Shin Kobe Trail and Mount Maya

For those who want some hilly and challenging trail running with great views, Mount Maya and Mount Rokko offer some great options right near the center of Kobe. The first section of the Mt. Maya trail network begins from Shin-Kobe Station and offers trail runs of varying lengths to some beautiful high-elevation sights. The first destination is the Nunobiki Waterfall, just a few km up the trail. Runners can continue further up the easy brick pathway to the Nunobiki Herb Garden and Observation Deck. For those who are feeling extra ambitious, it’s possible to continue along the path to Mount Maya Summit and Kobe Arboretum. The way can be quite steep at times, so if you find your energy lapsing after the climb, you can always take the “Ropeway” lift back to the base of the mountain. 

Further east, another run/hike involves Mount Rokko. A trail starts at Ashiyagawa Station.