Ascending high into the Chubu Sangaku National Park, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of Japan’s most famous mountain ropeways. Consisting of two ropeways that cover an initial 200 metre stage to the first station, before then ascending another 800 metres to the second station to an altitude of 2150 metres, the ropeway puts visitors within reach of Japan’s third highest mountain, Oku-Hotakedake.

Visitors have the option of riding the complete length of the ropeway or between stations. The first/lower station – Nabedaira Kogen – includes a visitors centre, onsen (hot spring), restaurants, gift shop and is accessible by car. The second/uppers station has an observation deck offering outstanding views of the surrounding alpine landscape, restaurant and giftshop.

Walking trails span-out from both station, including a 90-minute trail from the upper station which leads to the ridge of Oku-Hotakedake, from where, visitors have the option of walking into Kamikochi should they choose to. Trails also lead onto the true summit of Oku-Hotakadake – taking around 9 hours – but please note, these trails require a good level of fitness and should not be undertaken proper equipment and consideration.

Open daily, the ropeway operates from 08:30 until 16:00 with slight variation of time through the year. A one-way journey from the base to the second/upper station costs JPY1600 or JPY2900 for a roundtrip.