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Kikuseidai, the iconic night view spot in Kobe, is located on the slopes of Mt. Maya at an altitude of approximately 700 meters. From this observatory, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic night view of Kobe and Osaka, making it one of Japan’s “Three Great Night Views.”
While Kikuseidai attracts both tourists and locals alike, many people wonder, “How do I get there?” or “When is the best time to visit?” Since it is located on the mountainside, access can seem a bit challenging for first-time visitors.
However, getting to Kikuseidai is easier than you might think. You can take the cable car and ropeway for a leisurely ride, drive up by car, or even hike if you’re up for an adventure. Each method offers its own unique experience.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to reach Kikuseidai, covering transportation options, costs, travel time, and important tips. We’ll also share the best times to visit for night views and insider tips to enhance your trip. Choose the access method that best suits your schedule and preferences, and set off to enjoy one of Kobe’s most stunning nightscapes!
For more details on what to see at Kikuseidai, check out the following:
Read more about Highlights of Kikuseidai
For a complete guide on how to make the most of your visit, see the following:
Read more about Kikuseidai Enjoyment Plan
There are three main ways to reach Kikuseidai:
The most common way to reach Kikuseidai by public transport is via the Maya View Line, a cable car and ropeway system.
The Maya View Line starts from “Maya Cable Station” at the foot of the mountain. From there, you take the cable car up to “Niji no Eki” (Rainbow Station), then transfer to the ropeway to reach “Hoshi no Eki” (Star Station), which is right next to Kikuseidai.
Source: Operating Hours & Fees - Rokko & Maya Aerial Walk
The total travel time to Kikuseidai, including transfers, is approximately 20 minutes. The Maya View Line operates every 20 minutes.
Once you arrive at Star Station, you’ve reached Kikuseidai.
| Category | Fare |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥1,560 |
| Children | ¥780 |
The Maya View Line starts operating from 10:00 am. The last departure time varies by season.
| Seasonal Timetable | Cable Car Maya Cable Station – Niji no Eki (Old Maya Kanko Hotel) | Ropeway Niji no Eki – Star Station | ||||||
| First Departure | Last Departure (Final to Star Station) | Transfer | First Departure | Last Departure | ||||
| Spring & Autumn | Mar 20 – Jul 19, Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Mon, Wed, Thu | 10:00 am | 5:40 pm(5:20 pm) | 10:10 am | 5:30 pm | ||
| Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays | 10:00 am | 9:00 pm(8:40 pm) | 10:10 am | 8:50 pm | ||||
| Summer | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | Mon, Wed, Thu | 10:00 am | 9:00 pm(8:40 pm) | 10:10 am | 8:50 pm | ||
| Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays | 10:00 am | 9:00 pm(8:40 pm) | 10:10 am | 8:50 pm | ||||
| Winter | Nov 1 – Mar 19 | Mon, Wed, Thu | 10:00 am | 5:40 pm(5:20 pm) | 10:10 am | 5:30 pm | ||
| Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays | 10:00 am | 8:00 pm(7:40 pm) | 10:10 am | 7:50 pm | ||||
If you plan to see the night view, it’s best not to take the last train up, as the return service will also be nearing its final departure, leaving you with very little time at Kikuseidai.
For example, the table below shows how much time you can spend at Kikuseidai if you take the last round-trip train from Maya Cable Station.
| Timetable & Day | Stay Time | Last Train from Maya Cable | Arrival at Kikuseidai | Last Train from Star Station | Arrival at Maya Cable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring, Autumn, Winter (Mon, Wed, Thu) | 25 min | 4:40 pm | 5:05 pm | 5:30 pm | 5:45 pm |
| Spring & Autumn (Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays) / Summer (All Days) | 15 min | 8:20 pm | 8:35 pm | 8:50 pm | 9:05 pm |
| Winter (Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays) | 15 min | 7:20 pm | 7:35 pm | 7:50 pm | 8:05 pm |
The Maya View Line is closed every Tuesday, except on public holidays. If Tuesday is a public holiday, it operates as usual, and the closure shifts to the following day.
Additionally, regular maintenance inspections may also affect operations.
For the latest timetables, operation status, and closure dates, check the official website:
Operating Hours & Fees - Rokko & Maya Aerial Walk
To reach Maya Cable Station, the starting point of the Maya View Line, taking a bus from a nearby station is the easiest and most recommended option:
Since the route from JR Nada Station to Maya Cable Station involves a steep uphill climb, walking is not recommended. However, taking a taxi is a convenient alternative.
Many taxi companies around JR Nada Station offer free pickup services, making the ride affordable.
From my experience, a taxi ride from JR Nada Station to Maya Cable Station cost ¥1,010 and took just under 10 minutes.
Here are some taxi companies around JR Nada Station that offer free pickup:
Maya Cable Station is located in a residential area, and there are almost no parking lots nearby. Therefore, driving directly to the station is not recommended.
However, if you still want to take the Maya View Line to Kikuseidai, a coin-operated parking lot, COIN PARK Mioka-dori, is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
It has around 10 parking spaces, with a maximum daily fee of ¥800 (from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm). Payment is cash only, and only ¥1,000 bills are accepted.
COIN PARK Mioka - dori 2 - 1-6, Nada - ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657 - 0812
You can reach Kikuseidai by car, including rental cars. The drive from Sannomiya Station takes about 45 minutes.
You can take Prefectural Route 16 or the Omote Rokko Driveway. The roads are wide enough for smooth driving, but as it is a mountainous area, there are steep inclines and sharp curves. Be especially careful of icy roads during winter.
The nearest parking lot is P.ZONE Kikuseidai.
The parking fee is ¥500 (prepaid). From the parking lot, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Kikuseidai.
For those who love hiking, there are popular trails leading to Kikuseidai from the foot of Mt. Maya.
Although Kikuseidai is best known for its night view, hiking is surprisingly popular because the daytime scenery is equally spectacular. (Of course, hiking at night is not recommended!)
Among the various hiking routes to Kikuseidai, the two most popular are:
The Uenomichi Trail is the most famous hiking route up Mt. Maya. It starts near Hankyu Oji-Koen Station, with a 40-minute walk to the trailhead. The trail is about 8 km long and passes through Maya Tenjoji Temple and Star Station before reaching Kikuseidai. Along the way, you can take a break at the Maya Mountain Historic Park, which offers stunning scenic views.
The Uenomichi trailhead is also close to Maya Cable Station, so taking the Saka Bus from JR Nada Station to Maya Cable Station is another option.
The Aotanicho Trail is a more gradual and beginner-friendly route compared to Uenomichi. It follows the Aotanigawa River and passes scenic spots like Nunobiki Falls and Shoujou Pond before merging with the Uenomichi Trail near the end.
Many hikers use one route for the ascent and the other for the descent.
We’ve introduced three ways to reach Kikuseidai: the Maya View Line, driving, and hiking. Whether you prefer a relaxing aerial ride, the freedom of driving, or the sense of accomplishment from hiking, each method offers a unique experience.
From 700 meters above sea level, the cityscape of Kobe is breathtaking at any time of the year. The night view, in particular, is truly mesmerizing. The glittering lights stretching along Osaka Bay, the twinkling cityscape along the Rokko Mountain ridges, and the dazzling illumination extending toward Osaka create a spectacular panorama. It’s no wonder Kikuseidai is counted among Japan’s top three night views.
Use this guide to plan your trip to Kikuseidai. Whether with family, friends, a loved one, or even solo, the view from Kikuseidai is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Find the perfect time and best way to visit this top scenic destination in Japan and experience an unforgettable view!
Read more about Highlights of Kikuseidai
Read more about Kikuseidai Enjoyment Plan
