Date With Cultural Depth In Kobe
You can learn a lot about a potential life partner on a hike. Are they competitive? Upbeat? Do they remember to pack tasty snacks, extend a helping hand to guide you up steep stairs, or are they understanding when one needs to stop every few steps to take photos? Perhaps, more important than someone’s ability to hike, is their attitude while performing the activity. This is perhaps why many people choose a hike for an early date when a view on potential true love is sought, and why a good hiking trip often leads to successful, cooperative relationships.
The Nunobiki hike is the perfect getting-to-know-you hike. Taking only a few hours roundtrip, there is the occasional steep section and intimidating set of stairs, however the treks between the four cascades are not long. Only a few minutes north of JR’s Shin-Kobe station, the trail is a conveniently short trip from Osaka or Kyoto, as well as near to restaurants for those wanting a quick bite prior, or a relaxing drink after their adventure.
Location:
Nunobiki waterfalls and Nunobiki herb garden
Nearest station:
Shin-Kobe on the JR line
Good for:
- Nature lovers
- Autumn and spring dates
- Less experienced hikers
Quick points:
- Moderate walking
- Cafe options
- Adjustable to budgets
How To Get There
Kobe is the gateway to many of Kansai’s best hikes – many only minutes away from the centre of the city itself! Catch a train to Shin-Kobe station, or walk to it from one of the many nearby lines, head north through a tunnel and follow one of the many sign boards pointing you in the right direction.
While closest to Shin-Kobe, the hike is also a short 10 minute walk for those coming via Hankyu or Hanshin station.
Shin-Kobe station is also the terminus of the rope-way station to Nunobiki Herb Garden. Those who wish to skip the hike entirely can ride up in comfort.
Those ready to stretch their legs and take their partner’s hand as they head under the bridge, towards the trailhead just north of this underpass.
Informative, bilingual signs line the trail, helpful to those easily lost.
Walk along the flat path to the left to visit Mentaki fall.
Nunobiki Waterfalls
“Nunobiki” comes from the long, graceful shapes of the falls, reminiscent of draped skeins of white silk. While in recent times, the name has become more closely associated with the popular herb garden on Mt Rokko, these four divine waterfalls, Ontaki, Mentaki, Meotodaki and Tsuzumigataki, have inspired poets for centuries. Literature loving citizens over the decades have ensured that the waka tradition continues, carving the poems on over 30 stones dotted along the route.
Poetry enthusiasts will be happy to know that an English translation of all the stones exists, thanks to David Farrah.
Voted as one of Japan’s top 100 most beautiful, these falls are also considered sacred and deeply symbolic of love and committed relationships. The twin streams falling from Meotodaki are said to represent a husband and wife, while Shinto kami inhabit elegant, feminine Mentaki and powerful, masculine Ontaki, bringing luck and romance to those visiting them.
Maple leaves frame Mentaki’s double cascade.
Stairs continue the path up the mountain. Keep your eyes out for side-paths leading to Tsuzumigataki and Meotodaki falls, or continue on to the top and Ontaki falls.
While the green leaves of summer can refresh, couples should make a point to visit this area during its most beautiful season: autumn.
A small tea house above Ontaki falls provides the perfect place to sit and enjoy the view.
Capture sweet memories together while walking through the woods.
Hike or Fly?
At this point, couples can decide whether to continue their trek higher, passing by the Nunobiki Reservoir, up through a stone shrine gate, and approaching the Herb Garden from its bottom gate. Or alternatively, they can take the rope-way from its mid-station, and zoom effortlessly across the final stretch.
Through the gate, ascend the stairs, and follow the path to the left.
The rope-way mid-point.
The rope-way offers a scenic and speedy option to the top for weary walkers, and some fun snapshots for those on the ground.
Pass along the edge of the reservoir in order to reach the Herb Garden entrance.
Built in 1900, Nunobiki Reservoir is Japan’s oldest gravity concrete dam.
Make sure to stop to take in the amazing, panoramic views of Kobe from look-outs along the way.
The entry gate into the Herb Garden, free for those who walk all the way up.
Be aware that last entry is 16:30, so time your trip to avoid disappointment.
Nunobiki Herb Garden
With over 75,000 species of plants, Kobe’s Nunobiki Herb Garden is the biggest in the country.
The botanical wonderland at the summit provides a calming and romantic climax to an amazing day out. Transforming with the seasons, the Nunobiki Herb Garden has hundreds of blooming and fragrant flowers to enjoy at any time of year.
A short walk up from the entrance gate is Kaze no Oka, a flat patch of green overlooking the harbour city. Lucky couples may snag a set of free hammocks to swing in as they enjoy the view and each other’s company under less active circumstances.
Couples can enter the greenhouses for a small additional fee, or enjoy the slightly sci-fi shape of them against the skyline.
There are 14 themed gardens to explore, and plenty of places to bring a picnic.
Cafe Stop
At the top of all the gardens, glades and winding garden paths is View Plaza. Alongside a potently perfumed gift shop are small food stalls offering vanilla honey ice creams, iced seasonal fruit juices, and more snacky favourites like hot chips and cold beer.
Climbing Towards A Lasting Love Together
So whether you’re testing the waters on a new relationship or simply looking to spend a beautiful day in nature with your soulmate, the Nunobiki Waterfalls and Herb Garden offer a peaceful, scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With stunning natural views, refreshing walks, and a romantic setting that evolves with the seasons, this hike is a perfect way to learn a little more about your hiking companion — and maybe even yourself. Lace up your shoes, push together through steep climbs and stop to savour the view hand in hand, maybe swinging from a hammock. The Nunobiki hike becomes more than just a journey through nature—it’s a journey of discovery.