Located in a central area of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the Highashidateyama Ropeway is one of the resorts main gondolas. Rising to 2008 metres above sea level, the ropeway provides access to the Higashidateyama ski fields – including the 1998 Olympic womens downhill courses – and connecting to the higher ski fields of Terakoya or across to Takamagahara and Ichinose.

Other than a brief period either side of winter, the ropeway remains open throughout the year transporting passengers to the top station and Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden. Cafes at both the bottom and top station are open through winter and at times during the summer to autumn seasons.

Autumn is particularly beautiful, with the changing leaves of Shiga attracting visitors from all over Japan with several hotels in the area offering a relaxing stay in one of Nagano’s most beautiful natural landscapes. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Shiga Kogen Area’ hotel page.