Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway is a two-stage cable car in the Okuhida area of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, that climbs from Shinhotaka Onsen to Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station at 2,156 meters. The upper line uses Japan's only double-decker gondolas. The rooftop deck at the top faces the Hotaka range of the Northern Alps across a deep valley.

The ropeway opened in 1970 and runs all year. It is the easiest way to see the high peaks of the Northern Alps up close without hiking, and the top station is also a trailhead for climbers heading into the mountains.

Shinhotaka Ropeway tickets and fares

Most visitors buy the connecting ticket, which covers both ropeways. The round trip covers the full route up and back down, so you do not buy a separate return.

• Both ropeways, round trip: 3,800 yen for adults, 1,900 yen for children

• Both ropeways, one way: 2,400 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for children

• No. 1 Ropeway only, round trip: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for children

• No. 2 Ropeway only, round trip: 3,700 yen for adults, 1,850 yen for children

• Priority boarding: 300 yen per person on the way up, on top of a ropeway ticket

Children's fares apply from age 6 to 12. Large luggage needs a separate baggage ticket. Current prices are listed on the ropeway's fares page.

How the ropeway works

The trip has two stages with a short walk between them.

• No. 1 Ropeway: from Shinhotaka Onsen Station to Nabedaira Kogen Station. Its gondolas have a see-through design so you can look down on the Nabedaira Plateau below.

• Transfer: a short walk from Nabedaira Kogen to Shirakabadaira Station.

• No. 2 Ropeway: from Shirakabadaira Station up to Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station in a two-story gondola.

Each ropeway departs about every 30 minutes, with extra runs at busy times. Service stops in strong winds and for safety inspections once or twice a year, so check the operating status on the morning you go.

What to see at the top

The rooftop observation deck at Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station has a 360-degree view. The Hotaka peaks rise directly in front of you, and on clear days you can also pick out the spire of Mt. Yari. The view has two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

The stations have places to eat, including a bakery with fresh bread, and souvenir shops. The ropeway's Yamabiko Postbox, installed in 2007, is Japan's highest permanent mailbox. The air at 2,156 meters is much colder than in the valley, so bring a warm layer even in summer.

Best time to visit the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Each season looks different from the top:

• Spring: snow lingers on the peaks while the lower slopes turn green.

• Summer: cool air at the top and alpine flowers along the trails.

• Fall: the foliage usually peaks around mid-October, with red and yellow slopes below and fresh snow on the summits.

• Winter: the peaks are fully white, and guided snowshoe walks run near the ropeway.

How to get to the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Nohi Bus runs from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, next to JR Takayama Station, to the Shinhotaka Ropeway stop at Shinhotaka Onsen. The ride takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and costs 2,200 yen one way, with buses about once an hour. The same buses stop at Hirayu Onsen on the way, where you can also change to and from buses for Kamikochi.

If you plan to make several bus trips, the Takayama and Shinhotaka bus ticket gives two days of unlimited rides on these routes.

By car, drive from Takayama toward Hirayu on National Route 158, then follow Routes 471 and 475. The Shinhotaka Onsen parking lot near the No. 1 Ropeway costs 800 yen per 6 hours. The Nabedaira Kogen lot near the No. 2 Ropeway is closed from early November to late April. Snow tires are required in winter, since snow usually falls from mid-November to early April.

Hiking from Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station

The trailhead is just beyond the viewpoint at the top station. The forest trail reaches Nishiho Sanso mountain hut in about 1.5 hours, and from there the trail continues down to Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi in the Northern Alps. The full hike to Kamikochi takes about five hours.

Submit a climbing registration form before you set out, and wear proper hiking boots. The trail has rocky sections, and mountain weather changes quickly. A guided ropeway and Kamikochi day tour from Takayama covers both places by vehicle if you would rather not hike.

Combining the ropeway with Okuhida

The ropeway sits at the far end of the Okuhida Onsen villages. Hirayu Onsen, about halfway between Takayama and the ropeway, has hot spring baths and the 64-meter Hirayu Waterfall.