<p>The reservoir partway up the mountain</p>

The reservoir partway up the mountain (Photo: Peter Sidell)

Hiking Kobe's Mount Maya

Natural beauty right on the city's doorstep

Peter Sidell Jan 16, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>The reservoir partway up the mountain</p>

<p>The approach to Shin-Kobe station, with Mount Maya behind</p>

<p>The first waterfall, a nice spot for lunch in warm weather</p>

<p>The walk attracts a variety of local characters</p>

<p>It's easy to forget you're close to the bullet train station in one of Japan's largest cities.</p>

<p>Another falls, further up the mountain</p>

<p>Visit Mount Maya in autumn and it's ablaze with color</p>

<p>A view of Kobe from the mountain</p>

<p>And a view of the harbour</p>

<p>A bridge where the path splits at a stream</p>

<p>More autumn colors</p>

<p>Twilight on the walk back down</p>

I often marvel at how easy it is to escape into nature in Japan. Shin-Kobe station may be a characterless slab of concrete, but the tunnel beneath it is a gateway to another world; within five minutes you're in a totally different environment of forested slopes, gentle streams and waterfalls, and a picturesque reservoir.

Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.