Hiking app Yamap provides trails in English for foreign visitors to explore Mt Rokko in Kobe
Kobe, the capital of Hyogo prefecture in western Japan, may be known for its signature marbled beef, but there is actually a lot more to discover in and around the city. Besides its beautiful harbour area, a small Chinatown (Nankin-machi), and the Kitano neighbourhood that’s home to old Western-style mansions, the city is also famous for its many hiking trails leading up Mount Rokko, the highest peak of the Rokko mountain range at 931 metres.
While you could reach Mt Rokko by using the train and bus from central Kobe, followed by a short cable car ride from the foot of the mountain, hiking fans and nature lovers should definitely opt for a scenic walk uphill. Surrounded by nature, you will encounter several sightseeing spots along the way, while stunning panoramic views await at the top.
In collaboration with the Kobe Tourism Bureau, the free Japanese hiking app Yamap has come up with seven different trekking routes of Mt Rokko, catering especially to foreign visitors planning a trip to Kobe in the near future, or even visiting during the Rugby World Cup between September 20 and November 2 (including four games in Kobe, on September 26 & 30 and October 3 & 8).
Here is a short overview of Yamap’s hiking routes and services.
Before you start your hiking adventure, make sure to download the maps, which are available inside the Yamap app for free. Even though your mobile phone may not have reception throughout the entire hike, the offline map can still show you your current location.
The collaboration project between Yamap and the Kobe Tourism Bureau has created seven different routes, catering to both inexperienced and veteran hikers. To find out which one suits you the best, check the total distance and time you may need for your hike – all information that is highlighted inside the app. After choosing your preferred route, a purple line will pop up on the map, illustrating the trail.
Whether it’s the stunning Nunobiki Falls, which are just a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, or the rock formation ‘Umanose’, there are plenty of beautiful sightseeing spots along the trails.
Recommended trails:
1. Rokko Sanjo Station (Rokko Cable Car) to Rokko Garden Terrace (level: beginner, length: 6km/about 2.5hrs)
2. Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway) to Arima Onsen Observation Deck (level: beginner, length: 5.7km/about 3hrs)
3. Sumaura-Koen Station (Sanyo Electric Railway) to Itayado Station (Sanyo Electric Railway) (level: intermediate, length: 7.9km/about 4 hrs)
4. Shin-Kobe Station to Futatabi Park (level: intermediate, length: 8.7km, duration: about 4 hours)
5. Oji-Koen Station (Hankyu Railway) to Mt Maya (level: intermediate, length: 10km/about 5.5hrs)
6. Shin-Kobe Station to Mt Maya to Suidosuji Shotengai (level: intermediate, length: 12km/about 7hrs)
7. Ashiyagawa Station (Hankyu Railway) to the summit of Mt Rokko to Arima Onsen (level: advanced, length: 10km/about 4hrs)
During your hike, you can see several marks popping up on the digital map. These signify noteworthy sightseeing spots along the way, including Tenjoji temple on Mt Maya or Mt Rokko’s Country House. If you decide on a shortcut, you could even check the timetable for the Rokko Cable Line, and other transportation options, inside the app.
For more information on Mt Rokko and the general Kobe area, plus an overview of the hiking trails, click here.
