Mount Rokko - Hyogo, Japan
My day started with a small hiccup — I missed a train transfer that would have saved me some time. By the time I got off at Ashiya Station, I had only three minutes to catch the connecting bus — and, of course, missed it. I ended up waiting 30 minutes for the next one, which meant I didn’t start hiking until around 10 a.m.
The trail began on a gentle, paved forest road. Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, creating dappled patterns on the path. After a couple of kilometres, I reached a small river crossing, followed by a section of stairs that added a touch of challenge to an otherwise manageable trail. A short detour just before the rest house was quite steep, but it offered an amazing view. I noticed a few hikers ignoring the closed trail and taking it anyway rather than the detour.
About 300 meters from the summit, a rest house comes into view, complete with benches and clean, well-maintained toilets. Its surprisingly spacious and modern design contrasts with the rugged trail, offering a welcome spot for hikers to relax. Most people stop here, and I took a few minutes to hydrate and use the facilities before continuing toward the summit.
Reaching the top, I was immediately struck by the view. Kobe spread out below me, the port glinting in the sunlight, while Osaka Bay shimmered in the distance. The wind, however, was intense — gusty enough to make me pull my jacket tight and shorten my time at the summit. I snapped a few quick photos and soaked in the panorama before beginning my descent.
Many hikers continue from the peak toward Arima Onsen, but I returned the way I came. On the way down, I met more hikers heading up, which made me grateful for my quieter morning ascent. About 2 km from the trailhead, I checked the bus schedule and realized the next one was in just 15 minutes. I ran the last stretch and arrived at the stop with two minutes to spare — triumphant and a little out of breath!
The hike was a delightful mix of nature, exercise, and city views — a reminder that even near urban areas, it’s possible to find a peaceful retreat with truly rewarding scenery.
Background
Mt. Rokko is a prominent mountain range overlooking Kobe, offering sweeping views of the city, Osaka Bay, and on clear days, even Awaji Island. Popular among both locals and visitors, the area is known for its mix of accessible hiking trails, natural scenery, and cultural spots like Rokko Garden Terrace. For me, it was the perfect escape from city bustle — a chance to enjoy nature, test my legs on a moderately challenging trail, and soak in panoramic views of Kobe from above.
Getting There
There are several trails leading up to Mt. Rokko, but I chose one starting at Higashi Otafukuyama. To reach the trailhead, I took the Hanshin Line from Sannomiya Station to Ashiya Station, then transferred to a bus heading toward Highland Kita. The bus stop is called Higashi Otafukuyama Tozanguchi, about a 27-minute ride from Ashiya Station. Once you get off, it’s just a short walk to the trailhead.
Route Overview
Distance: 8.43 km out & back (Higashi Otafukuyama Tozanguchi)
Total elevation gain: 588 m
Duration: 1 hr 54 min (with breaks 2 hr 4 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Mt Rokko 六甲山 931m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Sannomiya Station → Ashiya Station — ¥250
Bus: Ashiya Station → Higashi Otafukuyama Tozanguchi — ¥400
