Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki)
Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki)
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GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,469 contributions
Apr 2019
There are signs for Nunobiki Falls at the Shin Kobe Station. Nunobiki Falls is described as one of Japan’s three most significant waterfalls. It is only a 15-minute walk to get there. There is no admission fee and it is very easy to find.
The entire journey is over 1,000 feet and most of it involved plenty of stone steps going straight up. We both needed to pause to catch our breath along the way.
There are four waterfalls to choose from: Ontaki, Mendaki, Tsusumigadaki and Izumoki, depending on how far you want to hike. The lowest-level one is relatively easy to get to; whereas the hardest one lurks at the top of a steep flight of steps.
The entire journey is over 1,000 feet and most of it involved plenty of stone steps going straight up. We both needed to pause to catch our breath along the way.
There are four waterfalls to choose from: Ontaki, Mendaki, Tsusumigadaki and Izumoki, depending on how far you want to hike. The lowest-level one is relatively easy to get to; whereas the hardest one lurks at the top of a steep flight of steps.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan K
Santa Clara, CA44 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
It's pretty weird because you head out the back way of the Shin Kobe station and follow a path that weaves past houses. I went early morning and there was almost no one else there. A few senior citizens and I guess some residents who were friendly and would greet me as I passed them.
It is a hike, your fitness level will matter if you want to go see all the falls and go up to the herb garden. I didn't go that far since my legs were still recovering from activities the previous day. I wouldn't mind coming back one day to do it in its entirety. There was some signs that indicated there might be some wild pigs or boars in the area so I guess be vigilant.
It is a hike, your fitness level will matter if you want to go see all the falls and go up to the herb garden. I didn't go that far since my legs were still recovering from activities the previous day. I wouldn't mind coming back one day to do it in its entirety. There was some signs that indicated there might be some wild pigs or boars in the area so I guess be vigilant.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worthj1970
Nashville, TN2,406 contributions
Nunobiki, to me, is less valuable as a destination in itself but is good as an off-the-beaten-path side trip that takes in not only the waterfalls but also the Park that sits above Kobe (and is accessible via cable car from Shin Kobe). It's not the most difficult hike in the world; it has steep sections, but not too much. But on this one hike you get to see several things the average tourist will not.
The trail is easy enough to get to; you can ask at the Shin Kobe shinkansen station, or simply 'follow your nose' along the small road that leads under the station towards the hill. From there you'll cross a stream and the path will go to the left and right; it's really all part of the same loop, but I suggest going up to the left and returning to the right (it's easier in the long run). Then you follow the trail to the waterfall, and continue on until the trail splits.
At this point you have a choice: go to the right (downhill) and return on the other end of the loop. Or you could go to the left where you'll shortly reach a scenic overlook; it's only a couple hundred yards and the views can be very nice. From here you have four choices: you can return back down the trail, you can pick up the road next to the overlook and turn right to head back to a point just West of the Shinkansen station, you can take the road to the left and walk up to the gardens, or you can continue along the path. If you have the time take the path; it follows the stream (past two smaller water falls), alongside a small reservoir, and ends at the terminus of the road to the gardens. Along the way you will see a trail that is more or less a set of steps that takes you up to the garden, but I suggest continuing to the end of the trail and walking back up the road. For one thing the walk is easier, and for another I really like the area at the end of the trail. If you really have the time and energy, you can cross the stream (there's a small bridge) and follow an old, unused road that ends at a small temple; it's a guarantee that your average tourist doesn't visit that temple.
The trail is easy enough to get to; you can ask at the Shin Kobe shinkansen station, or simply 'follow your nose' along the small road that leads under the station towards the hill. From there you'll cross a stream and the path will go to the left and right; it's really all part of the same loop, but I suggest going up to the left and returning to the right (it's easier in the long run). Then you follow the trail to the waterfall, and continue on until the trail splits.
At this point you have a choice: go to the right (downhill) and return on the other end of the loop. Or you could go to the left where you'll shortly reach a scenic overlook; it's only a couple hundred yards and the views can be very nice. From here you have four choices: you can return back down the trail, you can pick up the road next to the overlook and turn right to head back to a point just West of the Shinkansen station, you can take the road to the left and walk up to the gardens, or you can continue along the path. If you have the time take the path; it follows the stream (past two smaller water falls), alongside a small reservoir, and ends at the terminus of the road to the gardens. Along the way you will see a trail that is more or less a set of steps that takes you up to the garden, but I suggest continuing to the end of the trail and walking back up the road. For one thing the walk is easier, and for another I really like the area at the end of the trail. If you really have the time and energy, you can cross the stream (there's a small bridge) and follow an old, unused road that ends at a small temple; it's a guarantee that your average tourist doesn't visit that temple.
Written March 1, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M. L.
Singapore, Singapore414 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
You have been warned: It's a climb with some steep steps to get to the last fall, along with the uphill hike from start to finish. However, if you are looking for hidden waterfalls in the city, you got them here.
There are 4 waterfalls in total - head for Mentaki first with a sitting area, then climb up and look at the slightly obscured Tsusumigami (I think?) and further on to Meotodaki. The last one is the tallest Ontaki. While climbing, you are surrounded by nature and I think they are part of a large natural reserve or park area.
There are online reviews and guides, but it was a total mess for me. I've summed it down to a few steps:
1) Get to Shin-Kobe station and get out at ground level of the JR side of the station. Follow the sign that does say 'Nunobiki Falls' and get out of the building.
2) To the left, you should see a driveway with huge words painted on it. One of them should say NUNOBIKINOTAKI. Walk on that driveway and follow the arrow.
3) You should see the light at the end of the tunnel, which has a sign with a duck scout mascot on it. That is the start of the trail. Follow the path!
4) When you hit a bridge that has a map and goes across a river, you've found the Nunobiki Falls area!
Now from here, you could hike up further to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, but if you are done hiking for the day, turn back to Shin-Kobe station. The climb to the Herb Gardens is not easy, but brings you deeper into nature.
There are 4 waterfalls in total - head for Mentaki first with a sitting area, then climb up and look at the slightly obscured Tsusumigami (I think?) and further on to Meotodaki. The last one is the tallest Ontaki. While climbing, you are surrounded by nature and I think they are part of a large natural reserve or park area.
There are online reviews and guides, but it was a total mess for me. I've summed it down to a few steps:
1) Get to Shin-Kobe station and get out at ground level of the JR side of the station. Follow the sign that does say 'Nunobiki Falls' and get out of the building.
2) To the left, you should see a driveway with huge words painted on it. One of them should say NUNOBIKINOTAKI. Walk on that driveway and follow the arrow.
3) You should see the light at the end of the tunnel, which has a sign with a duck scout mascot on it. That is the start of the trail. Follow the path!
4) When you hit a bridge that has a map and goes across a river, you've found the Nunobiki Falls area!
Now from here, you could hike up further to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, but if you are done hiking for the day, turn back to Shin-Kobe station. The climb to the Herb Gardens is not easy, but brings you deeper into nature.
Written November 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sia65
Singapore, Singapore736 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
A leisure 5km hike up from Shin-Kobe station to the rope way mid-station takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with breaks in between. One gets to see the Nunobiki Falls up close, as well as the dam. The rest of the waterfalls are hidden by the foliage but you can hear them while walking. Recommended to hike up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden and take the cable car down. You get best of both worlds.
Written December 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sushilou
Sydney, Australia60 contributions
My family and I stumbled on this pretty walk on the way down from the herb gardens above Shin Kobe station.
If you want to follow the path downhill first take the cable car as signposted from Shin Kobe JR station. Get off at the middle stop and walk downhill to a T junction. Take a right and look for a signpost on the left hand side around 50 meters along. It will direct you to a stepped path down through the forest. Just follow the path from there and you'll find the falls.
Allow at least one hour at a leisurely pace.
If you want to follow the path downhill first take the cable car as signposted from Shin Kobe JR station. Get off at the middle stop and walk downhill to a T junction. Take a right and look for a signpost on the left hand side around 50 meters along. It will direct you to a stepped path down through the forest. Just follow the path from there and you'll find the falls.
Allow at least one hour at a leisurely pace.
Written April 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola L
London, UK69 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
If you are travelling to Kobe, do not miss out on these waterfalls. We started our walk by taking the cable car up Mount Rokko (very near Shin-Kobe station) to the Herb Garden. The garden is a delight especially if you are missing spring flowers from Europe (which I was) and it's easy to walk down the paved path. There is a cafe along the way for snacks which looked interesting. However.....detour off by following signs to Nunobiki Waterfalls and you won't be disappointed. Not a scrap of litter to be seen, charming people along the way and the sun was shining so a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. I would repeat the experience!
Written May 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hughsam
toronto192 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
The easiest way to get to the falls is to go behind Shin Kobe Station via the walkway underneath. Do not go up to the Herb Gardens and then try to walk down after the mid-way station. That is a fair hard walk down if you are more mature--for you young ones, just take the hike from the mid-station at the Herb Gardens for a great nature walk.
So us mere mortals, walk 250 meters using the passage way under Shin-Kobe and you are there. The other walk is about 30 minutes with gimpy knees.
So us mere mortals, walk 250 meters using the passage way under Shin-Kobe and you are there. The other walk is about 30 minutes with gimpy knees.
Written December 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel42,744 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The beautiful waterfalls are located within a park, which is a 5-minute walk from the Shinkobe station.
Reaching the waterfalls (there are at least 3 of them, by the way), involves a lot of stair climbing, and while you do not need to be too fit for that, it's certainly not recommended for elderly (or young kids, for that matter).
The climb itself is within a lovely jungle-like bush, and the waterfalls are quite impressive.
You need at least 90 minutes to reach all waterfalls and return in a reasonable pace. Entrance is free of charge.
Reaching the waterfalls (there are at least 3 of them, by the way), involves a lot of stair climbing, and while you do not need to be too fit for that, it's certainly not recommended for elderly (or young kids, for that matter).
The climb itself is within a lovely jungle-like bush, and the waterfalls are quite impressive.
You need at least 90 minutes to reach all waterfalls and return in a reasonable pace. Entrance is free of charge.
Written July 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vampyreq
Singapore, Singapore39 contributions
Sep 2019
It is very near Shin-Kobe station. You can take the north exit and walk through a mall/ bus interchange or sorts kind of walkway and exit to level 1. A painted sign on the wall will direct you to Nunobiki no Taki on the left, walk through that tunnel and you'll be greeted with a map, and a steep slope to the right.
When you reach the first fork, take the right and at the end of it you'll reach another fork. Left to the falls, right to the toilet. Note that this washroom does NOT have paper.
After turning left, you'll have a choice of going to the lower or higher waterfall. The higher waterfall is quite steep, but paved with rock stairway. Not a difficult climb. You'll have some benches to relax at the waterfall and you can actually go even higher to a restaurant.
It's not amazingly spectacular, but worth a 30 - 45 minute visit. I enjoyed my time here with my girlfriend soaking in the nature.
When you reach the first fork, take the right and at the end of it you'll reach another fork. Left to the falls, right to the toilet. Note that this washroom does NOT have paper.
After turning left, you'll have a choice of going to the lower or higher waterfall. The higher waterfall is quite steep, but paved with rock stairway. Not a difficult climb. You'll have some benches to relax at the waterfall and you can actually go even higher to a restaurant.
It's not amazingly spectacular, but worth a 30 - 45 minute visit. I enjoyed my time here with my girlfriend soaking in the nature.
Written October 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does it save time to buy the ropeway tickets in advance online, or do you still have to wait in the same line as the people who did not pre-purchase their tickets?
Written April 27, 2024
There are very limited parking spaces that I saw near the park. And by near I mean you still have to walk quite a distance.
Written June 2, 2017
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