VISIT KOBE

Overview

Did you know that Nunobiki Falls is located just a two-minute subway ride from Sannomiya—Kobe’s biggest downtown area—and just a short walk from the shinkansen stop at Shin-Kobe Station? “Nunobiki Falls” is the collective name for four waterfalls: Mentaki, Tsutsumigadaki, Meotodaki, and Ontaki. Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters, it is a premier scenic spot in Kobe. You can easily drop your luggage in a station locker and visit. It is also popular among guests at nearby hotels as a refreshing morning walking course. Experiencing such rich nature right next to the city will surely make your trip memories even more vivid.

Walking route

From the station, head for the brick Isago Bridge. Soon after you cross the bridge, the first waterfall “Mentaki” appears. Water quietly and gracefully cascades 19 meters down the falls and many are impressed by this stunning natural encounter just five minutes’ walk from the station. Further up the trail, you will reach “Tsutsumigadaki”, where the sound of the water echoes like a drum. Treading the forest trail to the rhythmical sound of the rushing water soon makes the city hubbub a distant memory.

Further ahead lies “Meotodaki,” where two streams fall harmoniously side by side.

The climax comes at the 43-meter-high “Ontaki.” The most thrilling cascades of Nunobiki, the sight of water flowing down the rockface like a sheet of white cloth is overwhelming. The thunder and white spray are an emphatic display of the power of nature so close to the city.

Above: Ontaki, Below: Meotodaki

After enjoying the waterfalls, take a break at the nearby “Ontaki Chaya” teahouse. Soothe your hiking fatigue with a cold drink while listening to the murmuring stream. If you’re up for a little more walking, head to the “Miharashi Observatory.” The panoramic view of the Kobe cityscape and the ocean stretching into the distance is a must-see!

This easy walking course takes about one hour return, a distance of some 2 kilometers. A rare opportunity to immerse in nature during a city trip, this is the perfect way to fill in time between tour activities or while waiting for your shinkansen departure. Even if you are short on time, a quick visit to just Mentaki Falls near the station is enough to experience the charm of Nunobiki.

A 5-minute walk from the station brings you to the Ropeway station for Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway. The aerial ride offers panoramic views of the Kobe cityscape and Osaka Bay. Landing at the Summit Station at an altitude of 400 meters, you are welcomed by around 75,000 herbs and flowers of 200 species blooming seasonally.

The park features a restaurant serving colorful dishes incorporating herbs, a luxurious café lounge, and an open terrace where you can enjoy an elegant tea time while gazing at the magnificent view. The shop offers original products such as aromas and herb teas, perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself. The herb garden is a famous scenic location of Kobe combining nature, food and relaxation – do not miss.

Developed after the opening of Kobe Port in 1868 as a settlement for foreign residents, the “Kitano Ijinkan-gai” is a popular destination featuring preserved Western-style houses. Lined with brick mansions and retro buildings, a simple stroll here feels like a step back in time. In addition to touring the interiors, visitors can enjoy dining in restaurants housed in these historic structures or shopping at stylish boutiques. This unique streetscape, where exotic culture meets Japanese history, offers an experience unique to Kobe that captivates travelers from around the world.

There are two city loop bus lines in Kobe. With a one-day pass, you can hop on and off freely, making sightseeing easy. These buses are perfect for first-time visitors and great for moving between major spots, including Shin-Kobe Station.

We hope you have discovered the diverse charms of the Shin-Kobe area, connected by shinkansen to major Western Japan cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. With superb access to Sannomiya and the bay area, you can take in a whole lot of Kobe highlights from here.