Located in Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, Shinhotaka Ropeway or Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) is a dual-line aerial tramway that brings visitors to the recreational facilities on the Hotaka Mountain Range.
 |
| Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) |
Shinhotaka Ropeway history
Operated by the Okuhi Sightseeing Development, Shinhotaka Ropeway opened sometime in the 1970s. This aerial tramway consists of the following lines - No. 1 Ropeway and (you guessed it right) No. 2 Ropeway.
 |
Shinhotaka Ropeway - Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
|
 |
| Map of Shinhotaka Ropeway from their official site. |
 |
| Shin-Hotaka Onsen Station |
 |
| Here's the gondola going up to Nabedairakogen Station |
 |
| Nabadairakogen Station |
 |
| Sangakukan Shinhotaka Visitor Center |
 |
| A great place to rest is at Sengoku Park |
 |
| An outdoor footbath near Shirakabadaira Station |
No. 1 Ropeway starts from Shinhotakaonsen Station which is found at an altitude of 1,117 meters at the western side of Mt. Nishikihotakadake, The line ends at Nabedairakogen Station which is at an altitude of 1,305 meters. The ride takes around four minutes.
 |
| Check out the latest price of the tickets |
 |
| Get your tickets! |
Shinhotaka Ropeway Fare:
Shinhotaka Ropeway Operating Hours:
Shinhotaka Ropeway is open year-round with shifting schedules or timetables based on the season and time of the year. For example, the ropeway opens the earliest (7AM) during the Obon holiday (August 13-16) while it opens the latest (9AM) during Winter (December 1- March 31). You can check out the schedule below.
 |
| Say hi to those riding the other gondola |
 |
| Hmm... too many to choose from |
 |
| Some souvenirs to bring home |
Shinhotaka Ropeway is famous not only for its double-decker gondola but also because of the majestic view of the Japanese Northern Alps that can be seen from the gondola and also from the Nishihotakaguchi Station's Roof Observation Deck. Aside from viewing the beautiful scenery, visitors can also send a postcard home via mail as there is a mailbox installed at the roof observation deck of the station (Imagine mailing yourself from one of the highest points in Japan). Visitors can purchase the said postcards from the Nishihotakaguchi Station's souvenir shop.
 |
| Can you spot the mountain hut on the right side of the picture? |
For the more adventurous ones, Nishihotakaguchi Station is a perfect place to start the hike to the peaks of the Hotaka Mountains. The nearest peak being Mt. Nishihotakadake which is at the altitude of 2909m. However, one should keep in mind that the hiking route is open only from spring to autumn.
 |
| With our Japanese family |
I got to visit and ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway with my family during our 17th day in Japan. We were accompanied by our Japanese family during the said trip. It was our first destination after checking out of Nakaokogen Hotel Kazaguruma in the Onsen Village of Okuhida in Takayama City. It was a truly awesome and memorable experience as Shinhotaka Ropeway was far (actually VERY FAR) from the usual tourist traps of Japan making it probably a once-in-a-lifetime visit for me.
 |
| Team Nicerio visits Shinhotaka Ropeway observation area |
Why ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway?
Overall, if you're an adventurer looking for something new, then head to Shinhotaka Ropeway and soar above the clouds at the altitude of 2156 meters in Japan's only double-decker gondola. You'd surely love the view of the Japanese Alps and of course the experience.
Here's a 10-second clip of my Shinhotaka Ropeway experience:
Here's the view from Nishihotakaguchi Station's Roof Observation Deck:
Getting to Shinhotaka Ropeway:
From Tokyo, ride the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama. The whole trip takes about 4 1/2 hours and costs around 14,000 yen.
From Takayama, Ride the Nohi bus for Shinhotaka Ropeway and get off at the last stop which is Shinhotaka itself. The trip takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Ratings:
 |
| Crowd |
 |
| Cleanliness |
 |
| Overall rating |
Looks beautiful, yet terrifying! Was it a pretty smooth ride?
ReplyDeleteHahaha! That was what I have in mind as well. However, the ride was pretty awesome. You should try Shinhotaka ropeway when you are in Japan.
Deletenice information
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. =)
DeleteThis look like a wonderful vacation and that view is breathtaking!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It truly is. Shinhotaka is one for the books.
DeleteWhat a beautiful park to visit, the snow covered mountain tops in the background are stunning.
ReplyDeleteThe Japanese Alps is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen in my life so far. You should come visit.
Deletegreat place for summer holidays
ReplyDeleteI agree. =) It's very cold here.
DeleteIt surely looks adventurous and lovely. U surely had a great time.
ReplyDeleteIt is. My family and I really had a wonderful time here.
DeleteWow! Look at those views! Look like you and your family had a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful adventure. We really had a great time.
DeleteI will surely add this to my bucket list. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great. Thanks for visiting my blog.
DeleteI love Gondola ride above heights between the huge amazing nature.
ReplyDeleteSame here. I think this is my 4th time riding a ropeway in Japan. =) Each presented great views of nature.
DeleteWhat a beautiful area! I have never visited there but looks like it would be an incredible trip.
ReplyDeleteYou should include Shinhotaka to your bucketlist Junell. =)
DeleteThank you so much for this very helpful article. I will bookmark this for the future.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Lisa. =)
DeleteI have been on a ropeway in Kanagawa Prefecture before but not in Gifu. Have to take my sister to this when she comes to Japan for the summer.
ReplyDeleteYou should. =) She will surely love Shinhotaka ropeway and the views of the Japanese Alps. =)
DeleteWoww! Beautiful. Loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sanjota.
DeleteWonderful! The Scenery is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteThe view from the viewing area of Shinhotaka ropeway is really breathtaking.
DeleteWhat a view! I have been on trams in different cities and they always make me nervous.
ReplyDeleteThat was what I felt as well when I rode a ropeway for the first time. =)
DeleteWow such a wonderful place! I would love to visit this place someday :)
ReplyDeletePlease do Maysz. =)
DeleteYour posts always have amazing images. Really helps me get a feel for how your experience was.
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating my photos. =)
DeleteWe are visiting Japan this July and in a process of listing some places we can visit for two weeks! What a great view you had here.
ReplyDeleteThank you Blair. Enjoy your trip to Japan. I hope you could include Shinhotaka Ropeway to your itinerary.
DeleteSeems like an awesome trip you got! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth.
DeleteThat looks amazing and thrilling. What a beautiful view! I think I would be a little scared but it looks like it would be worth the while. 😊😊
ReplyDeleteI guarantee you! This place is going to be worth your visit. =)
Deletewhat a wonderful place. You have captured amazing views.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Simerbir Singh.
DeleteEverything looks so scenic, fresh and pretty
ReplyDeleteWell that's japan for you VAS. =)
DeleteI don't like anything that involves height. It scares the shit out of me. But I like to think of myself as someone who can do this, jump off an airplane and other activities that involves height.
ReplyDeleteThis place is so beautiful.
You should try riding this ropeway Grace. It's a perfect way to fight off that fear of heights. Aside from that you'd surely love the view.
DeleteIs there a chance to frolic in the snow somewhere? Apart from onsen, foot bath and going to the deck, what else is there to do during winter?
ReplyDeleteWinter huh? I don't know if the trail to Mt. Nishihotakadake's peak is open during that time. If it is then it's a must include in your itinerary.
DeleteOMG! Shinhotaka Ropeway is a must-try indeed!
ReplyDeletePlease do try the Shinhotaka Ropeway when you are in Gifu!
DeleteBeautiful view!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete