Photo By: PIXTA/ フォトミヤ
Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Kobe
Population
5,550,742

Rokko Island Tulip Festival

Explore the Rokko Island Tulip Festival, featuring 30,000 tulips and a variety of fun, family-friendly events!

By Kerri King

The Rokko Island Tulip Festival is the perfect spot to enjoy spring in full bloom. Celebrating its 24th year, the event features around 30,000 tulips in 30 different varieties, turning Kobe’s Rokko Island into a floral wonderland. Only 40 minutes from Osaka station, it’s an accessible and scenic destination for flower lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a memorable day out.

Rokko Island Tulip Festival

Rokko Island Tulip Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ ideas Don’t miss out on the special treat.

The festival includes five large flower beds, labeled A to E, along the River Mall, a popular shopping area next to a central waterway. Each bed offers a different experience, showcasing various tulip types and vibrant colors. Some beds feature intricate floral art, with this year’s designs expected to surpass previous ones. At night, the tulips are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. A special treat: Visitors who donate ¥1,000 to the tulips will receive either a tulip pot or five cut tulip flowers (while supplies last).

Festival Highlights

The festival offers a variety of fun activities for all ages. Some are only available on weekends, so check the schedule. You can participate using your smartphone or directly at the flower beds. All participants will receive an original Rokko Island Tulip Festival postcard designed by students from the Rokko Island High School Art Club.

  • Flower Popularity Poll
    Vote for your favorite tulip variety via your smartphone or at Flower Beds A and D on weekends.

  • Stamp Rally
    Join the stamp rally on weekends. Each flower bed has a unique stamp to collect. Get stamping materials at Flower Bed A or the Event Plaza.

  • Tulip Sketching Contest
    All ages are welcome to join the annual sketching competition on March 29th, from 10 AM to 3 PM (with a rain date on March 30th). Register at the Event Plaza. Bring your own drawing supplies, but paper will be provided. All artwork will be displayed at the Rokuai Information and Exchange Center from March 30 to April 20. Winners will receive book vouchers.

  • Tulip Photo Session
    On April 5, participate in a Tulip Photo Session at Flower Beds A, C, D and E. Cosplayers and photographers are welcome to bring tripods.

Things To Know

Hours and fees

Festival Dates: March 22 – April 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tulip Illumination: March 19 – April 10, 2025.

Admission: Free

Nearby Points of interest:

Kobe Fashion Museum

Located near the festival, this museum showcases exhibits on the history of fashion.

Rokko Island River Mall

An artificial river runs through the center of Rokkō Island, lined with shops and cafes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely walk while enjoying the local sights and sounds.

Rokko Cable Car

Take a scenic ride up the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. It’s an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the region from above.

How To Get There

Address

By train

From Kobe or Osaka, Take the JR Kobe Line to Sumiyoshi Station, then transfer to the Rokko Liner. Get off at Island Center station, or get off at Rokko Liner Marine Park station and walk 2 minutes north for A, B, C flower beds.

By bus

From Sannomiya station, take the Kobe City Bus (Route 19) to Rokko Island.

By car

From Kobe: Drive via Route 43 and follow signs to Rokko Island.

From Osaka: Take the Hanshin Expressway (Route 3), exit at Rokko Island South and follow signage.

Where To Stay


Topics: , ,