Shinhotaka Ropeway, Aerial tramway in the Japanese Alps, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
The Shinhotaka Ropeway is an aerial tramway in the Japanese Alps, within the Okuhida Onsengo area near Takayama, and part of Chubu Sangaku National Park. It runs in two sections: a short lower leg leading to Nabedaira Kogen, then a longer upper section where the gondola climbs to a station at around 2,150 meters above sea level.
The ropeway opened in 1970, making the high ridges of the Hotaka range accessible to ordinary visitors for the first time. The upper gondola was replaced in the summer of 2020, significantly improving capacity and the quality of the ride.
The ropeway sits at the heart of the Okuhida Onsengo area, a valley known for its hot springs. Many visitors pair the ride with a stop at one of the nearby onsen, a habit that reflects how mountain and thermal bathing culture go hand in hand in this part of Japan.
Buses run to the lower station from Takayama and Hirayu Onsen, and parking is available at both stations. Checking the weather before you go is a good idea, since fog or strong winds can limit visibility or affect operations.
From the upper station, a trail leads in summer toward the Nishiho mountain hut, opening up routes that reach some of the highest peaks in Japan. The Michelin Green Guide awarded this station two stars, which is unusual for a mountain transit stop.
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