Nunobiki Falls and the Kobe Luminarie

Nunobiki Falls (布引の滝, Nunobiki no Taki) are four waterfalls: Mentaki, Ontaki, Tsutsumigadaki and Meotodaki near Kobe's Nunobiki Herb Garden. In the past, we've caught glimpses of one of the falls from the cable car taking us to the Herb Garden. We finally got to walk the path instead to see the falls and the water reservoir up close. The falls also have special significance since they have been inspiration in some Japanese literature and art. One example is The Tales of Ise from the Heian period (794 to 1185AD). Before reaching the water reservoir, there was an area that had a great view of the city and lots of benches to sit down to enjoy the view. 

We had lunch at Jesus Pizza. Can't visit Kobe without stopping by here! From there we got ready to walk to Meriken Park and see the annual Kobe Luminarie. The Luminarie event not related to Christmas but is an annual light festival in commemoration to the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 honoring the victims. The first time we were in Japan, we actually weren't able to buy tickets on time, so this time we made sure to buy them in advance. We bought them at Lawson (a popular convenience store chain) but you can buy them the day of the event for a slightly higher price.