Shin-Hotaka Ropeway

Shinhotaka Ropeway | A Sky-High Journey to Spectacular Views Above the Clouds

Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of Japan’s leading mountain sightseeing ropeways, located in Okuhida Onsen-go, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Its major appeal is that anyone can easily access the world above the clouds at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, thanks to Japan’s only double-decker gondola. From small children to seniors, visitors can safely enjoy an extraordinary experience that feels like walking through the sky.

Japan’s Only Double-Decker Gondola and a Grand Panorama

Shinhotaka Ropeway connects two ropeway lines, the First Ropeway and the Second Ropeway, leading to its final destination, Nishihohodaiguchi Station at an elevation of 2,156 meters. With a total length of approximately 3,200 meters, it is one of Japan’s most impressive mountain ropeways in scale.

The Second Ropeway, in particular, features Japan’s only double-decker gondola, allowing passengers to leisurely take in the magnificent scenery from a spacious cabin. As the gondola climbs higher, the distant peaks of the Northern Alps gradually draw nearer, creating a thrilling and dramatic experience that fully captures the essence of an aerial stroll.

Breathtaking Views from Nishihohodaiguchi Station and the Northern Alps

Upon reaching the terminal station, Nishihohodaiguchi Station, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Northern Alps from the observation deck on clear days. Famous peaks such as Mt. Yari, the Hotaka mountain range, and Mt. Kasa rise before your eyes, and their overwhelming scale creates a scene truly worthy of being called a “spectacular view above the clouds.”

Shinhotaka Ropeway is also known as one of the gateways to the Northern Alps for climbers. Another major attraction is that it allows visitors to easily enjoy mountain scenery that would normally require serious mountaineering to see.

Well-Equipped Facilities and Ways to Enjoy the Area

Around Nishihohodaiguchi Station, there are facilities that let visitors enjoy not only the scenery but also nature more deeply. These include the Visitor Center Sanrakukan, which introduces the nature and formation of the Northern Alps, and Kamino-yu, a natural hot spring open-air bath where guests can relax while gazing at the grand mountains.

*These facilities have been closed for the time being since February 26, 2024. Operating status is subject to change.

There are also shops offering Montbell products and facilities where visitors can enjoy souvenirs and light meals, such as “Alps Bakery,” famous for its freshly baked bread. Montbell corners are located at both the base and summit stations, with exclusive items available only here.

Nature That Changes with the Seasons

One of Shinhotaka Ropeway’s greatest charms is the natural beauty of the Northern Alps, which transforms dramatically with each season.

In spring, the forest buds and fresh greenery spreads with vibrant life. In summer, the cool breeze unique to high elevations makes it a popular summer retreat. In autumn, the red of maple and Japanese maple trees, and the yellow of beech and Mongolian oak trees, color the mountain slopes. The autumn foliage seen from the ropeway is beautiful like a vividly colored carpet. The foliage begins around late September near the summit station and gradually spreads toward the base. When conditions are right, visitors can enjoy a three-color masterpiece of deep blue skies, the Northern Alps covered in the season’s first snow, and autumn leaves.

In winter, a vast silver world unfolds, and depending on snow conditions, a massive snow corridor may appear, allowing visitors to experience the harsh yet beautiful winter scenery of the Northern Alps.

Nature Experiences and Activities

At Shinhotaka, a variety of activities are also available, allowing visitors to feel nature more closely. Guided walks and snowshoe tours are especially popular, offering a chance to enjoy the changing seasons with all five senses.

In Sengoku Garden, which spreads out beyond Nishihohodaiguchi Station, well-maintained walking courses wind through primeval forest, and from May to October visitors can observe delicate wildflowers and alpine plants.

Access and Nearby Attractions

Shinhotaka Ropeway is located in northern Gifu Prefecture, near the border with Toyama and Nagano prefectures. The surrounding area is home to many famous peaks over 3,000 meters, including Mt. Okuhotaka (3,190 meters), Japan’s third-highest mountain, and Mt. Yari (3,180 meters), the fifth-highest.

From Takayama Station, Nohi Bus operates about once an hour. When you get off at the terminal stop, the ropeway boarding area is right in front of you. Along the route, there are also sightseeing spots such as Hirayu Great Falls, Hida Great Limestone Cave, and Okuhida Bear Ranch, which can be enjoyed together with the abundant hot springs of Okuhida Onsen-go.

Shinhotaka Ropeway is a special place where visitors can enjoy an aerial stroll on Japan’s only double-decker gondola, breathtaking views above the clouds at an elevation of 2,156 meters, and nature experiences that change with the seasons all at once. Each visit brings new emotions and discoveries, making it a destination so appealing that you will want to return again and again.