Why You Should Visit
The ceremony begins at Tenjoji Temple at 10:30, with a parade departing for Kikuseidai Observatory around 10:45. Long before the Edo period, people would bring their horses to Tenjoji Temple on the first Day of the Horse in the second lunar month, praying for the animals' health and their family's prosperity. Today, the festival revives this tradition by welcoming horses from Rokko Cattle Farm. After a purification ritual at the temple, the horses parade alongside shrine maidens and mountain ascetics (yamabushi) up to Kikuseidai. At the summit, visitors can receive lucky 'Maya Kombu' kelp and enjoy 'Maya Nabe' hot pot (both limited quantity). The event marks the official opening of Mt. Maya for spring.
Essentials
- location
- Tenjoji Temple & Kikuseidai Observatory, Mt. Maya
- period
- March 28, 2026 (Sat)
- Time
- 10:30–12:30
- access
- 【By public transport】Take Kobe City Bus Route 18 from Sannomiya, Hankyu Rokko, or JR Rokkomichi Station and get off at 'Maya Cable Shita' (approx. 20 min). Then ride the Maya View Line (cable car + ropeway) up to 'Hoshi no Eki' station. From there it's about a 10-minute walk.
【By car】Drive up the Omote-Rokko or Ura-Rokko Drive Way toward Rokko Cattle Farm, then head south through the farm for about 7 minutes. Parking is available near the Tenjoji main gate at the 'Kikuseidai (Tenjoji-mae) Car Park'. - NOTE
- The event will be cancelled if a storm or heavy rain warning is in effect at 7:00 AM on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under what conditions will the event be cancelled?
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We present captivating tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory
One of Japan's three major night views. A spectacular viewpoint overlooking Kobe cityscape and Osaka Bay.
Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden
Expansive botanical garden utilizing Mt. Rokko's natural landscape. Features trees from around the world and Japanese autumn foliage. Peak autumn colors from early to late November. Annual pass (¥900) grants access to three parks including Suma Rikyu Park and Sorakuen Garden.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Japan's largest herb garden at 400m elevation, 5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Station and 10 min ropeway ride. Features about 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally across 12 themed gardens. Observatory plaza offers panoramic views of Kobe city and sea, with fantastic illuminated night views. A garden resort experience.
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