Shinhotaka Ropeway

Double-decker Ropeway Car with views of the Northern Alps

Shinhotaka Ropeway i n Gifu Prefecture
The two-story ropeway car departing Shirakabadaira Station

The Shinhotaka Ropeway, in Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most unique ropeway systems. Spanning a vertical height of over 1000 meters up the Hotake Mountain Range, the ropeway offers up stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

The ropeway is split in two sections. The first section, ropeway Number 1, is a short 200-meter climb and spans 500 meters. Ropeway Number is is a single-story ropeway, starting from the Shinhotaka Ropeway bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen station. At Nabedaira Kogen station, you will find the Shinhotaka Visitors Center, a public bath, restaurants, a gift shop, a small art gallery, hiking trails and Shirakabadaira Station – the departure point of the double-decker ropeway.

The view from the top of Shinhotaka Ropeway in Gifu Prefecture
View from the top of Shinhotaka Ropeway

After a short walk transferring from Nabedaira Station, the ropeway continues from Shirakabadaira Station, where the unique double-decker ropeway car departs. Ropeway number 2 spans over 2100 meters in distance, climbing 800m to a total altitude of about 2150 meters (Approximately 7,000 ft).

There is a significant temperature difference between Shin-Hotaka Onsen Station, Shirakabadaira Station, and Nishihotakaguchi Station, with an altitude difference of 1000+ meters between stations, so it’s helpful to have a jacket that is easy to put on and take off. This is particularily important during the cooler months, when the temperature difference could result in snow or unfavourable weather.

Roundtrip tickets can be purchased on Klook(Click here) in advance. It should be noted that due to weather or maintenance, the ropeway may periodically close. We recommend checking conditions on the Shinhotaka Ropeway official website before visiting. 

 

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Accessing Shinhotaka Ropeway

Due to the remote nature of the ropeway, the best way to access it is via car. There are several paid parking lots near the lower stations.

The ropeway’s lower station is also serviced by direct hourly buses to Hirayu Onsen (approximately 40minutes, 910 yen one way) and Takayama Station (1 hour 30 minutes, 2200 yen one way). 

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