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Mount Maya in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is home to the Kikuseidai Observatory, offering breathtaking views that have earned it recognition as one of Japan’s top three night views.
In this guide, we’ll not only enjoy the night view but also arrive before sunset to experience the magical twilight time, known as the magic hour, that can only be seen right after sunset!
For more details about other attractions at Kikuseidai, please check the following:
Read more about Attractions at Kikuseidai
For detailed information about accessing Kikuseidai, please refer to:
Read more about How to access Kikuseidai
When visiting such a spectacular view, you’ll want to enjoy it thoroughly and make the most of your time! Let’s make it an unforgettable experience!
We’ll guide you through the timeline, so you can use this as a reference for planning your visit.
🕐️ 5:23 pm
We’ve arrived at Maya Cable Station. From here, we’ll take the cable car and then transfer to the ropeway to reach Kikuseidai.
The station was streaming live footage from the summit. It’s great to be able to check the conditions, and it builds anticipation.
Purchase your tickets at the ticket counter.
When buying tickets here, since you’ll need both the cable car and ropeway to reach Kikuseidai, it’s best to purchase a round-trip combination ticket.
The round-trip fare for both the cable car and ropeway is 1,560 yen.
🕐️ 5:40 pm
Enjoy the view from the cable car in this video.
After getting off the cable car, you’ll immediately find Niji Station, where you’ll board the ropeway.
While the ropeway has some seats, passengers generally stand during the ride.
The ropeway offers even more spectacular views than the cable car due to its higher elevation. Be sure to watch the video.
🕐️ 5:55 pm
After riding both the cable car and ropeway, we’ve arrived at Kikuseidai.
Kikuseidai is an open plaza offering an exceptional sense of spaciousness.
Kikuseidai has two observation decks.
Let’s first visit the observation deck at the edge (on the right in the above photo).
The view of Kobe from here is absolutely stunning.
With views like this, the night scene promises to be spectacular.
Let’s check out the other observation deck in the center of the plaza.
This observation deck is more spacious than the previous one.
The view here is also amazing, making us eager for the night view.
🕐️ 6:10 pm
Kikuseidai has a café called “Maya View Terrace 702” where you can relax while waiting for sunset.
The café on the second floor of Hoshi Station
https://www.mayasan.jp/mayaviewterace/cafe702.html
The interior features warm wooden elements, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
The view from the window seats is particularly spectacular.
Warm up with some hot ginger tea while leisurely waiting for sunset.
The scenery gradually transforms into its nighttime appearance.
Watching the scenery slowly darken while relaxing… it’s truly a luxurious experience.
Twilight time, the magic hour.
After sunset, instead of complete darkness, the sky turns purple, and the city lights begin to sparkle beautifully.
Enjoy the view from sunset through the magic hour in this video.
🕐️ 6:40 pm
After fully enjoying the magic hour, Kobe is now enveloped in darkness.
Let’s take in the night view of Kobe from Kikuseidai.
Before us spreads a night view so beautiful it leaves us speechless.
Each visitor spends time in their own way, taking in the night view.
This night view will likely remain unforgettable. It’s that beautiful.
🕐️ 7:10 pm
Now it’s time to head back, and if you take the Maya View Line, you can enjoy the night view during your return journey too.
The gradually approaching night view as you descend in the ropeway is incredibly beautiful.
There are also spots to view the night scene at Niji Station while transferring from the ropeway to the cable car.
Although you’ll need to move quickly due to the cable car transfer, the night view from this slightly lower elevation is also stunning.
The night view of Kobe from Mount Maya’s Kikuseidai surpasses all expectations with its magnificence, creating a truly moving experience.
With the café on site, you can stay comfortable regardless of the season, and the five-minute twilight period after sunset is absolutely mesmerizing.
This visit to Kikuseidai took approximately 3 hours. Here’s the timeline:
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 5:00 pm | Arrive at JR Nada Station |
| 5:23 pm | Arrive at Maya Cable Station |
| 5:40 pm | Depart Maya Cable Station (Cable Car) |
| 5:55 pm | Arrive at Kikuseidai |
| 6:10 pm | Café "Maya View Terrace 702" |
| 6:40 pm | Enjoy night view from observation deck |
| 7:10 pm | Depart Hoshi Station (Ropeway) |
| 7:25 pm | Arrive at Maya Cable Station |
| 7:35 pm | Board hill bus to JR Nada Station |
| 7:50 pm | Arrive at JR Nada Station |
When visiting Kikuseidai, one of Japan’s top three night views, make sure to experience the magic hour as well!
We hope this article helps you plan your visit to Kikuseidai.
Read more about Attractions at Kikuseidai
Read more about How to access Kikuseidai
