What is the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway?

The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway is a cable car that connects the mountain base station at approximately 1,100 meters elevation to Sugatami Station at about 1,600 meters on Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291 meters. Founded in 1968 and refurbished in 2000, the ropeway takes 10 minutes to complete a one-way trip, offering spectacular views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and access to alpine hiking trails and ski terrain.

When is the best time to visit?

The ropeway operates year-round and offers different experiences each season. In mid-June, the Chishimazakura cherry trees bloom in the parking lot area, known as the latest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan. Summer brings blooming alpine plants around the upper station. Autumn arrives early, with mountainsides covered in red foliage from late August, turning yellow by late September. Winter attracts skiers and photographers hoping to witness diamond dust and sun pillar phenomena.

What can I do at the top?

For beginners, there's an attractive 30-60 minute circular trail around the upper station that passes ponds and sulfurous vents. The popular loop trail around Sugatami Pond takes about one hour. More advanced hikers can ascend to the summit of Mount Asahidake, which takes about two hours from the upper station. The area features a treeless alpine tundra landscape with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

How do I get to the Asahidake Ropeway?

The ropeway is accessible by shuttle bus from Asahikawa Station (approximately 90 minutes, 1,800 yen one way) or from Asahikawa Airport (about 60 minutes by car or 1,270 yen by bus). By car, it's roughly 60 minutes from Asahikawa Airport or 70 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station. The ropeway base station is located in Asahidake Onsen, a small hot spring resort area in Higashikawa.

Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

4.4 (1693)Point Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway provides access to Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291 meters, located within Daisetsuzan National Park. Originally founded in 1968 and refurbished in 2000, the ropeway transports visitors from Asahidake Onsen at 1,100 meters elevation to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters elevation in a 10-minute journey. The area holds deep cultural significance, with the Ainu people traditionally calling the mountaintop "Kamuimintara", meaning "the garden where Gods play."

The region is renowned for its exceptional natural diversity, hosting nearly 40% of Japan's alpine plant species. Daisetsuzan National Park claims the distinction of being the first place in Japan to witness autumn colors and snowfall each year, with the foliage season peaking in mid-September. In mid-June, visitors can observe the Chishimazakura cherry blossoms, known as Japan's latest blooming cherry blossoms. The volcanic origins of the mountain range are evident through sulfurous vents visible from the trails, while winter brings natural phenomena including diamond dust, sun pillars, and rime ice formations.

From Sugatami Station, visitors can choose from multiple hiking experiences. A 30 to 60-minute circular trail surrounds Sugatami Pond, suitable for beginners and showcasing alpine meadows and volcanic features. More experienced hikers can attempt the two-hour ascent to Mount Asahidake's summit. The classic multi-day trek connects Asahidake to Mount Kurodake and continues to Sounkyo Onsen. The ropeway operates every 15 minutes from June through October and every 20 minutes during other months.

Admission varies by season: round-trip tickets cost ¥3,500 for adults and ¥1,750 for children during the June to October peak season, while winter rates from November through May are ¥2,600 for adults and ¥1,700 for children. Children under elementary school age ride free. Parking is available and free from November through May, though fees apply during other months and spaces become limited during peak autumn foliage weekends.

The ropeway is accessible by car approximately 60 minutes from Asahikawa Airport, 70 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station, and 90 minutes from Hokkaido Expressway Asahikawa Takasu IC. Public buses operate from Asahikawa Station with fares of ¥1,800 one-way, departing four times daily with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Phone

+81 166-68-9111

Website

asahidake.hokkaido.jp

The area

Address

Nokanan, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1471, Japan

Phone

+81 166-68-9111

Website

asahidake.hokkaido.jp

What other travelers are saying about Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

Visited on 23 October, it was snowing. Advised to come in thick layers! There are boots and walking sticks for rental after the ropeway. It was breathtaking though the lakes were already frozen! We were only advised to hike the initial portion of the trail as the snow was knee-deep afterwards.

Nearby attractions to see

Tomioka Catholic Church

Catholic Otaru Church Suminoeseido

Motomachi Church

Himenuma (Hime Pond)

Nearby attractions to see

Tomioka Catholic Church

Catholic Otaru Church Suminoeseido

Motomachi Church

Himenuma (Hime Pond)

Frequently Asked Questions

Incredible hiking from here!! There’s a short (~1 hour circuit) to see the lakes and views of the peak. But climbing to the top of the mountain is worth it if you’re in shape! It’s a rocky/gravelly steep path, so I’d recommend hiking shoes and poles (trail runners worked fine for me). Also, it was much hotter than I expected in the summer.. be prepared with water and sun protection. There’s a little souvenir shop that sells drinks and snacks at the top of the ropeway. You can turn around when you get to the top, or you can continue on the loop. The loop takes a little longer (I finished in a little under 5 hours but hike fairly quickly), but you’re rewarded with incredible views of the crater and a foot bath towards the end.

Claire Schmidt

Aug 9, 2025

This was a peak experience for me (pardon the pun). The ropeway itself is amazing - what a view! But then, to walk towards the mountain peak (we walked to the 5th station) and get close to the fumaroles (steam vents) was unbelievable. The plants in this high alpine environment are fascinating, too. Did you know it's considered a wetland? But a few words of caution. Bring warm gear - gloves, hat, and a good windproof coat. You don't need special equipment for this 1-2 hour walk, but the path is rough, muddy, and uneven. We saw melting ice on the path at midday on a sunny, still day in October, so it could very easily be icy. So I'd recommend supportive, waterproof, warm, non-slip shoes or boots. You could easily twist an ankle or fall on the rocky path and steep stairs. Please don't let this put you off, though. Many people were walking in trainers and it definitely depends on the season and the weather on the day, which can change suddenly.

Pamela Asai

Oct 12, 2024