After hearing legendary tales of Kobe’s “Ten Million Dollar Night View,” I finally trekked to Mount Maya (Maya-san) myself. As a traveler navigating Japan solo, here’s my raw, practical guide—covering everything from tricky transport to weather woes—so you can conquer this iconic spot stress-free.
Getting Here: Navigating Like a Pro
From Osaka/Kyoto: Take the JR Tokaido Line to Sannomiya Station (35 mins from Osaka, 60 mins from Kyoto). From Sannomiya, hop on the Kobe City Bus No. 18 (25 mins, ¥270) to Maya Cablecar Station. Buses run hourly—check timetables! Miss it, and you’re stuck waiting.
The Cable Car & Ropeway:
- Maya Cablecar: A vintage funicular (10 mins, ¥1,000 round-trip) scaling steep hillsides. Sit front-left for creeping city views!
- Maya Ropeway: At the top station, transfer to the glass-roofed ropeway (5 mins, ¥600 one-way). It glides you to Kikuseidai Observation Deck—the main viewpoint.
Pro Tip: Buy a combo ticket (Cablecar + Ropeway round-trip: ¥1,800). Cash only!
The Viewpoint: Kikuseidai’s Magic
Kikuseidai Observation Deck is where dreams materialize. Arrive by 6:00 PM to snag a railing spot for sunset. As dusk falls:
- Kobe ignites below like spilled jewels—the harbor, skyscrapers, and Ikuta Shrine glowing gold.
- Osaka Bay reflects city lights like liquid silver.
- Awaji Island emerges on clear nights, a dark silhouette against the sea.
The “Ten Million Dollar” title? Utterly deserved. I gaped for 45 minutes straight.
Weather: Make or Break Your Trip
Mount Maya is brutally weather-sensitive. My first attempt was foiled by fog—I saw pure white void. Lesson learned:
- Check forecasts RELIGIOUSLY. Use apps like Tenki.jp or Yahoo! Japan Weather.
- Ideal conditions: Low humidity + clear skies post-rain. Avoid summer typhoons!
- Visibility Tiers:
- ★★★: See Osaka, Awaji, even Akashi Bridge (30+ km visibility).
- ★★: Kobe + harbor visible.
- ★: Only nearby hills (skip it!).
Backup Plan: Visit Café Rokko near the ropeway station. Their matcha latte soothed my foggy-day sorrows.
Essential Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Timing: Stay 1.5–2 hours. Sunset transitions into the best night views by 7:00 PM.
- Dress WARM: Even in summer, summit winds bite. I wore a jacket in August!
- Cash is King: No card payments for tickets/food. Withdraw yen beforehand.
- Language: Staff speak minimal English. Download Google Translate for signs/menus.
- Crowds: Weekends = packed. Visit weekdays for breathing room.
Bonus: The Shrine & Night Walks
Before descending, explore Maya Jinja Shrine (5 mins from the cablecar station). Torii gates glow ethereally after dark. For adventurers, hike down via the Nunobiki Trail—but only with a flashlight and buddy.
Final Thoughts
Despite the transport puzzle and weather gambles, Mount Maya’s nightscape is a spiritual experience. Seeing Kobe’s glittering tapestry—with ships drifting like fireflies below—is worth every logistical hiccup. Go prepared, and this view will tattoo itself onto your memory.
Cost Breakdown (per person):
Transport (Osaka → Maya): ~¥1,500
Cablecar + Ropeway Combo: ¥1,800
Total: ~¥3,300 ($22 USD)—a steal for one of Japan’s top three night views! 🌃✨