The Unzen Ropeway is an aerial tramway located in Unzen-Amakusa National Park on the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 1957, it was one of the earliest ropeways constructed in Japan and has served as a vital link for visitors exploring the volcanic landscape of Mount Unzen. The ropeway connects Nita Pass Station at an elevation of 1,070 meters with Myōken Peak Station at 1,333 meters, covering a distance of approximately 500 meters in just 3 minutes.
The ropeway provides access to one of Japan's most significant volcanic regions, offering panoramic views of the Ariake Sea, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, the distant outline of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. The area is renowned for its active geothermal features, including the famous Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) hot springs, where volcanic gases and steam emerge from the earth. The region gained international attention following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Unzen Fugen-dake in 1991, which claimed 43 lives and remains one of Japan's most significant volcanic disasters in recent history.
At the summit station, visitors can embark on hiking trails that lead to Myōken Peak and neighboring peaks such as Kunimidake. The trails range from easy walks suitable for casual visitors to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. During spring and summer, the slopes are covered with vibrant azaleas and alpine plants, while autumn brings striking foliage. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered landscape, and the ropeway continues to operate in most weather conditions, though services may be suspended during severe storms or high winds.
The ropeway is accessible from Nagasaki City by bus, with services operated by Kenei Bus taking approximately 90 minutes to reach Unzen. From Isahaya Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, buses take about 60 minutes. Visitors coming from Kumamoto can take a ferry across the Ariake Sea to Shimabara Port, followed by a 30-minute bus ride to Unzen. The standard one-way fare for the ropeway is approximately ¥770, while a round-trip ticket costs around ¥1,460. Group discounts and combination tickets with other local attractions are available at the ticket office.
