Shinhotaka Ropeway — Japan Alps Aerial Journey

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Shinhotaka Ropeway — Japan Alps Aerial Journey

Shinhotaka Ropeway — Japan Alps Aerial Journey 2

The Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) is Japan's only double-decker cable car, ascending 1,308 meters from the Hida mountain valley floor to a 2,156-meter observation deck in the Northern Japan Alps. The two-stage journey (first stage to Nabedaira, second to the summit) offers 360-degree panoramas of the Hotaka Range — jagged 3,000-meter peaks including Mt. Oku-Hotaka (3,190m, third-highest in Japan). The summit deck provides unobstructed views across snowcapped ridges, alpine valleys, and, on clear days, distant Mt. Fuji.

The ropeway area includes hiking trails (1–3 hours), an open-air rotenburo at Nabedaira station (free with ropeway ticket), and access to serious alpine routes for experienced climbers. The lower Nabedaira station offers gentler forest walks suitable for families. Seasonal highlights include alpine wildflowers (June–July), autumn foliage (October), and winter snow landscapes (December–March). The ropeway operates year-round except for maintenance closures.

Opening Hours

Ropeway first stage: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last upward 4:00 PM, last downward 5:00 PM) | Hours vary by season — extended in summer (to 5:00 PM), reduced in winter | Nabedaira rotenburo (footbath): same hours as ropeway

Closed: Closed for maintenance approximately 2 weeks per year (typically mid-November) | Check official website for exact closure schedule | Open year-round otherwise

Entrance Fee

Ropeway round-trip (both stages): ¥3,300 adults, ¥1,650 children | One stage only: ¥1,800 round-trip | Nabedaira rotenburo: free with ropeway ticket | Bus from Takayama: ¥2,200 one-way

Best Season

Autumn (early–mid October) for aerial foliage views over the mountain slopes | Summer (July–August) for alpine wildflowers and hiking | Winter (December–February) for pristine snow panoramas (dress for -10°C to -15°C at summit) | Clear mornings (9:00–11:00 AM) any season for best visibility

Visit Duration

2–3 hours minimum for both ropeway stages and summit viewing | Add 30–60 minutes for hiking at the top | Full day if combining with Okuhida Onsen overnight stay

Getting There

Access Information

Okuhida Onsengo, 60 km north of Takayama. 90-min bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (¥2,200 one-way, reservation recommended). Ropeway: ¥3,300 round-trip (two stages). Hours: 9:00–16:00 (varies by season). Visit duration: 2–3 hours minimum. Combine with Okuhida onsen overnight stay for full experience.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Clear weather strategy:** Mountain visibility is critical — check forecasts before committing to the 90-minute bus ride. Morning (9:00–11:00) typically offers clearest conditions before afternoon cl