Shin-Kobe Ropeway, Aerial tramway in Chuo-ku, Japan
Shin-Kobe Ropeway is an aerial cable car system that spans 1.5 kilometers through mountainous terrain, carrying passengers from Shin-Kobe Station to the Nunobiki Herb Garden. The installation uses 69 individual cabins to transport people continuously over the steep landscape.
The system opened on October 23, 1991, creating a modern connection between northern Kobe neighborhoods and the mountainous regions. This link made it possible for the first time for many people to easily access the heights above the city.
Locals call this the Kobe Yume-Fusen, or Kobe Dream Balloon, reflecting its role as a gateway to mountain temples and trails with deep roots in the area. The name captures how people see it as a bridge between the city below and the sacred spaces above.
The journey takes about ten minutes, offering views of the city and mountains as you ascend. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as conditions at the top are often cooler and windier than down below.
One section spans about 217 meters between support towers, a notable engineering feat for its time. This design demonstrated how Japanese engineering solved the challenge of connecting steep terrain to the city below.
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