Summer Recommendation! Mt. Maya and Suma Beach

Mt. Maya, filled with memories of Kobe locals

Mt. Maya is located at the center of the Rokko Mountains in Nada-ku, Kobe City (Hyogo Pref.) and has an elevation of 702 meters. Although it is located very close to the center of Kobe City, it has abundant nature and is said to be a treasure house of wild birds. On the top of the mountain, there are some vantage spots from which you can get great views of the cityscapes of Kobe and Osaka, Kii Peninsula, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge (3,911 meters) in the world, connecting Kobe and Awaji Island across the Seto Inland Sea. Especially, the night view from Mt. Maya is just gorgeous, so you shouldn’t miss it when you visit. The night view from the Maya Viewline ropeway is highly recommended. You can enjoy the same panoramic view from Kikuseidai observatory on Mt. Maya while riding on the ropeway. Mt. Maya is popular not only among tourists but also among Kobe residents because it is a place filled with memories for them, such as picnicking with their families and looking at the night view with someone special. On the top of Mt. Maya, Tenjo-ji Temple will hold an event for the first time in 33 years.

Night view from Mt. Maya

Mt. Maya Tenjo-ji Temple

Located on the top of Mt. Maya, which is part of the Setonakai National Park, Tenjo-ji Temple is blessed with abundant surrounding nature. From the Tenku no Daibutai viewing platform, you can get a broad view of Awaji Island, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Shodoshima Island on a clear day. Tenjo-ji Temple was established by Hodo Sennin, an Indian hermit and sage, at the imperial behest of the Emperor Kotoku, in the year 646. Since the temple enshrines Queen Maya, who is the birth mother of Gautama Buddha and a guardian deity for women – for safe delivery, a healthy baby, and child rearing – it is said that the name Mt. Maya came from her.

Tenjo-ji Temple

Tenjo-ji Temple

Public viewing of the three hibutsu statues for the first time in 33 years

Public viewing of the three hibutsu statues for the first time in 33 years Tenjo-ji Temple on Mt. Maya has three hibutsu, Japanese Buddhist statues or images that are usually unavailable for viewing or worship, including “Juichimen Kannon,” “Fudo Myo-o,” and “Bishamonten,” in the kuden inside the inner sanctum of the main hall. The door to the kuden is usually closed, but it will be opened for the first time in 33 years. “Juichimen Kannon” is an 11-headed kannon deity, said to possess the power to rescue people from their troubles and suffering. Fudo Myo-o is Dainichi Nyorai who appears in the form of Fudo Myo-o to repel all demons. It is said that Fudo Myo-o rescues people from all kinds of calamities. For Bishamonten, it is said that this deity brings good fortune and happiness.

Public viewing period: 10:00-16:00 on Aug. 1 (Thu) – 15 (Thu), 2019

*During the public viewing, the gate will close at 17:00.

Kakebotoke (a bronze hanging plate with Buddhist image) of the three hibutsu statues

Access to Mt. Maya

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes by bus to Maya Cable Station from several stations, including Shin-Kobe Station and Sannomiya Station. By taking cable-car and ropeway rides, you can get to the top of the mountain very quickly. The view from the cable car and ropeway is also great.

Great access! Suma Beach/span

Located about 15 minutes by train from Sannomiya, the center of Kobe City, Suma Beach stretches for about 1,800 meters west to east. Since the nearest station, JR Suma Station, is right in front of the beach, it has great access, attracting many visitors in summer. This year, the beach has acquired the Blue Flag certification as a beach that fulfils the standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international certification body. With its well-maintained walking path along the coast, it is also enjoyable to take a walk in the evening.

Suma Beach

Suma Beach

Great tastes of Suma Beach!　Shio-nori soft serve ice cream

A signature offering of Sumaura Suisan stand, soft serve ice cream topped with shio-nori (nori seaweed flavored with salt and sesame seed oil). It may sound crazy but the saltiness of the shio-nori and the sweetness of the ice cream match perfectly, growing in popularity every year.

Shio-nori soft serve ice cream

Copenhagen’s Hotdogs

Popular hotdogs by Mr. Bjarne Lindboe Hansen, who was born in Denmark and used to be a head chef on a world cruise ship. They use sausages from Denmark.

Copenhagen’s Hotdogs