Vista & View · Kobe (Mt. Maya)

Kikuseidai Observatory (Mt. Maya) 摩耶山掬星台

Summit plaza on Mt. Maya, reached by cable car and ropeway, with one of Japan's top three night views over Kobe and Osaka Bay.

HoursMaya View Line about 10:00-21:00 (until 17:30 on some winter weekdays); viewpoint open all day

ClosedMaya View Line closed Tuesdays (next weekday if holiday)

PriceMaya View Line round trip (adult): ¥1,560

Getting thereHoshi-no-Eki (Maya Ropeway top station), 1 min

Time needed1-2 hours

Best timeSunset into night; clear winter evenings

Address2-2 Mayasancho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0105

Websitekoberope.jp/maya

About

Kikuseidai, meaning 'the place where you can scoop up stars', sits at about 690 m on Mt. Maya. It overlooks the whole Kobe-Osaka coast. It is counted among Japan's three best night views. The Maya View Line cable car and ropeway climbs from the city in about 20 minutes, and the viewpoint itself is free.

Highlights

One of Japan's top three night views
Panorama from Kobe to Osaka and Wakayama
Retro cable car plus ropeway ride
Sunset over the harbour

Tips

Maya View Line closes Tuesdays; check the last return car, which runs earlier in winter
Bus 18 from Sannomiya to Maya Cable-shita
Bring a jacket: it is much colder than the city

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

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Kikuseidai Observatory (Mt. Maya) 摩耶山 掬星台

About

Highlights

Tips

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Kikuseidai Observatory (Mt. Maya) 摩耶山掬星台