Only about a week left of this year and 2022 is just around the corner! In the Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya area, a variety of facilities, that include amazing view spots and observatories, would exclusively offer you a memorable moment for your new year’s celebration. Please check out the information with your friends or family members and plan something special for this holiday season!
Nenmatsumoude (Traditional Year-end temple visit)
Hatsumoude (Traditional New Year’s temple visit)
Mayasan Tenjoji Temple (Mt. Maya)
Mayasan Tenjoji Temple has been worshiped as the hidden Buddha who wards off calamities and brings about blessings. Among Kobe locals, Tenjoji is well-known as one of the best locations for Nenmatsumoude and Hatsumoude.
Nenmatsumoude
<Joya Shinkyoue> (Year-end gathering for the Buddhist Sutra chanting)
<Joya no Kane> (New Year’s bell ringing)
On December 31st, the gate of the temple will be opened twice from 9 am to 5 pm and 10 pm to 2 am (January 1st, 2022).
The New Year’s bell ringing (from11pm on December 31st, 2021 at the precinct)
The Buddhist Sutra chanting (from Midnight on January 1st, 2022 at the Kondo main hall)
Source: ROKKO-SAN DAIGAKU (http://653daigaku.com/)(Japanese)
Hatsumoude
<New year’s prayer>
Opening hours:
January 1st: 6 am-5 pm
January 2nd and 3rd: 9 am-5 pm
*From January 1st to 3rd, traditional Japanese hot ginger tea called Ameyu will be provided.
Official Website: http://www.mayasan-tenjoji.jp/ (Japanese)
Source: ROKKO-SAN DAIGAKU (http://653daigaku.com/)(Japanese)
Also, the Maya Viewline will begin their operation earlier than the regular time schedule, this is a special for the new year’s visitors.
Check out the detailed information↓
Maya Viewline Website: https://koberope.jp/en/maya/price
Hatsuhinode
The First Sunrise of The Year (recommended viewing spots)
Tenran Observatory (Mt. Rokko)
Tenran Observatory is one of the most popular viewing spots for the first sunrise of the year in the Kobe area. Don’t miss out on its super panoramic view that is ranging from the downtown Kobe area to the Osaka Bay area!
The observatory will open to the public at 6 am on New Year’s Day.
Rokko-Shidare Observatory (Mt. Rokko)
The observatory will open at 5:30 am on January 1st to welcome visitors for the first sunrise of the year.
Opening hours:
On December 31st, 2021: 10 am – 6 pm (last admission: 5:30 pm)
On January 1st, 2022: 5:30 am – 8:30 am (last admission 8:00 am)
Admission fee:
Adult: 310 yen (middle school student age and older)
Child: 210 yen (4 years old to primary school student age)
Kikuseidai (Mt. Maya)
The Kikuseidai observation platform is highly regarded as one of Japan’s three best night view spots along with Mt. Hakodate (Hokkaido) and Mt. Inasa (Nagasaki). Also, Kikuseidai has been loved by Kobe locals as a recommended viewing location for the first sunrise of the year. It would be a great idea if you could visit both Kikuseidai and Mayasan Tenjoji Temple to celebrate the New Year’s Day.
Facility information (special service and business hours)
Rokko Garden Terrace (Mt. Rokko)
Rokko View Palace
The View Palace will be open throughout the night from the New Year’s Eve to the New Year’s Day. Hot and delicious to-go menu items will be ready to warm you up.
Business hours:
On December 31st, 2021: 10:30 am – 6 pm (last call: 5:15 pm), 10 pm – 9 am (January 1st, 2022 / *Only a to-go menu is available.)
Official Website: https://www.rokkosan.com/top/eat/palacerestaurant/?lang=en
Rokko Garden Terrace Parking Lot
Opening hours and parking fees:
On December 31st, 2021: 9:30 am – 6 pm (fee: 500 yen), 10 pm – 9 am on January 1st, 2022 (last admission: 8:30 am) (fee: 2,000 yen)
More information about Rokko Garden Terrace↓
https://www.rokkosan.com/top/news/each_facility/16006/(Japanese)
TENRAN CAFE (Mt. Rokko)
TENRAN CAFE will open at 6:00 to welcome the New Year’s visitors for the first sunrise.
Source: TENRAN CAFE (https://www.rokkosan.com/top/eat/tenran_cafe/?lang=en)
Business hours:
On January 1st: 6 am – 9 am (last call: 8:30)
Official website: https://www.rokkosan.com/top/eat/tenran_cafe/?lang=en
Public Transportation Services (New Year’s schedule)
Rokko Cable Car
On January 1st, 2022:
The first train: 6 am (departing from Rokko Cable Shita Station)
The last train: 9:10 pm (departing from Rokko Sanjo Station)
Detailed information↓
https://www.rokkosan.com/top/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/12/211203_hatsuhinode_web-1.pdf (Japanese)
Sanjo Bus timetable for the New year’s holiday season↓
https://www.rokkosan.com/top/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/12/ilovepdf_merged-14.pdf (Japanese)
Maya Viewline
On January 1st, 2022:
The first train: 6 am (departing from Maya Cable Station)
The last train: 5:30 pm (departing from Hoshino Eki Station)
Official Website: https://koberope.jp/en/maya/price
Rokko-Maya Sky Shuttle Bus (Timetable) ↓
https://www.rokkosan.com/top/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/12/ilovepdf_merged-12.pdf (Japanese)
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Night View Tour
Take delight in Kobe’s night view from Mt. Rokko and the Port of Kobe!
This tour will exclusively offer you the famous ten-million-night view from Mt. Rokko and the illuminated Meriken Park and BE KOBE monument at the Kobe bay area! It’s well-worth trying!
Tour period: October 2nd, 2021 – March 26th, 2022
Fee: 1,000 yen (Child: 500 yen) *Reservation required
Detailed information↓
https://www.shinkibus.com/feature/kobe_yakei202110/index.html (Japanese)
