From Ashiya Rock Garden to Arima Onsen via the Totoya Trail / Kobe hiking

From Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station, follow the signs and walk north through a residential area. After about 30 minutes you'll reach Koza Falls (Kohzano-taki). There are two tea shops there and a toilet.

Ascend the trail beside the waterfall and you will reach the central ridge of an area known as the Rock Garden that's considered the birthplace of alpinism in Japan. You'll proceed for a while along a rocky granite area before it turns to forest and you arrive at Kazefuki-iwa Rock. There's a good view from the top and it's the perfect spot for a rest.

The path from Kazefuki-iwa Rock to Arima Onsen is known as Totoya Trail (Totoya-michi). It was an important transport route for bringing marine products to Arima about 400 years ago during Edo period.

You'll then pass two steep areas, the Amaga-tohge Pass and Nanamagari before arriving at Ikken-jaya, the oldest tea shop on the mountain. Continue up the improved road five minutes from there and you will reach Mt. Rokko's highest peak.

To descend the mountain, return to Ikken-jaya and continue down the Totoya Trail towards Arima Onsen. The trail is wide and gentle, and you'll reach your destination in about an hour.