Mt. Maya
Mt. Maya
4.5
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4.5
430 reviews
Excellent
247
Very good
151
Average
27
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Davidscz
Singapore, Singapore35 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
This place offers spectacular night view. As Kobe is distinctively defined geographically by limited land between the mountain and the sea, its really beautiful and unique to have the view of the city, the sea and adjacent cities all in one spot.
Take bus #18 from Sannomiya station to Maya cable station. From there it will take 2 stops to reach the top, from which you will have to get off at the intermediate stop for the connecting trip up to the top (once at intermediate stop, make sure you get on to the next platform asap to reach the top, especially if you are on the last trip up). The last cable down is 5.30pm, so be sure you get back by 5.10pm to be safe, otherwise it may be a little hard/ almost impossible for you to get back. For more information please go to kobe tourism website/ tourism information stand.
Make sure you get the discount coupon from Kobe tourism info counter.
Take bus #18 from Sannomiya station to Maya cable station. From there it will take 2 stops to reach the top, from which you will have to get off at the intermediate stop for the connecting trip up to the top (once at intermediate stop, make sure you get on to the next platform asap to reach the top, especially if you are on the last trip up). The last cable down is 5.30pm, so be sure you get back by 5.10pm to be safe, otherwise it may be a little hard/ almost impossible for you to get back. For more information please go to kobe tourism website/ tourism information stand.
Make sure you get the discount coupon from Kobe tourism info counter.
Written December 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas M
Toronto, Canada22 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Two weeks ago my wife and I decided to go for a hike starting from the Shinkansen Bullet train station. With a backpack of food and drinks we set off for Nunobiki Falls some 15 minutes away from the station. These falls are a wonderful short hike from the station and we had visited there many times.
This day we continued past the reservoir above the falls along one of the many trails when we noticed signs to Maya Mountain. We had previously visited Mount Maya with the Cable Car and Rope Way, however never climbed this mountain of some 690 meters.
We continued on on the trail which in places is quite steep, however supported with stairs and rails so certainly not unsafe. Half way up the mountain we enjoyed our picnic and similar to other hikers I took off my hiking shoes and soaked my feet in the cold mountain stream along the trail. This was a very good feeling.
Finally after three hours of hiking we arrived at the top of the mountain which also features a fantastic and mystical shrine. All together my fitbit information suggested we had climbed 240 flights of stairs and hiked approximately 16 kilometres.
If you love nature it is a very worthwhile day and best of all one can take the cable car and rope way back down the mountain which leaves you about 2 km from the Shinkansen station and also has a bus stop if one has had enough waling for a day.
This day we continued past the reservoir above the falls along one of the many trails when we noticed signs to Maya Mountain. We had previously visited Mount Maya with the Cable Car and Rope Way, however never climbed this mountain of some 690 meters.
We continued on on the trail which in places is quite steep, however supported with stairs and rails so certainly not unsafe. Half way up the mountain we enjoyed our picnic and similar to other hikers I took off my hiking shoes and soaked my feet in the cold mountain stream along the trail. This was a very good feeling.
Finally after three hours of hiking we arrived at the top of the mountain which also features a fantastic and mystical shrine. All together my fitbit information suggested we had climbed 240 flights of stairs and hiked approximately 16 kilometres.
If you love nature it is a very worthwhile day and best of all one can take the cable car and rope way back down the mountain which leaves you about 2 km from the Shinkansen station and also has a bus stop if one has had enough waling for a day.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ritchie2013
Cork, Ireland62 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
A clear bright sunny day at the end of December my 8 year old son and I set off from our hotel in Kobe.We took the #18 bus from Sannomiya bus station,boarded the bus and set off through the streets of Kobe eventually arriving at the train/funicular station 200 yen for the bus adult fare, children 100 yen.The funicular soon departed and climbed the steep slope effortlessly,half way up we met the second funicular on it's way down, both work in tandem a wonderful feat of engineering
When you reach the end of the line about half way up the view is spectacular. From here there is a cable car but the day we visited it was not running,perhaps a blessing in disguise as the walk to the top is really rewarding along a narrow path climbing steadily to the top. The reward for your efforts is a Breathtaking view of Kobe city and harbour area. The air is so fresh and the peace and quiet is all that's needed. There is a delightful little cafe/restaurant with an information desk and other interesting items for one to relax before making your way back down to the funicular.
It is a bit easier going down than up and soon you are back at the bus stop,busses are quite frequent and if you walk down the road a few hundred meters you will have a choice of either the #2bus or the #18bus both will bring you back to Sannomiya. Make sure you have sturdy, comfortable footwear and a warm jacket as temperatures can get quite cool at this time of year. Also bring an adequate supply of water. A pleasant way to spend an afternoon and the reward is a healthy,not too strenuous workout with breathtaking view at the end.
When you reach the end of the line about half way up the view is spectacular. From here there is a cable car but the day we visited it was not running,perhaps a blessing in disguise as the walk to the top is really rewarding along a narrow path climbing steadily to the top. The reward for your efforts is a Breathtaking view of Kobe city and harbour area. The air is so fresh and the peace and quiet is all that's needed. There is a delightful little cafe/restaurant with an information desk and other interesting items for one to relax before making your way back down to the funicular.
It is a bit easier going down than up and soon you are back at the bus stop,busses are quite frequent and if you walk down the road a few hundred meters you will have a choice of either the #2bus or the #18bus both will bring you back to Sannomiya. Make sure you have sturdy, comfortable footwear and a warm jacket as temperatures can get quite cool at this time of year. Also bring an adequate supply of water. A pleasant way to spend an afternoon and the reward is a healthy,not too strenuous workout with breathtaking view at the end.
Written January 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pedro B
Boussens, Switzerland137 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
Compared to Mt. Rokko and the Nunobiki Falls/Herb Garden, the visit to Mt. Maya was just average. I enjoyed the funicular cable car and the rope way but the Mt. Rokko funicular cable car is longer and more fun and the ropeway up to the Herb Garden is longer and higher.
The schedule for the cable car and the ropeway is at the same time so you cannot jump off the cable car and immediately get on the ropeway. You must wait for about 20 minutes at the top of the cable car station. The cable cars and ropeway run at :00, :20 and :40 top to bottom and bottom to top since there are just two cable cars and two ropeway cars that meet halfway along the run.
There are also hiking trails that connect some of the other mountains. This a place that locals frequent, I was the only foreigner that I saw, or heard, during my visit. There is also a cafe that serves food and beverages. It's warm in there so make sure you go in there if you visit in the winter time when the wind is blowing hard and cold.
It's enjoyable and fun but if you have limited time in Kobe then go to the Herb Garden or Mt. Rokko instead.
The schedule for the cable car and the ropeway is at the same time so you cannot jump off the cable car and immediately get on the ropeway. You must wait for about 20 minutes at the top of the cable car station. The cable cars and ropeway run at :00, :20 and :40 top to bottom and bottom to top since there are just two cable cars and two ropeway cars that meet halfway along the run.
There are also hiking trails that connect some of the other mountains. This a place that locals frequent, I was the only foreigner that I saw, or heard, during my visit. There is also a cafe that serves food and beverages. It's warm in there so make sure you go in there if you visit in the winter time when the wind is blowing hard and cold.
It's enjoyable and fun but if you have limited time in Kobe then go to the Herb Garden or Mt. Rokko instead.
Written January 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
squirraix
Singapore, Singapore67 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
let me just put it out there - climbing from the base of the mountain starting from shin-kobe (if you only know english/basic japanese) to the top of mount maya is near impossible, as everything/signs are in japanese. you can purchase a detailed map from the information counter at shinkobe - but thats in japanese as well. maybe you might actually reach the top after some explaination(might take maybe like what, 6 hours of hiking to get to the top).
there are 2 kinds of 'ropeways/cablecars'. one is to the herb garden, and the other one is a different one - to mount maya. know which one you are about to take. to go to mount maya, take a bus, 2/18 from the shin kobe station, (ask the information counter) both will lead you to that area, one will lead you to its doorstep but the frequency is of that bus isnt that often.use your gps to find the maya cable car station.(get the tourist discount ticket from the information counter @ shin kobe station, think its 200 yen off. use it at maya cablecar station.) when you go up mt maya, youll take a cogway first, and then a transfer to the mt maya ropeway/cablecar. coming back down would be vice versa (i paid 1230).
the other ropeway is to herb garden which i did not take because i climbed it.
on this path, you will pass by the Nunobiki Falls first and then to the herb garden.
at the herb garden, there was a few small signs in english that says to the peak of mount maya. but the road was blocked by a meter tall-fence and branches that has alot of spider webs in its path - i figured it might be a close down path and since it was going to be nightfall, didnt want to take any chances.
on mount maya:
Go and night to see the buildings shrine bright with yellow lights.
you are being offered more than 180 degree, probably around 230 degree of unobstructed night vision on 2 viewing platforms.
photos doesnt even do justice to the cool breeze and awesome night skyline that i have seen. sure it was a little crowded, but as it progress later into the night, you can have any spot on the viewing platform to have your picturesque instagram worthy post. if you come in the afternoon, there are places to chill and have a picnic at too!
in may,(the time i visited,) it was 10 degree C up on top. bring fluffy coats!
do spend time to visit the other 2 attractions, the Nunobiki Falls and the herb garden which is nearby as well. a little hike up would be nice if you have the time. can be a romantic date as there are chairs to view the sunset as well as the flowers at the top! :) !
i was sad that i spent an additional 1.2k yen on the machines for the way up - i did consider abandoning the trip to the top since i had to fork out my money but i was so glad i didnt!
there are 2 kinds of 'ropeways/cablecars'. one is to the herb garden, and the other one is a different one - to mount maya. know which one you are about to take. to go to mount maya, take a bus, 2/18 from the shin kobe station, (ask the information counter) both will lead you to that area, one will lead you to its doorstep but the frequency is of that bus isnt that often.use your gps to find the maya cable car station.(get the tourist discount ticket from the information counter @ shin kobe station, think its 200 yen off. use it at maya cablecar station.) when you go up mt maya, youll take a cogway first, and then a transfer to the mt maya ropeway/cablecar. coming back down would be vice versa (i paid 1230).
the other ropeway is to herb garden which i did not take because i climbed it.
on this path, you will pass by the Nunobiki Falls first and then to the herb garden.
at the herb garden, there was a few small signs in english that says to the peak of mount maya. but the road was blocked by a meter tall-fence and branches that has alot of spider webs in its path - i figured it might be a close down path and since it was going to be nightfall, didnt want to take any chances.
on mount maya:
Go and night to see the buildings shrine bright with yellow lights.
you are being offered more than 180 degree, probably around 230 degree of unobstructed night vision on 2 viewing platforms.
photos doesnt even do justice to the cool breeze and awesome night skyline that i have seen. sure it was a little crowded, but as it progress later into the night, you can have any spot on the viewing platform to have your picturesque instagram worthy post. if you come in the afternoon, there are places to chill and have a picnic at too!
in may,(the time i visited,) it was 10 degree C up on top. bring fluffy coats!
do spend time to visit the other 2 attractions, the Nunobiki Falls and the herb garden which is nearby as well. a little hike up would be nice if you have the time. can be a romantic date as there are chairs to view the sunset as well as the flowers at the top! :) !
i was sad that i spent an additional 1.2k yen on the machines for the way up - i did consider abandoning the trip to the top since i had to fork out my money but i was so glad i didnt!
Written May 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mint87
Singapore, Singapore38 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We took the ropeway and cable car up, and took the last cable car down the mountain - bearing with the cold to look at the night view of Kobe was so worth it. It is indeed one of the most beautiful skylines in Japan.
Written December 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Utantan
Kobe, Japan125 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
One of the big advantage of Kobe is how close the mountain and nature is. A mere 1km from central Sannomiya and you are already started the climb. You can go up to Maya from Shin-Kobe station (pass below the Shinkansen tracks) if you have a good map (available at the station tourist office) and can read a bit of Japanese to follow the trail markings. Up to Maya is a 10~12k walk depending on which route you follow so make sure you have enough time, trail running will be 1h30, slow walk will take 3h30 ! Once up there, enjoy the fantastic view, arrange your picnic and you can go down with the cablecar which will take you down not too far from Rokko Hankyu station.
Written January 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anna g
Kyoto, Japan38 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Definitely worth the effort to hike up. Yes, the cablecar is nice and convenient, but it misses so much. The waterfall is amazing, and there are several great lookout points, a lake, vine-covered bridge, and tiny temple. The view from the top is amazing. A warning though. Around May is the season for caterpillars. The handrails are literally covered with small, spiky, furry crawling things. Gold, black, orange, and moderately poisonous, they also hang from the trees in invisible threads. If you go during this time, long sleeves, a hat and a stick to wave in front of your face are a must. I also recommend an umbrella to keep them from falling on you. I must have removed three dozen or so from mine.
Written September 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcin2707
Windhoek, Namibia228 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
The best way to get there is take a bus no 18 (eventually no 2 - it's more frequent but the bus stop is around 3min to Cable Car station) in the opposite of Sannomiya Kobe station. The trip by bus is around 25min and you pay 210 yens in the machine next to the driver when you already leave a bus after your way (it's worth to have a change). Bus takes you to the "Maya Cablecar station" (be aware this is not the last stop for this bus!). There you can find a cable car (round trip costs 770yens) and it takes you to the middle station and next you may change for the rope way (optional but worth it) and you pay the same price (770yens). You can also buy your full ticket (for cable car and rope way) in the beginning and you pay 1540 yens. From the top if you have a nice weather the view is just incredible. It's also good to have a picnic there.
Written May 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenn J
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I visited this mountain because I saw online about how picturesque it was. I caught the cable-car and then the ropeway, which indeed provided stunning views of Kobe as they took me up to the top. The mountain itself had many beautiful flowers, trees and trails and stunning views of the city below. However I found the trail maps to be lacking in information for foreigners. There was a temple somewhere on the mountain that I really wanted to visit, but the maps were too confusing to figure out how to get there from the summit. I walked around for 2 hours trying to locate it, to little avail. At the mountain peak itself there was only a small restaurant and little in the way of refreshments for hungry hikers. There were several picnic areas however, so come prepared with a packed lunch. And finally, the cable-car times should be planned to connect with the public transport - my cable-car got me back to the base of the mountain just as the hourly bus had departed, leaving me to wait for another hour. For those who enjoy the fresh air and breath-taking scenery of Japanese mountains, I would definitely suggest Mount Maya, but beware that the landmarks among the mountain itself are difficult to find unless you can read Japanese.
Written May 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm planning to hike up to Mt Maya via Nunobiki Falls, but I couldn't find official information about the trail on the Mt Maya website. I'm wondering if anyone has done this hike recently and know of how well maintained the path is?
Written April 27, 2019
I’m planning to go to Kikuseidai on a thursday this spring, I read that the cable car and ropeway to hoshinoeki station (kikuseidai) only runs until 17:40. The cable car to back down will continue to operate though right?
Thank you very much
Written January 30, 2019
How or where should I start if I plan to hike to Mt. Maya onto the gardens and other little stops on the way to Mt. Rokko? I am coming from Kansai Airport and I have all the afternoon til I check-in at a hotel in Arima Onsen at 3:00 PM.
I am also trying to look for info how I can still go to the night view at Mt. Rokko from Arimaonsen.
Written November 4, 2018
Where is the bus stop to take bus 18 from Maya cable station back to Sannomiya station?
Written June 20, 2018
Bus stop is immediately to the left of the entrance way as you exit to the road. The people in the Mt Maya ticketing booth speak good English and they can explain how the bus works and give you a map the bus will take. You pay on exiting bus not entering. Station stops are obvious as you pull into them. Bus drivers can tell you if you are at the right one if you show them your map.
Mt Maya is a great view with no queues so enjoy it while it lasts and the cable car rides.
Written June 24, 2018
mtang35
Bellevue, Washington
If taking the cable car to summit, then is it possible to bring a stroller?
Written September 15, 2017
Yes you can. there is a round-robin bus services at the summit mount Maya to Rokku san. I remember there is a big farm and restaurants along the route.
Written September 15, 2017
Is the hike from top station Shin-Kobe Ropeway to Mt Maya Kikuseidai viewpoint an easy walk (clearly marked trail, any stairs)? Any rest-stops in between? How long will it take if we take a leisurely walk? Thanks!
Written June 14, 2017
Sorry, I have never done yet. But seems takes at least 3 hours. Hope to you have good time!
Written June 14, 2017
is there a bus service from the cruise port to the city?
Written May 14, 2015
Yes, Kobe City support to the City Tour Bus service name City Loop, the first stop is Kobe Cruise Port,
The City Loop also provide the One Day ticket for visitor, we can purchase on the tour bus, the ticket price is 660 JPY for one day Kobe City Attractions which you want to go.
And the conductor will be provide the city loop route map after purchased the ticket.
However, the city loop bus service time from 9:40 ~ 17:30
Over the time, we just take taxi or walking to hotel or station.
Hope this information could help your trip arrangement.
Written June 16, 2016
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