Mount Maya, Hyogo, Japan
Today was meant to be an easy day. I planned just a quick walk to Nunobiki Falls behind Shin-Kobe Station, but somehow ended up hiking all the way to Mt. Maya (698m). I’d taken a different trail last time, so this route was new.
I saw a few people coming down, but not many going up—probably because I started late. The climb was steep in parts, and there weren’t many views along the way. Mt. Maya is known for one of Japan’s top night views, so I was surprised to find it empty at the top. Turns out, the ropeway was closed for maintenance—so the only way up was to hike.
The view wasn’t totally clear due to the air quality, but I could still see why it’s called the “ten million dollar night view.” Since daylight was fading, I didn’t stay long. I hurried back down and reached Shin-Kobe Station around 4 PM. I considered walking back to my accommodation but opted for a short train ride instead. After all, it was supposed to be an easy day!
Route Detail
Distance: 17.58km out & back from Shin-Kobe Station
Total elevation gain: 999m
Time: 4h 26m (total time with breaks 4h 52m)
Difficulty: Challenging
Peaks: Mt Maya 698m, Kikuseidai 690m
Transportation
Train from Shin-Kobe Station to Sannomiya ¥210
