Long CourseKobe Overnight CourseRECOMMENDED COURSE

Duration
Approx.6hours

The best plan for staying overnight in Kobe and making the most of the nighttime. From the Kikuseidai, the most iconic viewpoint in Kobe, you can enjoy a vast night view stretching from Osaka to Akashi. After enjoying the panoramic view, you will head through the city area to the seaside to enjoy dazzling illumination displays. The highlight is the illuminated Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge stretching to Awaji Island. You can also enjoy daytime sightseeing in Kobe the next day.

Courses

  1. Kikuseidai
  2. Meriken Park
  3. Harborland
  4. Maiko Park (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge)
START

Sannomiya Station (JR), Kobe-Sannomiya Station (Hankyu Line), Kobe-Sannomiya Station (Hanshin Line)

  1. 4-minute walk
  2. 24-minute ride

    Take the Kobe City Bus (Route 18) from “Chikatetsu Sannomiya Eki-mae” bus stop and get off at “Maya Cable Shita” bus stop.

  3. 1-minute walk
  4. 20-minute ride

    Take the Maya Cable from Maya Cable Station to Niji no Eki Station.

  5. 5-minute ride

    Take the Maya Ropeway from Niji no Eki Station to Hoshi no Eki Station.

  6. Just a short walk away

Kikuseidai

The night view from Kikuseidai is one of Japan’s three greatest night views. It’s one of the best view spots in Kobe. The observation plaza on Mount Maya in the Rokko Mountains is located at an altitude of approximately 700 m. The name “Kikuseidai” literally means “a platform to scoop up the stars.” The observatory offers a breathtaking view of the starry sky, making you feel as if you could reach out and scoop up the stars.

Maya Cable/
Maya Ropeway

The Maya Viewline, which consists of a cable car and ropeway, takes you to the top of Mount Maya in the Rokko mountain range. As the cable car climbs through the greenery, Kobe’s night view begins to appear. From the ropeway, you can see the mountain’s greenery, Kobe’s night view, and even the city lights across Osaka Bay. Cable car and ropeway operating hours vary by season, so be sure to check in advance.

  1. Just a short walk away
  2. 5-minute ride

    Take the Maya Ropeway from Hoshi no Eki Station to Niji no Eki Station.

  3. 20-minute ride

    Take the Maya Cable from Niji no Eki Station to Maya Cable Station.

  4. 1-minute walk
  5. 24-minute ride

    Take the Kobe City Bus (Route 18) from “Maya Cable Shita” bus stop to “Chikatetsu Sannomiya Eki-mae” bus stop.

  6. 4-minute walk
Have an aperitif at a bar
Find a nearby bar

Kobe Port Loop Bus ride

Board the bus from Sannomiya Station. It will take about 16 minutes to get to Port Tower. From the Port Loop bus, which circulates around the port city, you can enjoy stunning views of nighttime illuminations. Passing through the “Museum of Light” along Flower Road, you’ll find buildings lining the street that retain much of their former charm. After running along the bay, the Port Tower awaits you.

  1. Just a short walk away

Meriken Park

A seaside spot offering views unique to Kobe. In 2017, marking the 20th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the “BE KOBE” monument was installed. “BE KOBE” conveys a message of recovery from the disaster: “Kobe’s charm lies in its people.” There are also many photogenic monuments here, such as Fish Dance, Bell of Hortensia, and Kobe Kaien-tai Monument.

  1. 10-minute walk

Harborland

The Takahama Wharf with its passenger ship terminal, the beautifully illuminated Gas Lamp Street and Seseragi Street—from dusk onward, the entire area glows with illuminations. Adjacent to Meriken Park, this large commercial area boasts a prime location unique to a port city. With numerous restaurants, take a break for dinner before heading to the highlight of your journey.

Dinner
  1. 5-minute walk
  2. 20-minute ride

    From JR Kobe Station to Maiko Station

  3. 2-minute walk

Maiko Park (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge)

This bay area park offers views of illuminated Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. Its dynamic, large-scale lights shine brightly until late at night, stretching all the way to Awaji Island across the sea. The Maiko Marine Promenade is an observatory facility that offers a fantastic views of the bridge and strait. It is also perfect for daytime sightseeing the next day.

  1. Traveling
Overnight stay

In the Maiko and Suma areas, you’ll find ocean-view hotels with a resort feel. With numerous lodging options throughout Kobe, find your favorite hotel to refresh at after a day of travel. Enjoy planning your daytime adventures for the next day while reflecting on your day filled with stunning night views.

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