March-April is absolutely the best season for enjoying Kobe’s colorful mountain scenery while trekking under the warm sunlight.
Today, we will show you our recommended trekking route, scenic spots and more!
Sumaura Koen Station is the closest station to the starting point of the trekking route. This route is very popular among a wide variety of local hikers and is a great solo or group activity for families and friends. Everybody from beginners to professionals use this route.
Apart from trekking, the Sumaura Ropeway service is also a great option for appreciating a spectacular view from the mountain top. The ropeway takes you to the mountaintop area in just a couple of minutes.
This very spring-ish trekking route is also designated as the first part of “KOBE Rokko Mountain Traverse Race” (one of the most famous mountain traverse competitions in the Kansai area).
The Sumaura Koen Park area is regarded as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kobe.
Cherry trees are dotted all over the park and countless numbers of cherry tree buds are starting to swell, waiting for the best time to bloom in April.
The stairway on the right side of the photo shown above is the “chikamichi” shortcut to the mountain path. *As a side note, chikamichi means shortcut in Japanese.
However this time, we won’t take the shortcut and take a detour to the park area and explore it.
A geographical feature of KOBE is the very short distance between the sea and the mountain as shown in the photos. The Seto Inland Sea beautifully spreads right before the Suma area and it looks close enough as if we could dive to the sea from the mountain.
The very Kobe-ish view “Sumaura Koen Park”
Now, the trek begins!
A long stairway might make you feel a little nervous, but actually the stairs are well-paved and easy to walk on.
As resting areas are arranged throughout the route, hikers can progress at their own pace.
Vivid red Camellia flowers welcome and encourage hikers, making them feel the seasonal transition from winter to spring.
This is an incredibly heartwarming photo of an elderly couple.
They are advanced hikers, and they came to the Suma area to warm up for their Japan Alps trek this summer.
The best part of trekking is that everyone from children to elderly can safely enjoy it together at their own pace based on their skills and experiences.
After about 30 minutes, we arrived at the Ropeway Station.
The tiny yet beautiful rose-pink plum flowers welcome visitors.
https://www.sumaura-yuen.jp/en/ (English)
East Observation Desk
A wonderfully panoramic view of Kobe stretches out before you.
In the cherry blossom viewing season (the beginning of April), amazingly pink-colored cherry blossoms will spread all over the area, mesmerizing all visitors. Furthermore, the contrast between “pink” from the cherry blossoms, “blue” from the sky and the sea, and “white” from clouds is indescribably and unforgettably beautiful. Don’t miss out!
The Rokko Mountains can be seen clearly from the Hachibuse Yama mountain which is the starting area of the “Rokko Mountain Traverse” route.
A park is situated on the top of Mt. Hachibuse and many hikers including children often swing by, taking a rest on benches and playing with playground equipment.
This park also offers a BBQ service. (*reservation required.)
https://www.sumaura-yuen.jp/facilities/eat/ (Japanese)
“We wanted to find a place where we can enjoy chatting, cooking and eating under the sky. So, this park is definitely our best choice.”
The mountain next to Mt. Hachibuse through the “Rokko Mountain Traverse” is Hatafuri Yama Mountain (Mt. Hatafuri). Mt. Hatafuri is only a 10-minute walk away from Mt. Hachibuse.
Hachibuse Jaya Café (the photo shown above) is located on the top of Mt. Hatafuri. It’s open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays and a lot of hikers stop by and rest while enjoying a breathtaking view from the café.
Pick your favorite from their menu and refresh yourself.
Amazake (hot and sweet fermented alcoholic rice drink) 500 yen (tax included / winter-time limited)
Sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) 500 yen (tax included)
Right next to Hatafuri Jaya, the signboard for the district borders can be found. And on the right side of the signboard, there is a mountain path to the Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park’s plum groves.
The status of the plum flowers bloom is just about 20% (As of March 15th)
As the temperature rises, plum blossoms will be in full bloom by mid-April.
Spring is just right around the corner. Why not go to the Suma area to enjoy trekking while experiencing comfortable spring vibes with very appealing Kobe-ish views from the mountain.
Check out the best cherry blossom viewing season↓
（*Sumaura Koen Park area: the end of March – mid-April）
https://weathernews.jp/sakura/spot/327/ (Japanese)
There are three Kobe Hiking Support Shops on this route as follows;
1: Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park / Sumaura Shop
https://kobe-rokko.jp/en/supportshop/4985/ (English)
2: Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park / Rotating Observation Tower
https://kobe-rokko.jp/en/supportshop/5415/ (English)
3: Hatafuri Jaya Café
https://kobe-rokko.jp/en/supportshop/5144/ (English)
Check out the list of the Kobe Hiking Support Shops↓
https://kobe-rokko.jp/en/supportshop/ (English)
Kobe Hiking Support Shops welcome hikers, providing facilities such as restrooms and resting areas.
Many shops also have special offers.
Whether you need to stock up on food and drinks before your hike or just want to relax after, feel free to stop by.
Look for the sticker or the banner in the picture below.
