2025年9月9日

Rokkosan Night Wonders

In the autumn, as the sun dips behind the mountains and dusk settles over Kobe, Rokkosan transforms into a landscape of light, sound, and imagination. From September 20 to November 30, 2025, the beloved Rokko Meets Art 2025 beyond festival brings visitors a nighttime experience like no other, blending cutting-edge art installations with the natural beauty of autumn.

This year, two evening events captivate hearts and senses:
🌌 Hikari no Mori, Night Art Walk
🍁 Autumn Foliage Light-Up

Together, they turn Rokkosan into an illuminated wonderland.

Hikari no Mori : Where Art and Light Meet the Forest

Held at two enchanting venues ROKKO Alpine Botanical Garden and Rokko Forest Sound Museum (formerly Musical Box Museum MORINONE) this nighttime art stroll invites you to wander through glowing trails, encounter interactive art, and experience the forest through new eyes.

Featured Artists & Installations:

• Ryotaro Muramatsu / NAKED, INC.: “DANDELION PROJECT”
  Share your wishes with the world through digital dandelions that light up and “disperse” across a network of cities. Part global peace project, part immersive fantasy.
• Yasuaki Kagii: “Shrine of Blue” (Kaitokai)
  Renowned underwater photographer Kagii brings oceanic life to the mountains, projecting ethereal images across the museum’s landscape, blending the mountain air with marine dreams.
• Various Installations Throughout the Trails
  Delicate lighting effects, projected patterns, and art that responds to wind, footsteps, and movement bring the forest alive with imagination. It’s an immersive experience perfect for couples, families, and curious explorers alike.

Autumn Foliage Light-Up

From mid-October to mid-November, Rokkosan’s famed autumn foliage takes on a new glow. Carefully designed lighting illuminates the red maples and golden gingko leaves at the Alpine Botanical Garden and surrounding venues, creating breathtaking nighttime views that feel like something out of a dream.

The light-up event coincides with Hikari no Mori, making it easy to enjoy both in a single evening.

When & Where

• 📅 Dates: Weekends and public holidays, Sept 20 to Nov 30, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 17:00 to 20:00 (last entry around 19:30)
• 📍 Venues:
  • ROKKO Alpine Botanical Garden
  • Rokko Forest Sound Museum
  • Connected forest trails and illuminated paths

Tickets & Passes

To enjoy the night events, you’ll need either:

• Night Pass (Evening admission only)
• Day & Night Viewing Passport (Includes daytime installations and nighttime stroll)

Both can be purchased at:

• Shop 737 (Rokko Sanjo Station)
• Participating venues
• Online via official festival site

Map, Stamp Rally & Bonus Fun

• Grab the Official Guide Map for venue access, artist info, and stamp rally details
• Collect up to 63 stamps across the nine festival zones, yes, even at night!
• See our post from last month for details!

What to Bring

• Layered clothing: Temperatures can be 5 to 7°C cooler than in the city
• Comfortable walking shoes: Some trails are uneven or dimly lit
• Flashlight or phone light: Useful for darker paths
• Camera: But don’t forget to put it down and just enjoy the atmosphere!

Why It’s Worth the Trip

There’s no event quite like this in Kansai. Imagine walking under a canopy of glowing leaves, while digital dandelions sparkle and ocean imagery dances across trees. It’s poetic, peaceful, and deeply memorable.

Whether you’re chasing art, color, or a calm night far from city lights, Rokko Meets Art 2025 beyond has something for you, especially after sunset.

 

See you on Rokkosan!