Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
新穂高ロープウェイ
A ropeway connecting Shin-Hotaka Onsen to Nishi-Hotakaguchi (elevation 2,156m) in the Northern Alps, featuring Japan's only double-decker gondola. Riding the First Ropeway (Shin-Hotaka Onsen to Nabedaira Highlands) and the Second Ropeway (Shirakaba-daira to Nishi-Hotakaguchi) in succession rapidly gains elevation, and the summit observation deck offers a grand panorama of the Northern Alps' 3,000-meter-class peaks, including Mount Yari and the Hotaka mountain range, up close. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Mount Kasa, Mount Norikura, and even Mount Fuji. From alpine flowers and cloud seas in summer to autumn foliage and frosted trees and stargazing in winter, it shows a different face each season, popular not only with climbers but also with tourists simply wanting to enjoy spectacular views — a leading tourist attraction representing the Okuhida Onsen area.
Japan's only double-decker gondola
The Second Ropeway connecting Shirakaba-daira and Nishi-Hotakaguchi uses Japan's only double-decker gondola. Since opening in 1970, it has carried many climbers and tourists up near the ridgeline above 2,000 meters elevation, letting riders fully enjoy the mountain scenery outside the window during the ride. By riding the First and Second Ropeways in succession, visitors can climb from Shin-Hotaka Onsen at 1,117m elevation all the way to Nishi-Hotakaguchi at 2,156m.
A grand Northern Alps panorama from the Nishi-Hotakaguchi observation deck
From the rooftop observation deck at the terminus, Nishi-Hotakaguchi, visitors can take in a 360-degree panorama of Northern Alps peaks including Mount Yari, the Hotaka mountain range, Mount Kasa, Mount Sugoroku, and Mount Norikura. On clear days, visitors can even see as far as Mount Fuji, making it a valuable spot where even non-climbing tourists can casually experience the world above 2,000 meters elevation. Walking trails are also maintained around the observation deck, allowing for alpine flower viewing.
Spectacular views in every season, including cloud seas and frosted trees
The mountain shows an entirely different face each season: fresh greenery and alpine flowers in summer, mountainside autumn foliage and early-morning cloud seas in autumn, and a fantastical silver world covered in rime and frosted trees in winter. The autumn-leaf season and winter frosted-tree and stargazing viewing are especially popular, and under the right conditions, visitors may encounter a spectacular view of the Northern Alps floating above a sea of clouds.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Enjoy the contrast between the snow-capped Northern Alps and fresh greenery, along with budding alpine flowers.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Fully enjoy summer alpine flowers and trekking in the cool mountain air.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Autumn foliage colors the mountainside, and a cloud sea sometimes spreads out in the early morning.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The fantastical silver world of rime and frosted trees, along with stargazing, is very popular.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 90-120 minutes including the summit view and stroll
- Crowd levels
- Both directions get very crowded during the autumn-leaf season (mid-to-late October) and long holidays, with long waits to board
- Best time to visit
- Right after the first departure in the morning, or on weekdays
| Address | 710-7 Kanzaka, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30-16:00 (8:00-16:00 in August and on weekends/holidays in October, 9:00-15:30 December 1-March 31; varies by season and weather) |
| Admission | First+Second Ropeway combined (Shin-Hotaka Onsen to Nishi-Hotakaguchi) round trip: adults ¥3,800, children ¥1,900 (First Ropeway only round trip: adults ¥700, children ¥350) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 1 min walk from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (About 100 minutes by Nohi Bus on the Shin-Hotaka Line, get off directly at "Shin-Hotaka Ropeway")
- 1 min walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal (About 30 minutes by Nohi Bus, get off directly at "Shin-Hotaka Ropeway")