Mt. Rokko (六甲山, 931.3m) is a mountain in Hyogo Prefecture listed among the Nihon Sanbyakumeizan, Shin-Nihon Hyakumeizan, and Kansai Hyakumeizan. With diverse access options including ropeway, buses, and rail, and a variety of well-maintained trails, it is popular year-round.
The classic route traverses from Ashiyagawa Station through Rock Garden to the summit and descends to Arima Onsen. The approach is on foot from the station — no bus is needed.
Access to the Trailhead
Map
Course Overview / Difficulty / Tips
Difficulty: The main route is a well-established mountain trail. The early section through the Rock Garden features rock formations and a short chain section—watch for slipping after rain. Those with a fear of heights can use the bypass trail to avoid exposed sections.
Best Season: Year-round (summer requires heat illness prevention; winter may need light crampons due to ice and snow).
Restrooms & Supplies: Around Ashiya-kawa Station / near Takakura Falls (check operating hours) / Ikkentchaya teahouse (just below the summit) / Arima Onsen town.
Escape Routes: From Ame-ga-toge, you can shortcut via Nanamagari to Ikkentchaya. From the summit, you can descend via the Rokko-Arima Ropeway or Rokko Mountain Bus to the Ropeway Station area.
Wildlife: Wild boar sightings reported. Never approach or feed them; carefully manage your snacks.
1. Going: Ashiyagawa Sta. → Takaza-no-Taki (Rock Garden Entrance)
Alight at Ashiyagawa Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line. Walk north along the Ashiya River for about 1.5 km (20–25 minutes) to reach Takaza-no-Taki waterfall and the Rock Garden entrance. Signposts mark the way. If arriving via JR, walk about 15 minutes from JR Ashiya Station to Ashiyagawa Station (or take a city bus).
Reference: Hankyu Railway — Ashiyagawa Station
2. Return: Arima Onsen → Sannomiya / Osaka / Rokko Cable
The descent ends in the Arima Onsen hot spring town (Taiko-bashi / Yumoto-zaka). After enjoying the baths and a meal, return by one of the following options:
By Train: Arima Onsen → (Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line) → Tanigami → (Kobe Municipal Subway Hokushin Line) → Shin-Kobe / Sannomiya. About 30–40 minutes, trains run every 10–20 minutes during the day. Alternatively, transfer at Arima-guchi for Okaba, Sanda, or Shinkaichi directions.
By Highway Bus: Arima Onsen ↔ Shin-Kobe / Sannomiya (Kobe-Sannomiya BT): about 30–45 minutes. Arima Onsen ↔ Osaka (Umeda / Hankyu Sanbangai): about 60–75 minutes. Extra services run during busy periods; advance booking recommended.
By Ropeway & Cable Car: From near the summit (Ikken-chaya), walk about 20 minutes to the Rokko-Arima Ropeway Arima Onsen Station → Rokko Sancho Station → (Rokko Sanjo Bus) → Rokko Cable Sanjo Station → (Rokko Cable) → Rokko Cable-shita → (Kobe City Bus) → JR Rokkodo / Hankyu Rokko direction. Note: mountain transport operates on seasonal schedules and may be suspended in bad weather.
Hiking Tips
- Rock Garden: For the three rock sections, maintain proper spacing and three-point contact. Be considerate of others when the area is crowded.
- Hydration: Stock up on water at Ashiya-kawa Station in summer. The section from Kazahuki-iwa to Ame-ga-toge receives direct sunlight and can be hot.
- Winter: Ice and snow may persist near the summit. Carry light crampons and warm layers.
- After Descent: At Arima Onsen, coin lockers and public baths (Kinnoyu / Ginnoyu) are convenient amenities.
Reference: Kobe Electric Railway
