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Did you know that one of Japan's top three night views is in Kobe?

The beautiful cityscape of Kobe is home to many scenic night spots, and one of the best is Mount Maya, standing 702 meters above sea level. While it's possible to drive up to the summit, we recommend taking the cable car or ropeway for a more scenic route. The retro-style vehicles and the unique views they offer will certainly awaken your wanderlust.

In this article, we'll introduce the Maya Viewline, which connects the base of Mount Maya to the summit, and Kikuseidai, the observation deck where you can enjoy one of Japan's top three night views.

What is Mount Maya, the Home of Japan's Top Three Night Views?

▲ View of the night sky from the Kikuseidai observation deck on Mount Maya
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Let's first introduce Mount Maya, which is one of Kobe's iconic landmarks.

Kobe is a city surrounded by both sea and mountains. Mount Maya, visible to the north of the city, is a beloved spot for the people who live here. It’s only about a 15-minute drive from the center of Kobe, Sannomiya, to the base of Mount Maya.

Designated as part of the Setonaikai National Park, Mount Maya is cherished for its rich natural surroundings. Additionally, it offers an observation deck (Kikuseidai), parks, temples, and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for both family outings and romantic dates. The proximity between nature and city life is one of its many attractions.

▲ Maya-san Tenjoji Temple
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The name "Maya" is rooted in Buddhist history. Over 1,000 years ago, the renowned monk Kōbō Daishi (Kōbō) placed a statue of Maya, the Buddha’s mother, at Maya-san Tenjoji Temple. The temple still stands today, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat.

Taking the Historic Maya Viewline to the Summit

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Picture courtesy of Kobe Future City Organization

The Maya Viewline is the transportation system connecting the base of Mount Maya to its summit. Here, we'll introduce its history, station access, ticket prices, and how to ride.

The Maya Viewline consists of the Maya Cable and the Maya Ropeway, which connect the Maya Cable Station at the base of the mountain with the Hoshi-no-Eki (Star Station) at the summit. Just a short walk from Star Station is Kikuseidai, where you can enjoy one of Japan’s best night views.

The Maya Cable travels from Maya Cable Station to Rainbow Station, located halfway up the mountain (5-minute ride). From there, passengers transfer to the Maya Ropeway to reach the Star Station at the top (5-minute ride).

▲ The first generation of the Maya Cable
Picture courtesy of Kobe Future City Organization

The Maya Cable first opened in 1925, when what was once a steep and treacherous mountain trail was transformed into a more accessible route. The vehicle design has changed several times over the years, and the current cable car is the third generation.

▲ The first generation of the Maya Ropeway
Picture courtesy of Kobe Future City Organization

Thirty years after the opening of the Maya Cable, the Maya Ropeway opened in 1955. The ropeway station is just a 2-minute walk from Rainbow Station.

▲ Third-generation gondola "Orihime"
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The ropeway has a long history as well, being the 8th to open in Japan. The current gondolas, "Hikoboshi" and "Orihime," have been in operation for several years.

▲ Maya Cable Station

To reach the Maya Cable Station from within Kobe, we recommend taking the bus. You can catch a Kobe City Bus (Route 18) from either Shin-Kobe Station, a stop for the bullet train, or from Hankyu Rokko Station near Sannomiya. Both stations take about 15 minutes to reach the bus stop near Maya Cable Station.

If you'd like to continue your journey from Mount Maya to nearby Mount Rokko, you can use the Rokko Maya Sky Shuttle Bus (travel time is about 17 to 22 minutes). You can ride the Maya Viewline to the top of Mount Maya and then descend via another cable car from Mount Rokko.

The Rokko Maya Sky Shuttle Bus stops at various scenic spots, including Maya-san Tenjoji Temple and Rokko Mountain Ranch, making it convenient for sightseeing. However, the shuttle buses are infrequent, and service ends around 5:00 PM, so be sure to check the last bus departure time in advance.

The Maya Viewline is closed on Tuesdays, and operation hours may vary depending on the season or day of the week, so we recommend checking the official website for updates.

The one-way fare for the Maya Cable from Maya Cable Station to Star Station is 900 yen for adults (1,560 yen for round-trip) and 450 yen for children (780 yen for round-trip).

Unique Scenery Enjoyable from the Cable Car and Ropeway

Picture courtesy of Kobe Future City Organization

From the Maya Cable car, you won't get wide-open vistas, but you'll be impressed by how the cable car climbs the narrow, steep slopes, almost as if it’s cutting its way through the mountain. The dense trees that surround the cable car only add to the sense of excitement and anticipation for the breathtaking views that await at the top, which you'll experience when you board the ropeway and gaze out from the summit.

Picture courtesy of Kobe Future City Organization

While the view from the top is beautiful, the scenery from the ropeway as you ascend is exceptional as well. Beyond the green mountains, you can see the cityscape of Kobe and the sea, and on clear days, you can also spot Osaka in the distance. In the autumn, you’ll have a front-row seat to witness the colorful foliage as the leaves change.

Enjoying the Night Views from the Summit of Mount Maya

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At the top of the Maya Viewline, Star Station is located at an elevation of about 700 meters. Just outside the station is Kikuseidai, a scenic spot famous for its view of the city lights that resemble a sky full of stars. As its name suggests, the view is so captivating that you’ll almost feel like you can reach out and touch the stars.

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With a large observation deck and benches, you can take your time watching the city lights slowly brighten as dusk falls.

The night view from here is one of Japan's top three night views. Known as the "Million Dollar View," it offers a panoramic view that stretches from Osaka in the east to Kobe and even as far as Awaji Island and Shikoku to the west.

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At the "Maya View Terrace 702" in Star Station, there is a café and BBQ terrace. The indoor seating offers wonderful views, making it a great place to relax even on cold winter days. You can also rent outdoor chairs and hammocks, so on nice days, you can bring them outside to enjoy a picnic or just take a break while soaking in the stunning views.

For added convenience, electric-assist bicycles are available for rent. If you'd prefer to tour the area at your own pace and enjoy the mountain air, renting a bike is an excellent way to go. You can also take the Rokko Maya Sky Shuttle Bus, but as it runs infrequently, a bike might be a more flexible option.

While you can reach Kikuseidai by car, taking the cable car and ropeway offers a unique experience and spectacular views that are not to be missed. How about planning your trip to make even the travel time part of the experience?

If you're interested in other scenic spots in Kobe, Mount Rokko, just next to Mount Maya, is also a popular night-view spot and an excellent place to experience nature close to the city. Check out the article about Rokko Mountain and make sure to visit!

Spot Information: Maya Cable Station
Address: 4-3-1 Minookadori, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-0812 (Google Map)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Please check the official website for schedule changes due to seasons or holidays.
Website: Maya Cable Station

Maya View Terrace 702 (Star Station)
Address: 2-2, Maya-yamacho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-0105 (Google Map)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (times may vary based on season or day of the week)
Closed: Tuesdays (if a holiday, then Wednesday)
Website: Maya View Terrace 702 (Japanese site – please use translation tools)