What other travelers are saying about Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
Drove to Shin Hotaka Ropeway from Takayama in Dec 2025. Took the ropeway cablecar up to the peak. The view at the peak was breathtaking. We played with snow & afterwards warmed ourselves up by having hot choc at a cafe at the peak. Overall worth visiting & it's our repeat visit here. Just cant get enough of the view & tranquility.
Had a really great experience at Shinhotaka Ropeway. The views from the top were stunning, and the double-deck cable car ride itself felt unique and very smooth. The area is peaceful, the air is fresh, and everything is well-organized for visitors.
It does get crowded at certain times and the tickets can feel a bit pricey, but the scenery and overall experience were absolutely worth it. A wonderful spot to enjoy Japan’s mountain landscape.
The ropeway is located 1.5 hours away from Takayama bus station. There is a luggage storage area if you want to get the luggage with you on the bus. There are 2 ropeways that take you up to topmost viewing point. You can see all the lovely mountain ranges of Japan from the top. The whole experience is magical. The 2nd ropeway has is a double decker cable car and operates twice an hour. As the Japanese are good at building technological marvels so is this ropeway. Its a must visit if your visiting Takayama.
Really enjoyed visiting here. Visited in autumn on Oct 24th 2025. Too early to see the trees in autumn colors unfortunately but some are already changing. Very fortunate as the weather is cooperating and we had a clear view of the mountains. The Ropeway has 2 storey just a short ride to the top.
We went up in Autumn & it was stunning going up & over the ropeway.
As the mountain views open up before you - beautiful scenery.
Apart from the short walk around to the great viewpoints, took the pretty hard hike up the hill to the hut & the views were even better, although pretty concerned about any bears nearby!
The entire ride, including both sections of the ropeway, takes about 20 minutes one way. Visitors often spend additional time at the observation decks and hiking trails at the top.
At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Northern Japan Alps, including peaks like Mount Yarigatake and Mount Hotaka. On clear days, the views stretch for miles, offering a stunning natural panorama.
Yes, the ropeway operates throughout the year. Each season offers a different experience, from the green mountainsides of summer to the snowy landscapes of winter.
Yes, the top station features observation decks, a café, restrooms, and a gift shop. There is also an outdoor hot spring (onsen) where you can relax and enjoy the mountain views.
The ropeway is accessible by bus or car from Takayama and other nearby towns. There are direct buses from Takayama Station that take about 90 minutes.
