Nunobiki Falls
A stunning natural escape featuring one of Japan's most celebrated waterfalls, easily accessible from Shin-Kobe Station.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Nunobiki Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural escape featuring one of Japan's most celebrated waterfalls, easily accessible from Shin-Kobe Station.
"Hidden behind a busy Shinkansen station, whoever can think of that!"
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The trails have many stairs; sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Vending machines and a rest stop are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nunobiki Falls
Main waterfall area
Witness the power and beauty of these cascading falls, one of Japan's most celebrated natural wonders.
Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Upper plateau
Explore a vast array of fragrant flowers and plants with stunning panoramic views of Kobe.
Kobe City Views
Various viewpoints along the trail and from the herb gardens
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Kobe's cityscape and harbor from elevated vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Footwear & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The trails have many stairs; sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Vending machines and a rest stop are available.
🚠 Cable Car Option
Take the cable car up for stunning views, then hike down to see the falls.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst nature; it's a great spot for a peaceful picnic.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The trails have many stairs; sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Vending machines and a rest stop are available.
🚠 Cable Car Option
Take the cable car up for stunning views, then hike down to see the falls.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst nature; it's a great spot for a peaceful picnic.
💦 Dip Your Feet
A shallow stream near the start is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the beauty and accessibility of Nunobiki Falls, often surprised by this natural gem so close to Shin-Kobe Station. The combination of waterfalls, hiking trails, and the stunning city views from the nearby herb gardens makes it a highly recommended spot for a refreshing escape. Some note the stairs can be challenging, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Hidden behind a busy Shinkansen station, whoever can think of that! 15 minutes of moderately challenging hike (I am 63 but I saw some locals probably 70s on the trail) takes you through several (not your Niagara) waterfalls and eventually to the top that can look down on Kobe. There is a hiking trail of stairs but I suspect there is another paved trail (tar) that can take u to the top, too."
Alfie Who
"Beautiful hike on a well maintained lovely path. The two falls are very easy to get to and offer great views. The full loop offers additional falls and great views if you have the time. There is some moderate elevation change and if it's hot out bring water. There is a small restaurant and vending machines along with a restroom on the trail right after the 2nd falls"
Trey Tollison
"Magnificent falls! It is more than what we expected in scale. I recommend that you should take a look once by all means. As we moved in near by Kobe city, we walked into this place. It was not crowded as it was a weekday and a nice place to have a brawn bag lunch."
Terry K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nunobiki Falls is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station. Follow the signs for the falls; the path is well-maintained and offers beautiful scenery along the way.
While direct parking at the trailhead is limited, Shin-Kobe Station offers ample parking facilities. From there, it's a short and scenic walk to the falls.
Yes, Shin-Kobe Station is the primary access point and is well-connected by Shinkansen (bullet train) and local lines, making it easily accessible from other cities like Osaka.
You can hike up to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, or take the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway from the base station near the falls. The ropeway offers spectacular views of Kobe. +1
Absolutely! Nunobiki Falls is a perfect day trip destination from Osaka, requiring only a short train ride to Shin-Kobe Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Nunobiki Falls itself is free. However, there is a fee for the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway and the Nunobiki Herb Gardens. +1
Nunobiki Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The Nunobiki Herb Gardens have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
The hiking trails leading to Nunobiki Falls are free to access. You only pay if you choose to use the ropeway or enter the herb gardens.
While online booking options might be available, tickets for the ropeway and herb gardens can typically be purchased on-site at their respective stations or entrances.
Information on combined tickets can vary. It's best to check the official Nunobiki Herb Gardens website or inquire at the ticket counters for any package deals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike from Shin-Kobe Station to the main Nunobiki Falls takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Exploring further to the herb gardens can add another hour or more.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, with some stairs involved. It's manageable for most fitness levels, including older individuals.
Yes, there are restrooms available along the hiking trail, particularly near the second waterfall and at the entrance to the herb gardens.
While there's a shallow stream near the start where you can dip your feet, swimming directly in the main falls is not recommended or permitted due to safety and conservation reasons. +1
Nunobiki Falls is recognized as one of the 'Three Great Waterfalls of Japan,' alongside Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Kegon Falls in Tochigi.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking the falls, the bridges crossing the streams, and the panoramic city views from the upper trails offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, the higher you ascend, the more expansive the views of Kobe's skyline and harbor become, perfect for capturing stunning cityscape photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks and near tourist attractions to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the herb gardens or distant cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
The 'Japan's Three Great Waterfalls' status adds to its appeal for nature enthusiasts seeking iconic natural landmarks. 📸 Photographers
Early morning or late afternoon light can create magical scenes, especially with the city lights starting to twinkle in the evening. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nunobiki Falls Experience
The hike itself is a journey through lush greenery, with well-maintained paths and numerous stairs.
Beyond the falls, the area offers more than just natural beauty. Visitors can opt to take the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway, which ascends to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe city and its harbor.
Exploring the Nunobiki Herb Gardens
The gardens are not just about flora; they also provide some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kobe.
Combining a visit to the falls with the herb gardens offers a comprehensive experience of the natural and scenic attractions around Shin-Kobe. Whether you hike up and down or use the ropeway, the journey provides a refreshing break from the urban environment and a chance to connect with nature.
The ASICS GEL-NUNOBIKI™ Sneaker Connection
The design of the shoe draws inspiration from the textures and aesthetics of the outdoor trail, blending urban style with a rugged, nature-inspired look. The GEL-NUNOBIKI™ sneaker incorporates design elements from other ASICS models, creating a shoe that is both stylish and functional for urban exploration.
This connection highlights how natural landmarks can influence contemporary design and fashion, bringing a piece of Kobe's natural beauty into everyday wear. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit