Friday

1) 3 p.m. Tools of the trade

Don’t let the name of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum fool you — even those who can’t tell a Phillips Head from a Torx will be riveted by the exhibits presented inside this beautiful museum, just steps from Shin-Kobe station. A superb iPod audio guide (free) narrates the history, traditions, artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese architecture and woodworking, so allow a couple of hours to explore everything from the ceremonial duties of a master carpenter and the joint beams of centuries-old temples to the harmonious beauty of intricate kumiko zaiku wood latticework. Admission, 500 Japanese yen, or about $4.50.

2) 5:30 p.m. Chasing waterfalls

Exit Shin-Kobe station and you’ll face an urban milieu, but right behind the station, nature takes over. Curl north around the station, which abuts forested foothills, and follow the steep, shady path into the woods where, after about a half-mile, you’ll reach Nunobiki Falls, a series of majestic cascading waterfalls well worth the sweaty ascent.