FAQs

The time when you can see the night view varies by season and day.
Furthermore, how it looks is different immediately after sunset compared to after the sun has completely set.
Even at the same spot, the night view looks different depending on the time, so please find your favorite time to enjoy it.
Twilight, when the night view is said to be the most beautiful, lasts until approximately 20 minutes after sunset.
Twilight times vary depending on the day, so please refer to the sunset times published by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ).
Local Calendar for Kobe (Hyogo Prefecture) by NAOJ

In Kobe City, the night view from Mount Rokko and Mount Maya, known as the “10 million dollar night view,” is especially famous.
Enjoy a panoramic view of nighttime Kobe! On clear days you can enjoy a dynamic night view stretching all the way to Wakayama, centered around Osaka Bay.
Spots in the Mt.
Rokko and Mt. Maya area
Maya Viewline Kikuseidai
Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Cable Tenran Observatory
Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Hachimaki Observatory
Night views of downtown Kobe seen from a cruise ship or from Port Island Shiosai Park, colorful lanterns in Nankinmachi (Chinatown), and romantic illuminations in the Kitano area are also recommended. These spots are all easily accessible.
Kobe de Night allows you to search for recommended night view spots by specifying your preferences.
Feel free to make use of it.
Search for night view spots

Both are famous as Kobe’s “10 million dollar night views,” but they are different.
Mt. Maya has steep slopes, so when viewing from the Kikuseidai Observatory on the summit, the night view spreads all the way to your feet. You can enjoy stunning city lights stretching as far as the eye can see.
On the other hand, the Rokko Garden Terrace and the Tenran Observatory in the Rokko area are at a higher elevation than Mt. Maya, so they offer panoramic night views stretching from the Osaka Plain all the way to Wakayama.

Access to Rokko Cable Tenran Observatory
• From Sannomiya
1. Take a JR train to Rokkomichi Station.
2. Take the City Bus (Route 16 or 106), and get off at “Rokko Cable Shita” bus stop.
3. Take the Rokko Cable and get off at “Rokko Sanjo Station.”
• From Arima Onsen
Take the Rokko-Arima Ropeway and get off at “Rokko Sancho Station.”
Access to Maya Viewline Kikuseidai
• From Sannomiya
1. Take the City Bus (Route 18) and get off at “Maya Cable Shita” bus stop.
2. Take the Maya Viewline (cable car and ropeway) and get off at “Hoshi-no-Eki” Station.
*At Mt. Maya Kikuseidai Observatory, there is a dedicated parking lot, but it becomes extremely crowded during night view viewing hours, so you are strongly recommended to use public transportation.
Also, please refrain from parking on the street.

The temperature on the mountain is about 5°C lower than that of downtown Kobe, so when viewing the night view from Mt. Rokko or Mt. Maya, be sure to dress warmly, especially during winter.
As some paths are dark at night, bring a flashlight or other light source.
Also, be sure to take all your trash with you.
2. About bars

It can be described as a place to get a breath of fresh air away from reality, or a place to immerse yourself in your own world.
The perception of “comfort” varies from person to person; some say they feel relaxed, while others describe they feel refreshed by the crisp, clear atmosphere.

Whenever you feel like drinking, but having an aperitif before dinner to whet your appetite is also a cool way to enjoy a bar.
Bars are also a great place to go when you’re feeling troubled.
The bartender will surely listen to your feelings and offer a sympathetic ear.

There are various types, such as authentic bars, shot bars, standing bars, and dining bars.
There are also bars specializing in specific hobbies like music (e.g., jazz), sports, darts, magic, railways, or anime.
You can also choose based on the bar’s high level of expertise in specific types of alcohol, such as whisky , liqueur, or wine.

While some bars have a dress code, others may not, but as with any restaurant, you should be fine as long as you dress within common sense guidelines.
If you’re concerned, it might be a good idea to check out some photos showing the bar’s atmosphere beforehand.

It depends on the number of seats available at the bar, so be sure to call ahead.

Suddenly interrupting the conversation of the customer next to you is a no-no.
When talking to someone you’ve just met sitting next to you, it’s important to engage in a V-shaped conversation involving the bartender to maintain the bar’s atmosphere.
Also, if visiting in a large group, being overly loud and noisy is also not allowed.

Don’t worry.
The bartender will make you a drink suited to your taste based on your conversation.
Even if you tell the bartender, “I don’t know what to order,” the bartender will ask you in detail—strong or light alcohol, sweet or unsweetened, with or without carbonation—and make the perfect drink for you.

Of course it’s fine.
How about ordering a non-alcoholic cocktail?
Have a good time without overdoing it.

It’s perfectly fine to ask, “How much is that drink?”
That said, the cover charge (seat fee) varies from bar to bar, so it’s reassuring to check beforehand.
At authentic bars, budgeting around 3,000 yen for the cover charge and your first drink should be sufficient.
Some casual bars might be around 1,500 yen.
Payment is typically handled at your table, not at a register.
Some bars also operate on a cash-on-delivery basis, where you pay for each drink as it’s served.
3. About jazz in Kobe

Kobe has numerous jazz cafes, jazz bars, and jazz live houses, including venues featuring live performances and establishments equipped with exceptional sound systems.
The “JAZZ TOWN KOBE” website provides detailed listings of jazz spots in the city and information on events. Please use it to find venues and discover ways to enjoy jazz.

There are cafes, bars, and live music clubs all over Kobe where you can enjoy jazz, including Kitanozaka.
Search JAZZ TOWN KOBE.

Don’t worry.
You might imagine it as a place regulars frequent at night, but it’s welcoming to everyone and you can enjoy it from afternoon until night.

While exceptions exist, there are generally no specific dress requirements.
Please feel free to enjoy yourself comfortably.

We recommend the front rows for those who wish to focus on the music and the back rows for those who prefer to enjoy drinks or coffee.

Please refrain from talking during live performances.
You may also have the opportunity to speak with the performers during breaks.