Nunobiki Waterfall — Attraction in Kobe

Shin-Kobe Ropeway (新神戸ロープウェー) is one of three services that lifts tourists up the southern slopes of the Rokko mountain chain. The ropeway departs from next to Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe's shinkansen station. As it ascends, it passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden, giving a nice aerial view of both. The highlight of the ride lies in the observation deck located just beside the top station, which offers spectacular views of Kobe and is a popular night view spot.

An alternative way to get to the top station is via a hiking trail from Shin-Kobe Station. It is somewhat surprising that only a few steps north of the station are forests shielded from the rumbles of the city. A 15-20 minute climb through the woods takes you to the 43 meter tall Nunobiki Waterfall, whose name comes from its draped cloth-like appearance. Five minutes east from here is the Miharashi Observatory, which offers decent views of the city.

A further 20 minute scale up the mountain takes you to the middle station of Shin-Kobe Ropeway and the lower entrance of Nunobiki Herb Garden, one of Japan's largest herb gardens with hundreds of herb species and seasonal flowers. A glasshouse in the garden makes growing flowers and fruits such as guavas and papayas possible...

Right now is probably the best time to go for a hike in Kobe while it's not too hot and summer humidity is not yet fully settled. The most convenient one is the relatively short hiking trail directly outside Shin Kobe station, which transports you to a completely different scenery and atmosphere within a few minutes. Just when you climb up the first steep incline and think you'll have a long hiking journey ahead of you, vibrant green surrounds you before you know it and the sound of running water right below your feet overcomes the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll eventually get to one of the four Nunobiki waterfalls, and watch in awe as the beautiful sound creates an otherworldly feel. Absolutely mesmerizing and refreshing. Daring hikers who are in better physical shape compared to me (lol) can choose to trod on, visit all of the waterfalls and enjoy the rest of the beautiful nature that this hiking trail offers. Highly recommended for a quick escape...

A must see if you’re in Kobe!

P.s. Waterfalls are only reachable by foot. We hiked upwards and took the ropeway back down.

We started our hike uphill from the shin-kobe station. Path was a little tricky to find. We had to take the escalator down and walk around the parking lot. But with the help of maps we managed to find it.

On the short 10 min hike we first passed the other waterfall: Mentaki and a few observation decks with a beautiful view of Kobe. The Nunobiki Falls (Ontaki / Meotodaki) are 5 mins further along the path. We couldn’t believe this beautiful picturesque area was so close to the city!

We decided to hike all the way to the top to the herb gardens (free entry). Some smaller paths near the reservoir seemed to not be used much and a bit overgrown. But it definitely was an adventurous hike with gorgeous...