The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, formerly known as the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, is an aerial lift that takes visitors up to an observation point on Mt. Tenjo, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
The ropeway is located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.
The ride to the observation deck takes approximately 3 minutes each way, with gondolas departing every 5-10 minutes.
From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding region. On clear days, it offers one of the best vantage points for photographing Mt. Fuji.
Yes, the area around Mt. Tenjo is associated with Japanese folklore, particularly the story 'Kachi Kachi Yama,' a tale about a rabbit and a tanuki (raccoon dog), which adds a cultural dimension to the visit.
Traveler reviews
Come early! Sometimes it opens 8.30am but on google says 9am. Either times are good we beat the rush! If you can buy a ticket for the swings the views are gorgeous.
Toilets and souvenir shops on top. We even had a photographer turn our pictures into a snow globe souvenir for a reasonable price.
Cable car (“ropeway”) up to the Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park for photo spots and a view of the Kawaguchi Lake and Mt. Fuji.
The cable car needs some cleaning… the windows were quite dirty, which was sad for a nice panoramic view of the lake going up and down.
It does save a lot of time and leg aches if you’re not up to walking up or down the mountain. Though the hike up would have been easy enough and nice for us 40-some year olds, it was a good option for my parents.
Quick stop around Lake Kawaguchiko. Line ups were 50 minutes when I ordered at 10:20 am. Estimate was accurate.
What I saw: An elevated view of Fuji but there was no foreground. There were also a few small shrines. There wasn't any noteworthy view on the ropeway because the hill blocked the view of Mount Fuji. Because the points of interest at the top does not leave much room for humans, almost every photo I took required waiting for impatient tourists to get out of the way.
I'd visit if you passed by and had free time. Do not come here first thing in the morning just to avoid the crowd (e.g. 8:30). Save this for later when you truly have nothing else left to do in the area.
Buy your tickets in advance and be prepared for a fairly long queue before you actually board the cable car. Once at the top, the views are magnificent, with Mount Fuji on one side and Lake Kawaguchiko on the other. The observation areas are well laid out, offering plenty of spots to relax, take in the scenery, and snap photos.
At the summit you’ll find a shrine, love bell, swing, several rabbit and tanuki statues, along with a gift shop and snacks and drinks available for purchase. For a nice change of pace, instead of riding the cable car back down, you can enjoy a beautiful 30-minute hike down to Lake Kawaguchiko.
The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is absolutely worth the visit! The ride up is smooth and quick, and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding landscape. It’s one of the best spots in the area for photos — especially on a clear day.
The observation deck is spacious, and there are plenty of cute spots for photos, snacks, and souvenirs. Everything is well-organized, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the Fuji Five Lakes area, this ropeway is a must-do experience for the views alone!
