The Maya Ropeway is a sightseeing cableway operated by Kobe Future City Organization on Mount Maya in Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It connects Niji Station, located partway up the mountain, with Hoshi Station near the summit. The six-minute ride offers beautiful views of Kobe and its surrounding natural landscapes, making it a popular attraction for visitors exploring the mountain.
The Maya Ropeway forms part of the Maya View Line, together with the Maya Cable Car. The combined route provides convenient access to the upper slopes of Mount Maya and its scenic viewpoints. The service was previously promoted under the name “Maya View Line Yume Sanpo,” although that nickname is rarely used today.
The ropeway operates in coordination with the Maya Cable Car, and additional services may be provided during busy periods. Operating hours are sometimes extended on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays outside the winter season, and during summer, giving visitors more opportunities to enjoy the mountain scenery.
Number of stations: Two, including the departure and arrival stations
Inclined route length: 856.56 meters
Maximum elevation difference: 222.23 meters
Number of support towers: One
Passenger capacity: 29 people per gondola, with two gondolas in service
Main drive motor: 75 kW three-phase induction motor
Operating speed: 3.6 meters per second
Travel time: Approximately six minutes
The Maya Ropeway generally runs at 20-minute intervals, following the same timetable as the Maya Cable Car. Boarding procedures begin three minutes before departure, and additional services may be arranged when passenger demand is high. Operating hours may be extended during summer and on weekends and public holidays outside the winter season.
Since September 2007, the ropeway has generally been closed every Tuesday, except during summer. If Tuesday falls on a public holiday, the closure is usually moved to Wednesday. Visitors should check the latest operating information before setting out, as schedules and service arrangements may change.
The two gondolas currently in service have distinctive names inspired by the Japanese tradition of Tanabata, a summer festival associated with the legendary lovers Hikoboshi and Orihime, represented by the stars Altair and Vega.
The No. 1 gondola is called Hikoboshi and is painted moss green. The No. 2 gondola is named Orihime and has a deep reddish-brown finish. Their colors match those of the Maya Cable Car, creating a coordinated appearance across the Maya View Line.
The third-generation gondolas were introduced when the ropeway resumed service in 2001. Following an accident that damaged Orihime, a replacement gondola was manufactured in 2014. This fourth-generation Orihime closely resembles its predecessor, and as many reusable components as possible were incorporated into its construction. The window frames, originally left in unpainted aluminum, were later painted to match the bodywork, and the headlights were upgraded to white LEDs.
The ropeway first opened in 1955, when Kobe City Transportation Bureau launched a service known as the Okumaya Ropeway. Its original gondolas had rounded bodies decorated primarily in white with green patterns. They were named Suzukaze and Soyokaze, meaning “cool breeze” and “gentle breeze.”
In 1974, the second-generation gondolas entered service with a more angular design. They retained the names Suzukaze and Soyokaze. However, operations were suspended following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. When the ropeway reopened in 2001, a third generation of gondolas was introduced, and the station names were changed to their present forms: Niji Station and Hoshi Station.
In 2014, an accident occurred during an upgrade to the ropeway’s operating control system, damaging the Orihime gondola. Service resumed in May of that year using only the undamaged gondola. Orihime returned to operation after repairs and replacement work were completed in October. Today, the ropeway operates with the third-generation Hikoboshi and the fourth-generation Orihime.
The Maya Ropeway has two stations, each connecting visitors to another part of the local transport network.
Niji Station: Located partway up Mount Maya, this station connects with the Maya Cable Car, allowing visitors to travel between the lower mountain area and the summit region.
Hoshi Station: Located near the summit, this station connects with the Rokko-Maya Sky Shuttle Bus and Hankyu Bus services, providing access to nearby attractions and other destinations in the Rokko-Maya area.
The Maya Ropeway combines convenient mountain transport with spectacular views of Kobe and its surrounding landscape. During the short journey between Niji Station and Hoshi Station, passengers can admire the changing scenery of the mountain slopes and, in suitable conditions, enjoy sweeping views toward the city and sea.
The ropeway is particularly appealing to visitors heading to the summit area to experience Kobe’s celebrated night views. Its two distinctive gondolas and long history also make it an interesting attraction in its own right. When visiting Mount Maya, riding the Maya Ropeway is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain and discover one of Kobe’s most memorable scenic routes.