Nunobiki Falls is one of the most remarkable things about Kobe: a chain of four waterfalls, celebrated in classical Japanese poetry for over a thousand years and counted among the country’s finest, sitting barely fifteen minutes' walk from a Shinkansen station. A shaded stone path climbs from behind Shin-Kobe Station past the Mendaki, Ondaki, Tsuzumigadaki and Meotodaki falls, the largest dropping some 43 metres into a green pool. Keep climbing and the trail reaches a viewing plaza over the city, the Nunobiki Herb Garden and a ropeway back down.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Chuo Ward, Kobe |
| Hours | Trail always open (daylight advised) |
| Admission | Free; ropeway/herb garden ~¥2,000 |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Fresh green early summer; autumn colour |
What to See
- A chain of four waterfalls, the largest dropping 43 m.
- A shaded stone trail 15 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station.
- The viewing plaza over Kobe and the harbour.
- The Nunobiki Herb Garden and ropeway higher up.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Kitano foreign-residence district below.
- Pair with Kobe Harborland on the waterfront.
- Read our Hyogo overview .
Getting There
- On foot: the trail starts directly behind Shin-Kobe Shinkansen station.
- By ropeway: ride up to the herb garden and walk down past the falls.
Tips
It’s genuinely astonishing how quickly you leave the city — from the Shinkansen platform to a forest waterfall takes about fifteen minutes on foot. Wear shoes with grip as the stone steps are damp, and consider taking the ropeway up to the herb garden and walking down past all four falls, which is easier than climbing and gives you the harbour views on the way.
