When you think of Kobe, what comes to mind first? Maybe Kobe beef, the beautiful waterfront, or the lively streets around Sannomiya. But just behind the city is a completely different side of Kobe. Mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
If you arrive at Shin-Kobe Station and are wondering what to do nearby, one of my favourite recommendations is Nunobiki Falls.
What makes this place so special is just how close it is to the city. You can step off the Shinkansen at Shin-Kobe and, within minutes, find yourself walking through a peaceful forest with the sound of rushing water replacing the noise of trains and traffic.
For anyone looking for an easy nature escape in Hyogo, Nunobiki Falls is definitely worth adding to your Kobe itinerary.
What is Nunobiki Falls?
Despite the name, Nunobiki Falls (布引の滝) isn’t actually just one waterfall.
The name refers to a group of four waterfalls: Mentaki (雌滝), Tsutsumigadaki (鼓ヶ滝), Meotodaki (夫婦滝), and Ontaki (雄滝). The largest and most impressive is Ontaki, which has a drop of around 43 metres. Nunobiki Falls is also recognised as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
The waterfalls have a long history and have been admired for centuries. Nunobiki has appeared in Japanese literature and poetry since ancient times, making this more than simply a scenic hiking spot. It is a place that has been appreciated by generations of people long before modern Kobe developed below the mountains.
Today, one of the most surprising things about Nunobiki Waterfall is how accessible it is.
The closest waterfall, Mentaki, is only around a five-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, while Ontaki can be reached in roughly 15 minutes.
That’s pretty incredible considering Shin-Kobe is a major Shinkansen station.
Hiking from Shin-Kobe Station
The adventure begins almost immediately after leaving Shin-Kobe Station.
Instead of heading towards the city, follow the signs towards Nunobiki Falls and the hiking trail. It doesn’t take long before the buildings disappear behind you and you’re surrounded by trees.
This is one of the things I love most about the area.
The walk does include some uphill sections and stairs, so I wouldn’t describe the entire route as completely effortless. However, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker either. If you take your time, stop for breaks, and enjoy the scenery along the way, it is a very manageable little adventure.
Part of the experience is listening to the river, walking beneath the trees, and slowly making your way towards the falls.
A Refreshing Escape During Kobe’s Hot Summer
Japanese summers can be brutal. Even walking around the city for a short time can leave you searching for the nearest air-conditioned building.
But the atmosphere around the waterfall feels completely different.
As you get closer, you can hear the water crashing down through the valley. Standing near the waterfall, surrounded by the forest and feeling the cooler air coming from the water, gives you a surprisingly refreshing break from the summer heat.
Of course, you’re still hiking in Japan during summer, so bring plenty of water!
But there is something about seeing a huge waterfall on a hot day that instantly makes you feel cooler.
Spring and autumn are also fantastic times to visit. Kobe’s official tourism guide particularly recommends the area for the fresh green leaves of spring and the changing leaves in autumn.
Continue to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
If you have more time, don’t turn around after seeing the waterfall.
One of the best things about this area is that you can combine your hike with a visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
The gardens sit higher up the mountain and are one of Kobe’s most relaxing attractions, with seasonal flowers, herbs, viewpoints, and places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
This gives you two very different ways to experience the mountain.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day without much walking, you can take the Kobe Ropeway up from near Shin-Kobe and enjoy the Herb Gardens without doing the full hike.
The ropeway itself is part of the experience. As you climb higher above Kobe, you get some fantastic views across the city.
My Recommendation: Hike Up and Ropeway Down
However, if you’re comfortable walking, I’d recommend experiencing both Nunobiki Falls and the Herb Gardens rather than choosing between them.
Start from Shin-Kobe Station, hike through the forest and visit the waterfalls, then continue further up the mountain towards the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
After spending some time exploring the gardens, you can give your legs a break and take the Kobe Ropeway back down.
It’s a great combination because you get the adventure of hiking through the forest without necessarily having to walk the entire way back.
Just make sure you check the hiking gates and ropeway operating times before starting.
The schedule changes depending on the season, and hiking access is restricted in the evening.
Why You Should Visit Nunobiki Falls
What I like most about Nunobiki Falls isn’t simply the waterfall itself.
It’s the contrast.
One moment you’re standing at Shin-Kobe Station, where Shinkansen trains are arriving from cities across Japan. Not long afterwards, you’re surrounded by forest, listening to a waterfall in the mountains.
Kobe is often seen as a city destination, but places like Nunobiki show how closely the city is connected to nature.
You can make Nunobiki Falls a quick stop of an hour or so, or turn it into a half-day adventure by continuing towards the reservoir and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
If you’re visiting Kobe and want something beyond the usual city attractions, this is one place I highly recommend.
Whether you hike all the way up, take the Kobe Ropeway, or simply walk from Shin-Kobe to see the waterfalls, Nunobiki is an incredibly easy way to add some nature to your Kobe trip.
And on a scorching summer day, standing beside Nunobiki Waterfall with the sound of water crashing down in front of you?
That’s a pretty good escape from the heat.