Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam
Ascend via ropeway to serene gardens and Japan's oldest concrete dam, offering breathtaking Kobe city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds
Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam
Best Time
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend via ropeway to serene gardens and Japan's oldest concrete dam, offering breathtaking Kobe city views.
"Soar above Kobe for breathtaking city and nature panoramas. A must-do for stunning aerial views!"
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails have stairs and inclines, so good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike .
Bring water & snacks :water_wave:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Cafes are available at the top .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 107 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nunobiki Ropeway
Shin-Kobe Station
Soar above Kobe for breathtaking city and nature panoramas. A must-do for stunning aerial views!
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Top of the Ropeway
A vast hillside garden with thousands of herbs and flowers, offering a fragrant escape and beautiful photo opportunities.
Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam
Upper hiking trail
Japan's oldest concrete gravity dam, a peaceful reservoir offering a glimpse into Kobe's water history.
Nunobiki Falls
Lower hiking trail
A beautiful cascade providing a refreshing natural spectacle on the way up to the herb gardens and dam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating the Trails and Dam
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails have stairs and inclines, so good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike.
Bring water & snacks :water_wave:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Cafes are available at the top.
Combine with Herb Gardens :herb:
The ropeway connects directly to the stunning Nunobiki Herb Gardens for a full day out.
Early bird gets the view 🌅
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere and city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails have stairs and inclines, so good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike.
Bring water & snacks :water_wave:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Cafes are available at the top.
Combine with Herb Gardens :herb:
The ropeway connects directly to the stunning Nunobiki Herb Gardens for a full day out.
Early bird gets the view 🌅
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere and city views.
Check weather for views ☁️
Clear days offer the best panoramic views of Kobe from the ropeway and trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the scenic beauty and accessibility of the Nunobiki area, particularly the stunning views from the ropeway and the well-maintained herb gardens. The hike to the dam is considered a pleasant moderate challenge with rewarding city vistas. Some note that the dam itself is more about its historical significance than a dramatic viewpoint.
"Nice little hike. Has some sections that elevate similar to stairs. There are also stairs on a few sections of the path. Good first hike in Kobe. Lovely view of the city. Take a water bottle with you."
Larissa
"Great walk from Shin Kobe. We walked with our small luggage rucksacks and had lunch by the dam. Took about 35 minutes to the reservoir.
From inside the station simply take the elevator or escalator from the main station area with the shops and ticket machines down one floor. The walk passage under the station goes from the left side of the lower level as you face the city, (the north-eastern end).
Good lookout over Kobe on the way up. Large walking area (see map) beyond the dam. We'll come back for a day walk soon."
Richard Heyer
"Clean water amidst the green forests.
"Kobe's water supply system began in Meiji 33 (1900). The water which supplied the inner Kobe city area at that time came from Nunobiki Reservoir. Nunobiki Dam is Japan's oldest gravitational concrete dam. In Heisei 18 (2006), it was designated as a important cultural property. In order to ensure a steady supply of water in the future, after the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, construction was carried out to make the dam earthquake resistant. The water in this reservoir becomes the water we drink. Please do not dirty this precious water source""
Vincent Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Shin-Kobe Station, take the elevator or escalator down one floor. The passage under the station leads to the trailhead on the north-eastern end. The walk to the dam takes about 35 minutes.
The closest parking is likely at Shin-Kobe Station. From there, you can access the trailhead. It's recommended to use public transport for easier access.
While buses serve the Shin-Kobe area, the most direct access to the dam's trailhead is by walking from Shin-Kobe Station. The ropeway also departs from near the station.
Yes, signs generally point the way from Shin-Kobe Station. The initial part of the trail is well-trodden, leading towards Nunobiki Falls and then the dam.
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station. The dam and herb gardens are a short walk or ropeway ride from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The dam and the trails leading to it are generally free to access. However, the Nunobiki Ropeway and Herb Gardens require separate admission tickets.
The dam and surrounding trails are accessible year-round during daylight hours. The Nunobiki Ropeway and Herb Gardens have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
Ropeway prices vary, but expect to pay around ¥1,400 for a round trip. It's a worthwhile expense for the views and access to the herb gardens.
Check the official Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens website for any available package deals or seasonal discounts. Group rates might also be an option.
Tickets for the Nunobiki Ropeway and Herb Gardens can typically be purchased at the station or online through their official website for convenience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the peaceful reservoir and learning about its history as Japan's oldest concrete gravity dam. The surrounding trails offer great city views and lead to Nunobiki Falls and the Herb Gardens.
The main path is considered a moderate hike with some stairs and inclines. There are steeper side paths for those seeking more challenge. It's manageable for most fitness levels.
While there are no dining facilities directly at the dam, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. The Nunobiki Herb Gardens at the top of the ropeway have cafes and restaurants with scenic views.
The ropeway offers incredible panoramic shots of Kobe. The trails leading up provide vantage points of the city, and the dam itself is picturesque. The Herb Gardens are also very photogenic.
The main trails to the dam are not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs due to stairs and uneven terrain. The ropeway and the main areas of the Herb Gardens are more accessible.
🎫 🌸 Nature & Scenery
The Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens feature seasonal blooms year-round, with peak displays in spring (tulips, roses) and autumn (cosmos, salvias). The gardens are designed for continuous floral beauty.
You might spot various bird species along the trails. The area is a natural habitat, offering a peaceful escape into greenery.
Yes, the ropeway provides expansive views of Kobe city and the bay. The trails leading to the dam also offer elevated viewpoints overlooking the urban landscape.
Nunobiki Dam is Japan's oldest concrete gravity dam, designated as an important cultural property. It's a vital part of Kobe's water supply system.
No, swimming in the reservoir is prohibited as it is a precious water source for Kobe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit