2024年6月25日

Ascending Rokkosan

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive, a scenic hike, or an exciting cable car or ropeway ride, Rokkosan in Kobe offers a variety of ways to reach its majestic peaks. In this post, we’ll explore each option, providing you with all the details you need for a memorable adventure.

Driving

For those who prefer the comfort of their vehicle, driving up Rokkosan is a viable option. The drive to the top takes about 20 minutes, offering flexibility and the comfort of traveling at your own pace. Do be warned, the road is quite windy with lots of hair pin curves. So be careful of you passengers, especially any that might get car sick easily.

Hiking

If you’re up for a challenge, the hike to Rokkosan takes about an hour and a half. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the breathtaking views at a slower pace. There are several ways to hike up Rokkosan from the front side, back side or along the ridge. Popular paths are the Ice Road and Aburakobushi trails. Please be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, dress accordingly and have hydration and snacks. 

Cable Cars and Ropeways

Rokkosan is well-known for its range of cable cars and ropeways, offering stunning aerial views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend. From the south side there are two ways, the Rokko Cable Car and the Maya Cable & Ropeway. If you are coming from the north side, the Arima area, there is the Rokko-Arima Ropeway. 

Rokko Cable Car:

The Rokko Cable Car has a storied history, being an integral part of the Kobe landscape since its inception in 1932. It connects the base of the mountain (Rokko Cable Shita Station) to the summit area (Rokko Sanjo Station). The journey offers passengers a picturesque view as they ascend approximately 493 meters over a distance of 1.7 kilometers. The cable car is not only a means of transport but also a historical artifact, showcasing early 20th-century engineering and providing a glimpse into the evolution of mountain transport in Japan.

 

Operating Hours: Daily from 7:10 AM to 21:10 PM, with departures every 20 minutes.

 

Fares: One way is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children 6yo to 12yo. Round trip tickets are available for 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children. 

 

Please check the official Rokko Cable Car fare table on their website for the most current pricing information as well as operation information. 

Details at: https://www.rokkosan.com/cable/?lang=en

Maya Cable & Ropeway:

The Maya Cable and Ropeway system serves Mayasan, a part of the Rokko mountain range, providing access to one of Kobe’s best scenic overlooks, Kikuseidai, from where one can catch the famed “million dollar night view” of Kobe. The Maya Cable Car began operations in 1925, making it one of the older cable systems in the region. It was initially built to ease access to the Maya Temple and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The system includes both a cable car and a ropeway, each offering a unique experience with stunning aerial views of the urban and natural landscapes.

 

Operating Hours: The Maya Cable and Ropeway offer different operating hours, which can be checked directly on their website. It is usually around 10:00 am until 17:30 pm (20:50 pm on weekends). Does not run on Tuesdays. 

 

Fares: One way is 900 yen for adults and 450 yen for children 6yo to 12yo. Round trip tickets are available for 1,560 yen for adults and 780 yen for children. These prices include use of both the cable car and the ropeway. 

 

Visit their website to get the latest ticket prices and any seasonal offers that may be available.

Details at: https://koberope.jp/en/

Rokko-Arima Ropeway:

Connecting the top of Rokkosan with the hot spring town of Arima Onsen, the Rokko-Arima Ropeway offers a direct route across the mountain, combining scenic splendor with practical transport. The ropeway started operations in 1970 and spans about 1.6 kilometers, providing a panoramic view of the Kobe region and the Osaka Bay. This aerial route is particularly popular for its views of the natural beauty surrounding the Rokko Mountain Range and the urban expanse below, especially during the autumn foliage season.

 

Operating Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 17:30 PM (varies by season), with departures every 20 minutes.

 

Fares: One way is 1,030 yen for adults and 520 yen for children 6yo to 12yo. Round trip tickets are available for 1,850 yen for adults and 930 yen for children.

 

Similar to the other cable services, details about operating hours and fares can be found on their website.

Details at: https://koberope.jp/en/rokko

 

Rokkosan provides a rich tapestry of scenic beauty and adventure, easily accessible by car, on foot, or via a unique aerial route. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Rokkosan has something special to offer. Don’t forget to check the individual websites of the cable cars and ropeways for the most accurate and current information regarding fares and operating hours. Ride, drive or hike safe

 

See you on Rokkosan!