Directions to the Kobe Tunnels

This path wasn't in my "Hiking in Japan" Lonely Planet Guide, nor was there a ton of information on the net about it. My neighbor, who actually grew up in the area, asked me how one actually learns about these hiking trails when we did them on Sunday, but to be honest, I think it's all just word of mouth from people who share a love of the outdoors and/or adventure (and have discovered alternative things to do once they have exhausted the list of regular sightseeing spots).

Anyways, the tunnel hike is not very rigerous and I really recommend it, so I thought I would post directions in case you ever want to check it out (or want to remember them for a friend). Here you go:

To get to the Kobe Tunnel trailhead:
From Akashi/Kobe, you will be taking a JR rapid train to Takarazuka. The trail starts near NAMAZE station, which is one (maybe 2?) stop after Takarazuka on the local (so switch to a local once you hit Takarazuka). Tickets from Akashi to Amagasaki are actually to Osaka, so it is 640yen each way. The JR guy at NAMAZE eki will charge for the difference (about 360yen).

When you get to Namaze, they have a really simple map at the window, but not one that you can take with you. There is only one exit, with a small street outside and shops facing it. Turn right (north) and follow the road as it goes downhill (under a bridge, veers to the right). The next road you hit is a highway. Do not cross the highway (there is a red bridge across the street), but turn left and stay on the left side of the road - just follow the path.

It will look like you are walking away from the river, but keep going along the bend (veers to the right, passing a gas station). About 10-15 minutes down the road (about 1k), you will be able to cross the road (right before a big overpass bridge). There will be a little street going down towards the river. Follow the road along the river (going upstream) until you hit the path going up into the trees on the left.

When you first walk up the little path (made of dirt), you can turn to the right or kind of go straight... go right. Once you start on this path, it's a straight shot the whole way (all along a dirt trail). The trail is an old train path, so you will be walking along old tracks for most of the path, but it is fairly flat. There is no need for hiking boots, but I recommend tennis shoes because the actual train tunnels can be rather muddy and you can't see where you are going.

The hike will take about 2 hours and you end at another train station (right after a national park) where you can take the train back to Takarazuka. They also have cafes and stuff right before the station. We had shaved ice on the balcony over looking the river at the first ship, which was fun, but the \second little cafe is MUCh cheaper for beer if that is what you are after (look for the discount beer sign on the window... 300yen!). We didn't get into this place, so the view may be much prettier from the deck on the first one. We saw signs for an onsen (natural hotspring) a little ways further on the road, so it might be an option to bring a towel and go for a soak after your hike.

Again, I really liked and recommend this hike and the cool tunnels are nice in the sweltering summer heat. Don't go without a STRONG flashlight for the tunnels, though, and I recommend bringing your camera to capture some of the pretty views. Finally, a fail-proof peice of advice that I was given: If you get lost, ask someone with a walking stick ;-)