Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory
Home / Tourist Spots / Nature
Nature · Photography

Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory

摩耶山 掬星台

One of Japan's three major night views. A spectacular viewpoint overlooking Kobe cityscape and Osaka Bay.

Opening Hours
24 hours
cost
Free (ropeway fare separate), Parking 500 JPY
Suggested Duration
About 1h 30m
Best Time
Night (Kobe's night view is most beautiful)
Accessibility
Gentle slopes on the way to the observatory. Partial barrier-free access.

Photo Gallery

Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory 1
1 / 4

Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory : Things to See & Do

At night, the view of Kobe city lights from Kikuseidai is breathtaking. The breeze is pleasant, and photographers with tripods as well as couples quietly enjoying the night gather here. A must-visit for first-time visitors.

🌃

Panoramic Kobe City View

The Kobe cityscape and Osaka Bay stretching below are counted among Japan's three major night views.

📸

Perfect for Night Photography

Using a tripod allows clear night photography. Both wide-angle and telephoto shots are possible.

🌟

Hidden Spot for Fireworks

Even on fireworks days, its distance makes it a hidden spot to enjoy without the crowds.

Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory : Photo Spots & Tips

Best Shots

  • — Use a tripod for clear night shots
  • — Capture city lights and sky gradient during blue hour

Best Timing

  • — Just after sunset to 8:30 PM
  • — Winter offers the clearest sky

It can get windy, so warm clothing is recommended.

Access

【Public Transport】
Take Kobe City Bus Route 18 from Sannomiya Station to 'Maya Cable Shita', then the Maya View Line to 'Hoshi no Eki'.

【Car】
Use Tenjoji-mae Parking.

Note

About a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the observatory; climbing the final stairs provides a shortcut. Late at night, the area is quiet; visiting with others is recommended.

Routes

Routes Including This Spot

MAP

Events

What to do in Kobe this weekend?

View Recommended Events

Nearby Spots

Where to go after Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Japan's largest herb garden at 400m elevation. 5-min walk from Shin-Kobe Station + 10-min ropeway. 200+ species across 12 themed gardens with panoramic city and sea views.

Distance: 2.2 kmWalk: About 33 min
NaturePhotography
Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden

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.

Distance: 2.7 kmWalk: About 40 min
NaturePark
Kobe Oji Zoo

Kobe Oji Zoo

A nature-rich zoo at the foot of Mt. Rokko. Houses about 120 species and 700 animals, and was once famous as Japan's only zoo where you could see both pandas and koalas. Features the nationally designated Important Cultural Property 'Former Hunter Residence' and an amusement park, also renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.

Distance: 2.9 kmWalk: About 43 min
AnimalsNature
Nunobiki Falls

Nunobiki Falls

A mystical waterfall just 15 minutes walk from Shin-Kobe Station. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, it has been beloved by poets since the Heian period.

Distance: 2.9 kmWalk: About 44 min
Nature
Saigogawa Kakou Park

Saigogawa Kakou Park

A park at the mouth of the Saigo River in Nada Ward, Kobe. In spring, enjoy kawazu cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, and snow willow simultaneously. Somei Yoshino cherries bloom in April. Also features basketball courts and playground equipment.

Distance: 3.9 kmWalk: About 59 min
ParkNature
Kitano Ijinkan District

Kitano Ijinkan District

Historic district lined with exotic Western-style houses

Distance: 4.0 kmWalk: About 1 hour
HistoryPhotography

Explore

Explore More of Kobe

View All Features →