Hello there! I’m Eiryu, the developer of JapanNow. On June 7, 2025, I set out on one of my favorite adventures: hiking from Shin-Kobe Station up to the Kobe Herb Garden.
If you’re planning a trip to Kobe, you’ve almost certainly arrived at Shin-Kobe via the Shinkansen—it’s the city’s bullet-train stop. Tucked behind the station is a well-groomed trail that climbs about 1.2 km uphill to the herb garden, and best of all, it’s completely free.
Inside the garden, you can enjoy Kobe city’s great view, foot hot spring, alcohol drinks, and original special sweets.
Most people ride the ropeway (for a fee) to the garden’s mountaintop location, but in about 45 minutes on foot you’ll reach the same spot and enjoy some beautiful sights along the way. The trail splits several times, but follow my step-by-step guide below and you’ll have no trouble finding your way.
Head to the first floor of Shin-Kobe Station—look for the outdoor-gear rental shop. That’s your trailhead.
If you’re carrying bags, there are coin lockers (big enough for suitcases) on the second floor, so you can store your luggage and start fresh.
Are you ready? Let’s start !
—this trail is super beginner-friendly, so you don’t need fancy gear. Feel free to hike in casual clothes just like in the photos—some people even tackle it in jeans!
1. First Fork: Turn right and cross a small pedestrian bridge.
2. Jizō Statue Split: At the little shrine with a Jizō statue, bear left, then you’ll see a flight of stairs on your right. Though they look steep, these are the official route—go on, climb them!
3. Nunobiki Falls: After you complete the stairs, you’ll be greeted by one of Kobe’s most famous natural wonders. The height of the falls and the emerald-green pool below are simply breathtaking.
4. Century-Old Mountain Cafe: A bit farther along, you’ll come to a quaint lodge that’s been here over 100 years. There are vending machines and snacks inside—perfect for a breather while enjoying the view of the falls.
5. Gentle Slope & Scenic Space: Leaving the hut, follow the gentle uphill. At the next junction, turn right to emerge onto a space with a sweeping panoramic view of Kobe. There’s a restroom here if you need it.
6. Final Push: Continue straight and ascend another staircase on the picture below, go up and soon you’ll hit one last incline—turn left and keep going straight to head up!
7.Entrance gate of Kobe Herb garden: Watch for cars on the narrow service road carefully, and finally, we reached the Herb Garden gate in about 35 minutes total hiking time.
Tips: Although the main gate looks closed, the right side door is unlocked—just open it to enter. But please plan to arrive here before 5 PM, because at 17:00 that door is locked and you can’t enter the garden!! Likely, please exit from the garden by 5pm, or you’ll have to ride the ropeway back down!
(even so, it’s still a fun experience, hahaha)
Once entered inside, you’ll immediately find a vibrant flower field bursting with seasonal blooms. My personal favorite spot is the hammock nestled on the top of the field—swing gently, sip in the city-and-mountain panorama, and let your hiking fatigue melt away.
From there, wander to the midway point called the Glass House. You can soak your feet in an outdoor foot bath and treat yourself to original sweets on the café terrace. I highly recommend the sweets of cafe “Veranda”. Everything uses fresh, seasonal fruit—during my visit I devoured a strawberry soft-serve and a “savarin,” a rich, pudding-cake hybrid topped with whipped cream. It’s a bit indulgent (and a little pricey), but so worth it! (This is not an advertisement!)
At the topmost building you’ll find herb-scent experiences and a selection of beers and wines—an excellent way to cap off your visit.
After about two hours soaking in the gardens, we simply retraced our steps back to Shin-Kobe Station. One split along the descent can be tricky, so I’ve posted a photo on my site to guide you.
Kobe is a city of both mountains and sea, and this easy, conveniently accessible route is one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty. Let’s give it a try, then come back to our site and share your own experience!
Chao!
