Shinhotaka Ropeway

What to know

The Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) is one of Japan's most unique cable cars. It boasts one of the country's largest elevation gains, climbing over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotaka Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan's third highest peak. Its standout feature is the double-decker gondola, the first of its kind in Japan, offering superb views of the Okuhida region.

The ropeway consists of two sections. The first is a short 200-meter ascent on a single-story cable car from the bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen. Here you'll find the Shinhotaka Visitors Center, a public bath, restaurants, a gift shop, a small art gallery, hiking trails, and the departure point for the double-decker ropeway. Nabedaira Kogen is also accessible by car, but there is no bus service.

From Nabedaira Kogen, the double-decker ropeway climbs over 800 meters to the upper station at an altitude of about 2150 meters. The upper station has a restaurant, gift shop, and an observation deck with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A small network of walking trails leads to additional viewing decks.

When there is no snow (usually from late June through September), the upper station is also the starting point for a hiking trail deeper into the mountains. The trail first ascends for about 90 minutes to the Nishiho mountain hut, from where you can descend into Kamikochi (about 2.5 hours) or continue climbing to Nishi-Hotakadake (about 3 hours) and Oku-Hotakadake (about 9 hours). However, the trail beyond Nishi-Hotakadake is dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced, well-equipped climbers. The other trails are also challenging and require proper hiking shoes and preparation.

The ropeway's lower station is connected by direct hourly buses to Hirayu Onsen (35-45 minutes, 910 yen one way) and Takayama Station (90 minutes, 2200 yen one way). Get off at the final stop, Shinhotaka Ropeway. Paid parking is available at both the lower station and Nabedaira Kogen Station, but buses only serve the lower station.