Visitors consistently praise Nunobiki Falls as a surprisingly close natural escape from downtown Kobe: several reviewers mention that it’s only a 10–20 minute walk from Shin‑Kobe Station, starting through a tunnel near the north exit and following clear signposts. Many note the convenience of pairing the hike with the Shin‑Kobe Ropeway and the Nunobiki Herb Garden — a frequent tip is to take the ropeway up and hike down to save effort while still enjoying views.
Reviewers highlight the series of cascades rather than a single massive waterfall: Ontaki, Mentaki, Meotodaki and Tsutsumigadaki are often referenced by visitors who appreciated the different viewpoints and the seating at the main viewing platform. Several reviewers say the main falls are "beautiful" and "breathtaking," and one specifically enjoyed sitting in front of the waterfall with a bento. Others praised the lush greenery, carved poems along the path and the historical reservoir above the falls.
At the same time, a recurring theme in reviews is the physical effort required: many warn about steep stairs, uneven or worn concrete steps and routes that can be challenging in hot weather — visitors advise good shoes, water and caution for people with bad knees. A few reviewers complained that parts of the stream are reinforced with concrete and felt less natural; another safety note mentioned by multiple people is the presence of hornets near Sarunokazura Bridge. Practical tips from reviews include following the marked route rather than improvising (several visitors had tougher alternative routes), visiting in morning or late afternoon, and using the mid‑ropeway stop if you prefer a shorter climb.
Trip.com reviews echo positive impressions but show mixed ratings for packaged tickets; some listings on Trip.com display paid ticket options (likely ropeway or combined tours) while many Google reviewers emphasize that the falls themselves are free to access by foot. Overall, visitors praise the accessibility from the station, the multiple viewpoints, and the chance to combine nature, history and city views, but they caution about stairs, mid‑trail hornets, and some man‑made reinforcements along the stream.