Mount Maya - Hyogo, Japan
What I expected to be an easy, leisurely walk quickly turned into a full hike up Mt. Maya. My plan was just a short visit to Nunobiki Falls, but the trail called, and I couldn’t resist continuing on. Starting later in the morning, I passed only a handful of hikers descending — the trail felt almost entirely mine.
The climb offered a few challenges — steep sections, switchbacks, and uneven terrain — but nothing overwhelming. Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting playful patterns on the path as leaves rustled quietly around me. Compared to a previous hike on a different route, this trail offered fresh perspectives: sandy patches, rocky climbs, and hidden nooks in the forest.
At the summit, sweeping views of Kobe unfolded below me. Osaka Bay glimmered in the distance, though haze softened the normally sharp cityscape. Mt. Maya is renowned for its spectacular night view, but with the ropeway closed for maintenance, the summit was nearly deserted — a rare, peaceful experience. I paused to breathe in the crisp air, snap a few photos, and simply savour the solitude.
The descent was brisk but careful, especially over the steeper sandy stretches. Returning to Shin-Kobe Station was uneventful, and though I considered walking the 1.5 km back to my hotel, I opted for the train instead.
What had begun as a simple walk became an unexpected mountain adventure. Even in a bustling city like Kobe, there are pockets of nature waiting to surprise you, and sometimes the unplanned paths become the most memorable.
Background
Mt. Maya is part of the Rokko mountain range overlooking Kobe. Famous for its spectacular night views — often called the “ten million dollar night view” — it attracts both hikers and visitors seeking panoramic cityscapes. The mountain offers a mix of forested trails and urban vistas, making it an accessible yet rewarding hike. It was the perfect opportunity to turn a casual walk into an adventure and see Kobe from above.
Getting There
Several trails lead to Mt. Maya, and the one I took starts behind Shin-Kobe Station. Shin-Kobe is a major hub on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, so if you’re arriving from outside Kobe, you’ll likely get here by bullet train. From within Kobe, you can take the Seishin-Yamate Line to Shin-Kobe Station or walk if you’re nearby. Taxis are an option, but they can be pricey. I chose to walk 1.5 km from my hotel, which doubled as a warm-up for the hike. Once at Shin-Kobe Station, follow the signs to reach the trailhead behind the station.
Route Overview
Distance: 17.58 km out & back (Shin-Kobe Station)
Total elevation gain: 999 m
Duration: 4 hr 26 min (with breaks 4 hr 52 min)
Difficulty: Hard
Peaks: Mt Maya 摩耶山 698m, Kikuseidai 掬星台 690m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Shin-Kobe Station → Sannomiya — ¥210
