Mt. Rokko
Day HikeKansai(Hyogo)
ModerateDistance
12 km
Elevation Gain
850m
Max Elevation
931m
Duration
5h
Popular Kobe day hike with city and sea views, birthplace of Japanese mountaineering.
Mt. Rokko (931m) is the iconic mountain range behind Kobe, offering extensive trail networks with stunning views of Osaka Bay and the city below. The mountain is accessible year-round and features everything from gentle nature walks to challenging ridge traverses. It is famous for its million-dollar night views and has a long history as a recreational retreat dating back to the Meiji era.
Best Season
Year-round, spring and autumn recommended
Highlights
Million-dollar night view of Kobe and Osaka Bay; Arima Onsen hot spring town on the north side; Nunobiki Falls near Shin-Kobe Station; Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden; Full mountain traverse from Suma to Takarazuka
Access
Multiple access points from Kobe. The most popular is from Rokko Cable Shita Station (bus from JR Rokkomichi Station). Alternatively, start from Ashiya or Arima Onsen. Cable car and ropeway options available.
Warnings & Safety
The full traverse (Suma to Takarazuka) is 56km and takes 12+ hours—plan accordingly. Wild boar encounters are common in lower areas. Some trails are poorly marked. Summer heat and humidity can be intense. Typhoon season (August-October) brings trail closures.