Mt. Maya

❷ Somatani Road (Cascade Valley)

Route No.2

❷ Somatani Road (Cascade Valley)

As the name Cascade Valley suggests, this route ascends through a path of huge rocks and small waterfalls along mountain streams.
Enjoying and crossing the clear streams is another attraction of this route. Visitors who are not used to mountain hikes should plan for a sunny day, as the water volume increases and footing becomes slippery on rainy days and the following day.

History

Origin and History of the name of Somatani Road

This is a valley road on the Somatani side that runs between Mt. Maya and Mt. Nagamine and is part of the Tokugawa Road which was developed at the end of the Edo period.
When the decision was made to open the port of Hyogo in the late Edo period, the road was built as a detour through the mountains from Saigoku Road to avoid clashes between feudal lord processions and foreigners. The 34 km route on the Tokugawa Road at that time started from the west side of the Ishiya River, passed through the Somatani Pass and the north side of Mt. Maya, and re-joined the Saigoku Road at Okuradani in Akashi.

Spot

Highlights・Famous spots

Nada Maruyama Park

Nada Maruyama Park, located near the trailhead of the Somatani Road, offers dynamic views of Kobe. With a needle-shaped statue established by the city of Kobe as a unique viewpoint, it is a luxurious spot where visitors can rest and take in the scenery before or after hiking. The view at night is also a recommended attraction.

Stream crossing

There are 10 waterfalls of various sizes, allowing visitors to enjoy stream crossing. Be careful when the water volume is high.

Lake Hodaka

An artificial lake located in Rokko’s mountainous region at Setonaikai National Park. It’s the second largest among the lakes and marshes on Rokko’s mountainous region, after Shiogahara Pond. It is called Lake Hodaka because the shape of the mountain reflected on the lake's surface resembles Mt. Hotaka of Nagano, reminding people of Taisho Pond in Kamikochi.
Many hikers take a rest by the lake and families enjoy fishing.

Shale Yari Spear

Take the Lake Hodaka loop trail to the north side of the lake to Shale Yari Spear. Climb the rocks to witness a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Hodaka below! Recommended for those who are fit and have experience climbing rocks.

Please check out detailed information by using mountain maps or web applications
beforehand and enjoy your fun and safe hiking!