Mount Maya - Hyogo, Japan

What was meant to be an easy stroll to Nunobiki Falls turned into an unexpected hike all the way up Mt. Maya (698m). The trail was steep and quiet, with only a few hikers passing by—no surprise, since the ropeway was closed for maintenance.

At the summit, I was greeted by the famous “ten million dollar view,” hazy but still stunning. As daylight began to fade, I made my way back down, reaching Shin-Kobe Station around 4 p.m. I’d planned for a quick walk, but it turned into quite the adventure—so much for an easy day!