At this point, you have to decide how you're going to get down the hill. This is the quickest route: a toll road that leads from the top of Rokko to the section of Kobe that's also named Rokko. The first time I cycled up Rokko, I took this road - to make a long story short, I don't recommend it. They actually charge you 100 yen for the pleasure of sweating UP the road (or coasting down as well).

A more scenic way to get back to central Kobe is to keep on traveling west along the ridge road (a pretty route, as you can tell by this picture) until you get to the Futatabi turnoff that leads to the lower (470m) mountain of the same name. The turnoff is just after the Shinrin Arboretum. This stretch of road appears to be one where young bikers are allowed to tear around on their miniature motorcycles - so you should ride cautiously until you reach the arboretum.  Speaking of which: the enormous Shinrin Arboretum, Japan's largest at 142.3 hectares, is one of Kobe's "hidden" attractions; not many people seem to know about it, but it's a great place for a stroll in the mountains, and is particularly appropriate for families. The facilities include a very nice handicraft center and exhibit hall and athletic field with lots of things for kids to play on. (Non-triathletes may want to save the hiking for another visit.)