Harunasan Ropeway, Aerial tramway in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
The Harunasan Ropeway connects two stations while climbing about 270 meters over a distance of about 530 meters. The line moves steadily upward and offers an easy way to reach the mountain without walking the steep terrain.
The line opened on 15 July 1958, run by Gunma Kankō. In 1979 operations passed to Tōbu Kōgyō, later to its subsidiary Tanigawadake Ropeway. In 1996 it introduced Japan's first two coupled 15-passenger gondolas. On 1 March 2022 the shares went to Hoshino Resorts, so it is now marketed as Harunasan Ropeway by Hoshino Resorts.
Mount Haruna holds several traditional Japanese shrines that show local religious practices and how people venerate mountains. Visitors can see these sacred places along the way and understand their importance to the community.
The ride takes about three minutes and the cabins accommodate small groups, making the climb relaxed and free from stress. Once at the top, bring appropriate clothing for mountain conditions since the weather can change quickly.
The 1996 upgrade introduced Japan's first linked pair of 15-passenger gondolas, two cabins joined as a single unit on the line. The ropeway has been run by Hoshino Resorts since March 2022, when shares passed from Tobu Kogyo, and it is marketed as "Harunasan Ropeway by Hoshino Resorts".
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