Mount Kinka Ropeway, Aerial tramway in Gifu, Japan
Mount Kinka Ropeway connects Gifu Park at the base to the summit station on the mountain, covering about 600 meters of cable distance while climbing roughly 250 meters in elevation. The ride takes a few minutes and brings visitors directly to the observation area and Gifu Castle at the top.
The ropeway opened in 1955 as an innovative way to transport visitors up the mountain. Over the decades, it has undergone several technical upgrades to improve safety and passenger comfort.
The name Kinka means golden shine, reflecting how the mountain appears when lit by sunlight. From the summit, visitors overlook the city below and the river valley, making it a place where locals come to gain perspective on their surroundings.
Cabins depart throughout the day at regular intervals, with more frequent service on weekends than on weekdays. Expect some waiting time, especially during peak hours on weekends.
At the summit area, there is a small village with tame squirrels that have lived there for many decades. These animals are accustomed to people and allow visitors to feed them, creating an unusual hands-on experience.
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