Shin-Hodaka Ropeway

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The Shin-Hodaka Ropeway is one of Japan's most unique ropeways. It has one of the largest elevation gains in the country as it climbs over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotake Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan's third highest peak. But its most distinguishing feature is its double decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan, which offer excellent views of the Okuhida Region.
The ropeway is actually made up of two ropeways. The first is a short 200 meter climb on a single-story ropeway from the bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen. Here you will find the Shin-Hodaka Visitors Center, a public bath, restaurants, a gift shop, a small art gallery, hiking trails and the departure point of the double decker ropeway. Nabedaira Kogen is also accessible by car, but there is no bus service.
From Nabedaira Kogen the double decker ropeway climbs over 800 meters to the upper station at an altitude of around 2150 meters. The upper station has a restaurant, gift shop and an observation deck with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. When there is no snow (usually from late June through September), it is also the starting point of a hiking trail further into the mountains.
The hiking trail first ascends for about 90 minutes to the Nishiho mountain hut on top of the mountain ridge. From there it is possible to descend into Kamikochi (about 2.5 hours) or to further climb to the Nishi-Hodakadake (about 3 hours) and Oku-Hodakadake (about 9 hours) peaks, however the trail beyond Nishi-Hodakadake is dangerous and should only be taken by experienced and well equipped mountain climbers. But also the other trails require proper hiking shoes and preparation.
Observation deck at the upper station

How to get there
The lower station of the Shin-Hodaka Ropeway is a 45 minute bus ride from Hirayu Onsen (870 yen, hourly departures). Get off at the Shin-Hodaka Onsen bus stop, the last stop of the line, from where it is just a few steps to the ropeway station. Paid parking is available at both the ropeway's lower station and at the Nabedaira Kogen Station, but buses serve only the lower station. How to get to and around Okuhida

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