Rokko Morinone Museum
Discover a forest of sound with antique music boxes and mechanical instruments, set amidst serene gardens on Mt. Rokko.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers bloom, nature sings
Rokko Morinone Museum
Best Time
Flowers bloom, nature sings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a forest of sound with antique music boxes and mechanical instruments, set amidst serene gardens on Mt. Rokko.
"The hourly demonstration is superb: it's really cool to see the exhibited working music machine."
🎯 Don't Miss the Demo!
The hourly demonstration is the highlight; arrive on time to experience the music machines in action.
🌸 Explore the Garden
The outdoor 'Siki Garden' offers a peaceful escape with interactive sound installations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hourly Demonstration
Forest Sound Hall
Witness antique music boxes and mechanical instruments come alive with captivating hourly performances.
Outdoor Garden Walk
Siki Garden
Stroll through a serene garden filled with interactive musical elements and natural sounds.
Antique Music Box Collection
3rd Floor Exhibition
Explore a vast display of historical music boxes, from early phonographs to intricate mechanical wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Forest Sounds
Combine with Nature's Symphony
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Demo!
The hourly demonstration is the highlight; arrive on time to experience the music machines in action.
🌸 Explore the Garden
The outdoor 'Siki Garden' offers a peaceful escape with interactive sound installations.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most exhibits are in Japanese; use Google Translate for information, but enjoy the music!
🎶 Music Box Workshop
Consider the workshop to build your own music box with helpful staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Demo!
The hourly demonstration is the highlight; arrive on time to experience the music machines in action.
🌸 Explore the Garden
The outdoor 'Siki Garden' offers a peaceful escape with interactive sound installations.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most exhibits are in Japanese; use Google Translate for information, but enjoy the music!
🎶 Music Box Workshop
Consider the workshop to build your own music box with helpful staff.
☕ Cafe with a View
Relax at Mori no Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a tranquil pond.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the captivating hourly demonstrations of antique music boxes and mechanical instruments, calling them a 'one-time experience.' The serene outdoor garden walk is also highly praised for its peaceful atmosphere and interactive musical elements. However, some find the rest of the museum's silent exhibits less engaging compared to the admission price.
"The hourly demonstration is entertaining and educational as well as beautiful as music boxes and other machines play music. The speaker is great but speaks only in Japanese. The music boxes display on Floor 3 is nice too but DO NOT MISS THE OUTDOOR GARDEN WALK, which is accessed from Floor 2. Inspirational, this stroll mixes the sound of nature, flowers, and trees around a pond filled with water lilies. Serene, calming, and peaceful. “Morinone” means “sound of the forest.” This museum lives up to its name."
Saburo Matsumoto
"The Forest Sound Hall displays a collection of mechanical instruments as well as mechanical musical box.
These mechanical instruments and mechanical dolls were popular around 100 to 150 years ago, mainly in Europe and America.
At Rokko Musical Box Museum ＆ Gardens MORINONE, we hold concerts every day where you can enjoy live performances of instruments from our collection.
Enjoy the sounds that people heard over 100 years ago, including powerful live performances by large mechanical instruments and the delicate tones of musical box."
Supakorn Jaroenwongtrakoon
"The museum has an indoor section exhibiting various music boxes of different ages. They also have a little scavenger hunt for people to collect their stamps if the kids need something more engaging.
The place has an outdoor garden area playing around the theme of sound. There is a map of the interactive areas but its also enjoyable to stroll around and see what u find.
We went in the winter so the leaves had fallen and flowers weren’t in bloom but I would think it looks amazing in the spring and summer!
We also decided to do the workshop where we put the different pieces of a music box together. The employee is there to help u if u get stuck!
Language wise, the entire museum was in japanese 😄 so have ur google translate out except during the music show where phones aren’t allowed. For the workshop, the employee showed us how to do it and also had a sheet with english/chinese ready when providing instructions"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Osaka, take a train to Shin-Kobe Station, then transfer to the Seishin-Yamate Line. From Shin-Kobe, you can take a bus or taxi towards Mt. Rokko. The museum is accessible via the Rokko Cable Car, which offers scenic views. +1
The most scenic route involves taking the Rokko Cable Car from Rokko Station. This offers beautiful views of Kobe and the surrounding nature.
While specific parking details for the museum itself are scarce, there are parking facilities available at the base of Mt. Rokko and at the Rokko Garden Terrace area.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Kobe city, often combined with other attractions on Mt. Rokko. +1
On Mt. Rokko, you can utilize buses and the Rokko Cable Car to navigate between attractions. The museum is a pleasant walk from the cable car station. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing. Combo tickets with the Botanical Garden are often available.
Typically, there are reduced rates for elementary and junior high school students. Preschoolers are often free. Check the official website for details.
Advance booking is generally not required for the hourly demonstration, but arriving a bit early is advised, especially during peak seasons.
The museum typically opens around 9:30 AM and closes in the late afternoon. Specific hours can vary by season, so checking the official website is recommended.
Yes, combo tickets are often available that include access to the Rokko Morinone Museum and the nearby Rokko Botanical Garden, offering good value.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the hourly demonstration where antique music boxes and large mechanical instruments are played live, creating a magical atmosphere.
While many exhibits are for viewing, the outdoor 'Siki Garden' features interactive musical instruments that visitors can play.
Yes, children often enjoy the interactive elements in the garden and the scavenger hunt for stamps. The music demonstrations are also engaging.
The 'Siki Garden' is an outdoor musical park surrounding a pond, featuring various musical instruments and sound installations integrated with nature.
Yes, you can participate in a workshop to build your own music box, with staff providing assistance.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the 'Mori no Cafe' is located on the second floor and offers meals and desserts, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
The cafe offers a variety of meals and desserts. Some visitors have enjoyed their lunch options.
The outdoor seating at Mori no Cafe offers views of a small pond, and the 'Siki Dome' in the park can be reserved for a unique dining experience.
While not explicitly stated as picnic areas, the outdoor seating at the cafe and the general park area offer opportunities to enjoy the surroundings.
Besides the museum's cafe, other dining options can be found at the Rokko Garden Terrace area, which offers various restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor garden with its pond and musical installations, the scenic views from the cable car, and the unique music boxes themselves are great for photos.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's often restricted during the live music demonstrations to avoid disturbing the performance.
Morning light can be beautiful in the garden, and the late afternoon can offer softer light. The demonstrations are best captured during their scheduled times.
The intricate details of the antique music boxes and the grand scale of the orchestra machines offer unique photographic subjects.
The journey up Mt. Rokko via cable car and the views from the museum's garden provide excellent opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For added engagement, the museum offers a scavenger hunt to collect stamps, keeping younger visitors entertained.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Serenity Seekers
Combine your visit with the Rokko Botanical Garden for an extended immersion in nature. The journey up Mt. Rokko via the cable car also provides stunning scenic views, appealing to anyone who appreciates natural landscapes.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts & History Buffs
For a deeper understanding, consider participating in the music box workshop to learn about the construction of these devices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Mechanical Music
The highlight is undoubtedly the hourly demonstration in the Forest Sound Hall. Here, you can witness these magnificent machines come to life, filling the space with sounds from over a century ago. From the delicate tones of a music box to the powerful performance of a large mechanical orchestra, it's a truly immersive experience.
For those interested in a hands-on experience, the museum offers a music box workshop. Here, you can assemble your own music box with guidance from staff, making for a memorable souvenir and a deeper understanding of these fascinating devices.
Nature's Symphony: The Siki Garden
As you stroll through the garden, you'll discover various interactive musical instruments integrated into the landscape. These elements allow visitors to create their own melodies, blending the sounds of nature with man-made music. The garden is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when flowers are in bloom and the natural surroundings are at their most vibrant.
The 'Siki Dome' within the park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal or a break in a transparent dome, surrounded by the serene atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit to Mt. Rokko
The most picturesque way to ascend Mt. Rokko is via the Rokko Cable Car, which departs from Rokko Station. This offers breathtaking views of Kobe city and the surrounding natural landscape, making the journey itself an attraction.
Once on Mt. Rokko, local buses and the cable car system help navigate between various points of interest, including the museum. +1Consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes admission to the Rokko Morinone Museum and the nearby Rokko Botanical Garden for a more comprehensive experience.
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