2025年8月26日

Rokko Meets Art 2025 beyond: Explore Nature, Art, and Environmental Reflection on Kobe’s Mountaintop

From August 23 to November 30, 2025, the mountaintop of Rokkosan transforms once again into a sprawling open-air gallery for the 16th edition of Rokko Meets Art, one of Japan’s most innovative and scenic contemporary art festivals. This year’s theme—“Environmental Perspectives and Thought”—invites you to reflect on the changing relationship between people and the natural world through immersive art and scenic exploration.

🌿 Nature and Contemporary Art in Dialogue

Set on the stunning slopes of Rokkosan, this year’s festival features works by over 60 artists from Japan and abroad. Their installations, performances, and mixed-media artworks ask questions about sustainability, coexistence, and the future of our ecosystems. Many pieces are integrated directly into the forest trails, gardens, and open spaces, making the mountain itself a co-creator in the artistic experience.

One notable highlight includes the permanent installation of “Peace Head” by Yoshitomo Nara, an iconic piece at the SIKI Garden: Sound Nature Trail—a quiet, reflective space near the Rokko Musical Box Museum & Gardens.

 

🗺️ Now Spanning 9 Viewing Areas

New this year: the festival now spans nine distinct viewing areas, with the journey starting right in the city at the Rokko Cable Shita Station—making it more accessible than ever. From there, visitors ascend the historic Rokko Cable Car to explore highland venues such as:

• 🖼 Museum Area: Including the Musical Box Museum and Alpine Botanical Garden
• 🌲 Trail Area: Featuring immersive forest installations and scenic art walks
• 🏞 Tenran Observatory, Garden Terrace, and more

Each area offers a different blend of landscape, atmosphere, and artistic themes—so whether you’re wandering forest paths or relaxing at a mountaintop café, you’ll be surrounded by creative inspiration.

 

🔖 Official Guide Map & Stamp Rally

Be sure to grab the Official Guide Map, available at major venues like the Shop 737 at Rokko Sanjo Station. Not only does it help you navigate the festival’s layout—it also includes a stamp collection page. This year, there are 63 stamps hidden throughout the venues! Challenge yourself (and your friends) to collect them all and create a beautiful visual memory of your journey.

🌌 Don’t Miss the Night Art Walk

Back again this year is the Forest of Light: Night Art Stroll, a magical after-dark experience held on weekends and holidays from September 20 to November 30. Forest trails and installations light up with gentle illumination, revealing an entirely new perspective on the artworks under the stars.

 

🎟️ Festival Details

• Dates: August 23 – November 30, 2025
• Hours: 10:00–17:00 (later for Night Art venues)
• Closed: Mondays (unless it’s a national holiday, in which case it’s closed the next day)
• Tickets: Purchase a Viewing Passport for full access to key venues. Available at the Rokko Cable Station and online.
• Access: Take the Rokko Cable Car + Rokko Sanjo Bus for a scenic and direct route up the mountain
• Attire: Bring layers—temps can be 5°C cooler than the city—and wear shoes suitable for outdoor trails

✨ Why You Should Visit

Rokko Meets Art is more than an art festival—it’s a seasonal pilgrimage for anyone who loves creativity, reflection, and nature. With this year’s powerful environmental theme, new expansive layout, and the addition of stamp rally fun, it’s a perfect day (or weekend) getaway for families, couples, art lovers, and adventurers alike.

 

Don’t just look at art—walk through it, breathe it in, and carry its message with you. Head up to Rokkosan this autumn and see how art, mountain, and meaning meet.

 

See you on Rokkosan!