Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail

How would you rate Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail?

Tap a star to share your experience and help other hikers.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail: Waterfalls Above the City

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

765

Ranked #765 of 974

See the Top 100 →

HikeList Score

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail scored 75/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 78
Varied terrain 100
Accommodation 49
Food & support 65
Path quality 84
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Trail is a 3.5 km moderate urban day-hike in Chuo Ward, Kobe, Japan, starting a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station. It climbs the southern slopes of the Rokko mountain range through forest, stone steps and riverside paths to Nunobiki Falls, Nunobiki Reservoir and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden at about 400 m. It suits hikers who want a half-day route with clear waymarking, city access and a ropeway descent option.

Route Overview

Start at the lower trailhead by Shin-Kobe Station, a Shinkansen stop, and follow the well-signposted promenade uphill. The route passes Mentaki Falls, Tsuzumigataki Falls, Meotodaki Falls and Ontaki Falls, then continues via the Miharashi observation point towards Nunobiki Reservoir and Gohonmatsu Dam. The high point is Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and the ropeway summit station, with Kaze no Oka as the intermediate ropeway stop. Most walkers return the same way or take the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway down; a forest-and-reservoir loop variant is also possible. For another short urban-cultural walk, compare Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine Path; for a much deeper pilgrimage setting, see the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route.

Nunobiki Falls: Poetry, dam history and the herb garden

Nunobiki Falls has been a noted scenic and literary site since the early Heian period. The Ise Monogatari, or Tales of Ise, links the falls with the poet Ariwara no Narihira and his brother Yukihira, and around 36 waka verses are now carved on monuments beside the trail. Higher up, Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam was completed in 1900 and is Japan’s oldest concrete gravity dam. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden opened in 1991, served by the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway.

Notable highlights

Nunobiki Falls — Ontaki: The main cascade drops about 43 m and is part of a set of four waterfalls above Shin-Kobe Station. Nunobiki is counted among Japan’s three great divine waterfalls alongside Kegon and Nachi.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden — about 400 m altitude: A hillside botanical park with themed gardens, a glasshouse and summit observation decks. It is the usual turnaround point for walkers and also the top station of the ropeway.
Nunobiki Reservoir — Gohonmatsu Dam: The upper trail passes this forested reservoir and historic dam. Completed in 1900, it is a designated National Important Cultural Property.
Waka poetry monuments: Around 36 poems line the path, turning the climb into a short literary trail as well as a nature walk.
Kobe city and harbour views: The observation decks and ropeway look over central Kobe, the port and Osaka Bay, and are especially scenic at sunset and during the garden's evening illumination.

Challenges to expect

Expect a steady climb rather than a flat stroll: the route gains about 235 m and includes stone or concrete steps, paved promenade, dirt and gravel sections. The stretch near Ontaki Falls can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Navigation is straightforward thanks to signs, but summer humidity can make the ascent feel harder. Check ropeway and garden hours if you plan to ride down.

765

Ranked #765 of 974

See the Top 100 →