Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
新穂高ロープウェイ36°17′ N 137°35′ ERopeway¥3,800, about CAD 34 or USD 24 (October 2026 rates)
The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway lifts you to a 2,156 m rooftop deck facing the Hotaka peaks in about 25 minutes, and it suits anyone staying in Okuhida who wants the Northern Alps without climbing; skis and snowboards are not allowed on board.
Photo Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 and others, credited in the gallery
Access
Wheelchair users can reach Nishi-hotakaguchi using lifts, ramps and a stair lift in places, and both Shinhotaka Onsen and Shirakabadaira stations lend wheelchairs.
Two ropeways climb from Shinhotaka Onsen at 1,117 m. The first runs to Nabedaira Kogen, and a short walk leads to Shirakabadaira, where the second ropeway's double-decker cars rise to Nishi-hotakaguchi. The rooftop deck at 2,156 m looks straight at the Hotaka range, and the Michelin Green Guide Japan gives the view two stars.
In winter the cars run from 9:00, and the last one down leaves at 16:15. The operator lists skis, snowboards and uncovered ice axes among the things you cannot carry, so the ride serves sightseers and climbers. Climbers must hand in a climbing plan before they set out from the top station.
A return ticket for both ropeways costs ¥3,800 for adults. The drive from Takayama IC takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, and buses from the Takayama bus centre take about 1 hour 40 minutes. Fit winter tyres; snow can fall here from mid-November until early April.
Worth knowing
- Pack proper winter layers; the summit deck stands above 2,000 m.
- Take crampons off inside the stations and cover the tips of ice axes.
- Park at Shinhotaka Onsen in winter; the Nabedaira car park closes from early November.
- Allow about 10 extra minutes from Takayama: a landslide has closed part of Route 158 in Nyukawa since February 2026, and cars and buses use a city-road detour.
Quick answers about Shin-Hotaka Ropewayよくある質問
How much is the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway?
A return ticket on both ropeways costs ¥3,800 for adults and ¥1,900 for primary school children, at fares in force from December 2025.
What are the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway winter hours?
From 1 December to 31 March the first car leaves Shinhotaka Onsen at 9:00 and the last at 15:30, and the last car down leaves the top at 16:15.
Can I take skis on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway?
No. The ropeway does not carry skis, snowboards or ice axes without tip covers.
When is the best time to visit Shin-Hotaka Ropeway?
Shin-Hotaka Ropeway: Autumn colour peaks around mid-October in a typical year, according to the operator, and from December the peaks and forest below lie under snow.
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