Kobe trip: Nunobiki Fall

I wasn't aware that there is this waterfall within the city until my friend said that we should visit it.

It turns out to be right next to JR station Shin-Kobe and the water from the waterfall runs right under it!

When you enter through the carpark, you will see this map on the wall that shows the terrain and places of interest. This is one serious hiking trail!!!

Alternately you can take a ropeway up to a Herb Garden that will save you some energy but costs some money.

There are 4 waterfalls altogether that form the Nunobiki Falls. You can get this map from the tourist office at the station.

There is no worry of getting lost if you follow the signage, but note that beyond the reservoir are serious hiking trails so you should be equipped with proper shoes and equipment if you want to continue upwards after the waterfalls.

The first waterfall you see is called Mentaki (雌滝), which literally means Female Waterfall. It has a height of 19m and located just 5 min walk away from the station. It's amazing how such a beautiful nature spot is right inside the city and you do not feel it at all!

The building next to the waterfall carries water to be treated.

These steps look ok but they get narrower later on and became slippery during rain. So I proceeded carefully.

The next waterfall you see is Tsutsumigadaki (鼓ヶ滝), which literally means drumming waterfall because it sounds like a drummer beating continuously. This waterfall is 10min walk away from the station.

Just another 5 min walk and you will see 2 waterfalls. The top most is Ontaki (雄滝), which literally means male waterfall. The water falls from 43m in height and very beautiful.

The bottom is called Meotodaki (夫婦滝), which literally means couple waterfall because 2 streams combine into one as it falls down.

Here is my short video of the waterfalls for you to enjoy.

Because it was drizzling and my boots were slippery, I did not continue to venture upwards and went back down. It's amazing that you can see waterfalls within 15min from the train station. If you want to venture more upwards, the trail becomes more difficult without handles so you should ideally do it with proper hiking shoes, equipment and during a fine weather. But if you don't want to walk at all, there is always a ropeway up the mountain to visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden.

Official Website: http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/spot/?sid=153