Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is Japan's only double-decker cable car system and the country's highest ropeway station, reaching an elevation of 2,156 meters. Opened in 1970, the ropeway was expanded in 1998 with the addition of the distinctive double-decker gondolas that have become its signature feature. The system operates in two stages, transporting visitors from the valley floor through the dramatic scenery of the Northern Japan Alps to observation platforms offering panoramic mountain views.

The ropeway provides access to the Hotaka Mountain Range, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, one of Japan's most spectacular alpine regions. The area is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, featuring rugged peaks, deep valleys, and seasonal transformations that draw nature enthusiasts year-round. In autumn, the mountainsides display vibrant foliage, while winter brings heavy snowfall that creates a striking contrast against the rocky terrain. The upper station serves as a gateway to hiking trails of varying difficulty, including routes leading toward Mount Nishihotakadake for experienced mountaineers.

Visitors experience a seven-minute ride in each stage of the ropeway, with the second stage featuring the double-decker cabins that can carry up to 121 passengers per gondola. The upper observation deck at Nishihotakaguchi Station includes viewing platforms and a rooftop terrace accessible year-round, weather permitting. The area offers facilities including restaurants, gift shops, and a small shrine. During summer months, the alpine environment provides relief from lowland heat, while the winter season attracts visitors hoping to witness the snow-covered peaks and occasional views of the Kamikochi valley in the distance.

The ropeway is located approximately 60 kilometers from Takayama city center, accessible by bus services that run regularly from Takayama Station. The journey takes roughly 100 minutes each way. Visitors traveling from Matsumoto can also reach the site via bus connections. Admission for the complete round-trip ropeway experience costs 3,300 yen for adults and 1,650 yen for children. Combination tickets including bus transport from Takayama are available. The ropeway operates daily throughout the year except during periods of severe weather or mandatory maintenance, with services suspended briefly in early December for annual inspections.