Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway has two sections: the first ropeway and the second ropeway, which is Japan's only two-story ropeway. In honor of its 50th anniversary in July 2020, the second ropeway was renovated to be more stylish, with larger windows. Both ropeway stations have parking lots, so you can ride only the second ropeway if you wish. The maximum capacity is 105 people, with the basic boarding order being the second floor first and the first floor second. During peak tourist season, passengers are assigned to each floor in the order they line up, so be sure to pay attention to where you line up if you want to ride on the second floor. Whether on the first or second floor, the view is equally breathtaking, so don't worry if you end up on the first floor!

The mountaintop observatory on the roof of the Nishihotakaguchi Station offers an elevation of 2,156 meters, providing a view of the Northern Alps mountain range (including Yarigatake and Nishihotakadake). Its nearly 360-degree panoramic view is such a spectacular sight that it was given a two-star rating in the guidebook published by the French company Michelin (Michelin Green Guide Japan 2009). Not only the view, but also the beauty of Japan's four seasons that can be enjoyed no matter when you visit, adds value to this spot.

In October 2022, the area surrounding the Nishihotakaguchi Station at the top of the Shinhotaka Ropeway was renovated and reopened as "Takamine Forest at the Summit." The highlight of the area is the observation deck "Yari no Kairou," which offers views of the Yarigatake and Kasagatake peaks, extending about 15 meters from the ridge and providing a panoramic view of the mountains. Other new features include the "Forest Terrace," where visitors can sit or lie down among the trees, and the "Forest Counter," a deck overlooking the gondola station and the mountains of the Hakusan area. Please look forward to the continuously evolving Takamine Forest at the Summit in the future!

The Nabekura Kogen Nature Trail is a 2.3km nature trail located in Nabekura Kogen, which can be experienced in about 1-2 hours. If you take a leisurely walk while enjoying forest bathing, you are sure to refresh yourself with a pleasant tiredness! There are five stamp stations along the course, so you can also enjoy a stamp rally. There is also a spot where you can pass under the ropeway, so be sure to wave your hand!

You can enjoy breathtaking views in any season, but the beauty of autumn foliage is truly spectacular. The best season for autumn foliage around the Shinhotaka Ropeway is generally from mid-October to early November. During this time, you can enjoy beautiful colors such as red, yellow, and orange at high altitudes, and you can enjoy a very beautiful scenery. The characteristic of the autumn foliage that you can enjoy on the Shinhotaka Ropeway is the beautiful contrast woven by various tree species, and the red leaves of birch and oak are particularly wonderful. In addition, there are elements that allow you to enjoy nature, such as alpine plants and wildlife, around the Shinhotaka Ropeway. When enjoying autumn foliage, it is recommended to take the Shinhotaka Ropeway, enjoy the view from the mountaintop, and then take a walk around the area. You can also enjoy local attractions such as hot springs and local cuisine.

At the Shinhotaka Ropeway, they hold a night operation called the "Stargazing Flight" three times a year in spring, summer, and autumn. The dates vary by year, so please check the website for details. If you want to experience the breathtaking starry sky at an altitude of 2,156 meters, be sure to plan ahead and participate. You may be able to enjoy shooting stars as well under the clear sky. At the "Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station," there are also star explanation sessions and commemorative photo sessions held by staff. In addition, during the "Stargazing Flight" period, the restaurant and shop at "Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station" are also open, so you don't have to worry about being hungry!

There are a total of four stations from the "Shin-Hotaka Onsen Station" (although it's at an altitude of 1,117m) to the summit's "Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station". In addition to shops where you can buy souvenirs, each of these stations is also popular for offering various local cuisines from Gifu Prefecture. The first station has a café where you can enjoy curry and other dishes, as well as popular items like "Hida beef soft serve" and "Hida beef croquettes". At the third station, "Shirakaba Plateau Station", there is a stylish bakery called "Alps no Panya-san" that offers a wide variety of bread. The gondola-shaped bread with cute illustrations is a hot topic for its photogenic appeal. At the summit station, there are croquettes and churros with the word "Itadaki" (meaning "I humbly receive") on them, which many tourists purchase as a commemoration of reaching the top.

At the Nabeira Kogen Station, the first ropeway station, there is a visitor center called Sangaku-kan where you can learn about the nature of Okuhida. Adjacent to it is the open-air bath "Kamitakara-no-Yu". It's a hot spring with a natural flow of water, with two baths for men and women each. You can enjoy the hot spring while enjoying the forest in an open-air bath. Please note that shampooing is not possible as it is only an open-air bath. In front of the second ropeway station, Shirakaba-daira Station, there is a facility where you can enjoy a footbath. Some people relax in the footbath while eating bread from the bakery or take-out snacks.