The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is one of Japan's most unique ropeways located in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. It has one of the largest elevation gains in Japan as it climbs over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotake Mountain Range which includes Oku-Hotakedake.
The double-deck gondola will take you to the world above the clouds, 2,156m above sea level. From the Observation Deck at the top of the mountain, visitors can take in a grand panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps.
The ropeway is made up of two ropeways. The first one is a short 200 meter climb on a single-story ropeway from the bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen. In here, visitors can find the Shin-Hotaka Visitors Center, a public restroom, restaurants, a gift shop, a small art gallery, hiking trails and the departure point of the double decker ropeway.
From Nabedaira Kogen the double decker ropeway climbs over 800 meters to the upper station. It also has a restaurant, gift shop and an observation deck with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Take the bus that's routed to the Hirayu Onsen and Takayama Station and get off at the final stop (Shin-Hotaka Ropeway).
Opens at 8:30 to 16:45 from April to November, 9:00 to 16:15 from December to March and longer hours in August and on weekends and holidays in October. No closing days.
Ropeway fees may very on your trip; From the bottom, it cost 2900 yen for roundtrip and 1600 yen for one way. From Nabedaira Kogen, is cost 2800 yen for roundtrip and 1500 yen for one way.