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Waterfall · Kobe, Hyogo
Nunobiki Falls
Four falls on the Ikuta River, a few minutes’ walk from Shin-Kobe Station, along a woodland trail, with a ropeway and an herb garden above.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Nunobiki Falls in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Nunobiki Falls
The Nunobiki waterfalls (Nunobiki no Taki) are on the Ikuta River at the foot of the Rokko range, about a 15–20 minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station on the shinkansen line. There are four successive falls: Mendaki, the “female” waterfall; Meotodaki, the “couple”; Tsutsumigadaki, the “drum”; and Ondaki, the “male” waterfall, the largest, at about 43 meters.
The falls have appeared in Japanese poetry since the Heian period and are considered, along with Kegon and Nachi, among Japan’s sacred waterfalls. The main fall drops into a pool ringed by rock, and stones inscribed with old poems line the path.
The trail climbs through mountain woodland, with stone steps and bridges, passing the four falls in about 30 minutes. Above them is the Nunobiki stone dam from the early 20th century — one of Japan’s early concrete dams — which once supplied the city with water for ships and residents.
On the other side of the valley the Shin-Kobe ropeway rises to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, with greenhouses, herb beds and a viewpoint over the port. Many visitors climb the falls on foot and descend by ropeway, or the reverse. About a 10-minute trail from the main fall, the Mihara viewpoint overlooks the city.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 1 to 1h30 for the four-falls trail; half a day if you include the ropeway and herb garden.
Best time
After rain the falls usually run fuller. In autumn the surrounding woods change color in November. The trail is damp and has steps: avoid days of heavy rain.
How to get there
From Shin-Kobe Station (shinkansen and subway) the trailhead is a few minutes’ walk, passing under the station; the main fall is about 15–20 minutes away. The Shin-Kobe ropeway departs next to the station.
Tip
Climb the falls on foot and continue the trail to the herb garden, then descend by ropeway. Wear sturdy footwear: the stone steps get slippery.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nunobiki Falls
How do you get to Nunobiki Falls?
On foot from Shin-Kobe station, about 15 to 20 minutes to the main fall.
How many falls are there at Nunobiki Falls?
Four: Mendaki, Meotodaki, Tsutsumigadaki and Ondaki, the largest, about 43 meters high.
Do you have to pay to see Nunobiki Falls?
There is no charge for the trail. The ropeway and the herb garden are paid attractions.
Can you combine Nunobiki with the herb garden?
Yes. The waterfall trail continues to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, from where the ropeway descends near Shin-Kobe station.
Is the Nunobiki trail difficult?
It’s short but has stone steps and slippery sections. Wear sturdy footwear.
Beyond the guide
