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If you visit Kobe, there is one place you absolutely must see—Kikuseidai, located on the mid-slope of Mt. Maya. From an altitude of about 700 meters, the view of Kobe’s cityscape is breathtaking both day and night.
While Kikuseidai is famous as one of the best night view spots in Kobe, its beauty extends far beyond that. The dazzling Osaka Bay under a clear blue sky, the magical twilight hour when the city glows in shades of purple, and the legendary “million-dollar night view”—Kikuseidai offers three completely different yet equally stunning vistas depending on when you visit.
It is also recognized as one of Japan’s “Top Three Night Views,” alongside Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki and Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Kikuseidai, including its highlights, access information, and tips for making the most of your visit. Read on to find your perfect way to enjoy this spectacular location.
And here’s an important note: even without a car, you can easily access Kikuseidai using public transportation!
Located on Mt. Maya (approx. 700m above sea level) in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Kikuseidai is one of Japan’s top three night view spots. Also known as the “million-dollar night view,” this scenic spot offers a panoramic view stretching from Kobe’s city center to Osaka Bay.
Historically, Kikuseidai was once called “Donguri-yama” (Acorn Mountain) and was cleared during World War II to serve as an anti-aircraft artillery site. In 1955, it was developed into Okumaya Amusement Park alongside the opening of the Maya Ropeway, marking the beginning of Kikuseidai as we know it today.
The name “Kikuseidai” originates from the idea of “scooping up the stars with your hands,” reflecting the breathtaking starry sky visible from this location. On clear nights, the sky is filled with countless stars, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. It is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to Kobe.
The biggest charm of Kikuseidai is undoubtedly its magnificent views. Although it is famous for its night scenery, the spot offers breathtaking landscapes at any time of the day.
During the day, Kikuseidai offers a sweeping panorama of Kobe’s cityscape, Osaka Bay, and even Awaji Island and Kansai International Airport on clear days. In winter, the crisp air makes for even clearer visibility, allowing you to see even farther.
Since there are fewer visitors during the daytime, it’s a great time to quietly enjoy the scenery. Bringing a packed lunch for a picnic under the blue sky is highly recommended. For hiking enthusiasts, you can also take the Uenodou trail (approx. 8 km) from the base of the mountain up to Kikuseidai.
Just after sunset, during the so-called “Twilight Time” or “Magic Hour,” Kikuseidai transforms into an ethereal spectacle. The entire cityscape glows in soft shades of purple, and the city lights gradually begin to shine, marking the transition from day to night in a mesmerizing natural artwork.
This stunning fusion of daylight and night is a rare moment that lasts only about 15–20 minutes after sunset.
The highlight of Kikuseidai is, without a doubt, its stunning night view. The city lights of Kobe and Osaka sparkle like scattered jewels, showcasing the full splendor of one of Japan’s top three night views. The contrast between the glowing city and the surrounding darkness creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere.
Its beauty is truly breathtaking, leaving visitors speechless. Although Kikuseidai is a popular spot, the serene nighttime ambiance makes it an unforgettable experience.
Kikuseidai is not just about night views—it also offers the chance to walk through a glowing “Milky Way.” This mesmerizing space, known as “Kirakira Koji” (Twinkling Path), creates the illusion of walking among the stars.
This 40-meter-long pathway is made with luminescent materials, emitting a soft blue glow that enhances the dreamlike atmosphere. Constellations are also embedded along the trail, making it a unique and magical experience.
A nighttime stroll here is a completely different experience from the daytime visit. The plaza at Kikuseidai offers these special elements that transport you into what feels like an otherworldly space.
By the way, the glow-in-the-dark material used here, called “Maya Stone,” is available for purchase at Hoshi-no-Eki station.
At Kikuseidai, you can find “Maya View Terrace 702,” a café on the second floor of Hoshi-no-Eki station, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view while having a meal or a drink.
A must-mention feature of Maya View Terrace 702 is its window-side seating. These premium seats offer an unbeatable view of the scenery.
Especially during winter and early spring, Kikuseidai can be quite cold. Being able to enjoy a warm drink or a meal inside while admiring the night view is a huge plus.
The café is also known for its delicious food, with popular menu items including curry rice, hamburg steak, and cake sets.
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| French Fries | ¥600 |
| Hot Dog | ¥400 |
| Caesar Salad | ¥600 |
| Fried Chicken | ¥600 |
| Horumon Yaki Soba | ¥900 |
| Sauce Katsu Don | ¥900 |
| Hamburg Steak (with Rice) | ¥1,200 |
| Curry Rice | ¥900 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Scone | ¥500 |
| Cheesecake | ¥500 |
| Gâteau Chocolat | ¥500 |
| Earl Grey Chiffon Cake | ¥500 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | ¥500 |
| Café au Lait | ¥600 |
| Tea | ¥500 |
| Smoothie | ¥600 |
| Chai | ¥500 |
| Cocoa | ¥500 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Beer (Bottle) | ¥600 |
| Beer (Can) | ¥400 |
| Highball (Can) | ¥400 |
| Non - Alcoholic Beer | ¥300 |
| Glass of Wine | ¥600 |
As a popular café, it often gets crowded during meal times, but if you’re visiting Kikuseidai, this café is definitely worth stopping by.
There are three main ways to reach Kikuseidai: public transportation, car, or hiking.
For travelers without a rental car, the best option is public transportation. However, it requires a combination of train, bus, cable car, and ropeway.
For details on all access methods, including driving and hiking routes, check out our comprehensive access guide.
Read more about How to Access Kikuseidai
If you want to experience the best of Kikuseidai’s night view, the ideal time to arrive is just before sunset. This way, you can enjoy both the magical twilight scenery and the dazzling night view.
Here is a general guide to sunset times in the Kikuseidai area. Be sure to check the exact sunset time for your visit and plan accordingly.
| Month | Time |
|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Mar–Apr | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| May–Jul | 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| Aug–Sep | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Oct–Dec | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
If you’re unsure about the best time to visit or want to learn more about Kikuseidai’s facilities, check out our recommended itinerary for making the most of your visit.
Read more about Kikuseidai Full Enjoyment Plan
From Kobe to Osaka, across the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, and even as far as Awaji Island, the panoramic view from Mt. Maya is simply breathtaking.
During the day, the contrast between the lush greenery of Mt. Rokko and the urban cityscape is stunning. At twilight, the city transforms into a mesmerizing purple-hued landscape. And at night, the “million-dollar night view” of Kobe shines like a jewel. Kikuseidai showcases its beauty differently depending on the time of your visit.
Enjoy a warm drink while gazing out from the café’s window seats, take a stroll along the twinkling path, or simply sit on a bench and soak in the view—every moment at Kikuseidai is magical.
Recognized as one of Japan’s top three night views, Kikuseidai is undoubtedly one of Kobe’s most iconic tourist attractions. If you visit Kobe, don’t miss the chance to experience this unforgettable scenery.
