Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi

**Hike vs. Ropeway:** The summit hiking trail from the ropeway top station takes 20 minutes (one-way) to reach the actual peak at 1,375m. The trail passes through volcanic meadow with dwarf bamboo and volcanic rock formations. The peak provides slightly better 360° views than the ropeway deck, though the ropeway deck itself captures 90% of the view. **Winter ice formations:** December–February, the summit area develops rime ice (霧氷, muhyo) on trees and rocks — frozen moisture creating crystalline coatings. The ropeway company posts daily ice conditions on social media. Peak ice occurs January 15–31 in average years. **Beppu steam plumes from above:** The view down into Beppu shows steam rising from hundreds of sources throughout the city — a visual that explains Beppu's geothermal intensity better than ground-level experience. Morning visits (9:00–11:00) show steam most clearly as cold air makes the vapor more visible.