pasture Café, inspired by the beloved story of Heidi, Girl of the Alps. Its terrace provides a pleasant place to relax while enjoying views of the surrounding pastures and mountain scenery.
Other facilities include a rest house where visitors can take a break and a shop selling local specialties and souvenirs. Walking trails allow guests to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace and appreciate the changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Visitors can reach the farm using the mountain transport network on Mount Rokko. From Hoshino Station on the Maya Ropeway, take the Sky Shuttle Bus and get off at the Rokkosan Farm stop. Alternatively, from Rokko Sanjo Station on the Rokko Cable Car, take the Sky Shuttle Bus to the same stop. The farm is a short walk from the bus stop.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays in November, a free shuttle bus known as the Hitsuji Bus operates between Rokkosan Farm and Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden, providing another way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Visitors should check current transport schedules before traveling.
Kobe City Rokkosan Farm offers a refreshing combination of mountain scenery, animal encounters, and hands-on learning experiences. Visitors can watch sheep grazing in open pastures, discover how cheese is made, sample dairy-based dishes, and relax at a café overlooking the countryside.
Whether visiting with children, enjoying a leisurely walk, or exploring the natural attractions of Mount Rokko, the farm provides a memorable opportunity to experience a peaceful side of Kobe beyond its busy urban center.