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Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway
Take a scenic aerial journey overlooking Japan's three major mountain ranges, then stroll along the Tsuboniwa Nature Garden Trail at the summit.
This ropeway travels 7,267 ft in about seven minutes, climbing 1,529 ft from the base station at 5,810 ft above sea level to the summit station at 7,339 ft.
The large, 100-passenger ropeway operates year-round. It attracts sightseers and hikers in summer and skiers and snowboarders in winter, making it a popular destination throughout the seasons.
From the windows, passengers can take in spectacular views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and all three of Japan's major mountain ranges: the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps.
At the summit station, the Tsuboniwa Nature Garden Trail leads through a natural landscape shaped by volcanic activity, where alpine plants bloom in each season. The loop takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it ideal for a scenic stroll.
The ropeway also provides easy access to trekking routes around the northern Yatsugatake Mountains. The route from the summit station to Mt. Kitayokodake is especially popular with hikers of all ages.
Both the base and summit stations have shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stop by before or after your ride for souvenirs made with local lingonberries and food featuring ingredients from the Shinshu region.
Highlights
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A scenic, seven-minute aerial journey from the base station to the summit station at 7,339 ft above sea level.
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Views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and all three of Japan's major mountain ranges from the ropeway.
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The Tsuboniwa Nature Garden Trail near the summit station, where alpine plants can be seen throughout the seasons.
Photos
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The large ropeway cabin can carry up to 100 passengers
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Beautiful fall foliage spreads out below the ropeway in autumn
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Mt. Shimagare as seen from the ropeway. Its slopes are covered in bands of dead trees, a natural phenomenon reflected in the mountain's name
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The Tsuboniwa Nature Garden Trail at the summit. Alpine plants are at their best from late June to early July
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Views of the surrounding mountains from the Tsuboniwa Nature Garden Trail
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The ropeway is also a convenient starting point for a trek
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 北八ヶ岳ロープウェイ
- Postal Code
- 391-0301
- Address
- 4035-2541 Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture
- Phone
- 0266-67-2009
- Closed on
- Irregular holidays
- Hours
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8:40 a.m.–4:40 p.m.; 8:20 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Departures are every 20 minutes at 00, 20, and 40 minutes past the hour.
Hours vary by season. - Admission
- Round trip: adults ¥2,600, elementary school students and younger ¥1,300 / One way: adults ¥1,400, elementary school students and younger ¥700
- Access
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1) About 50 minutes by car from the Suwa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway
2) From Chino Station on the JR Chuo Line, take an Alpico Kotsu bus bound for Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway for about 60 minutes. Get off at the last stop; the ropeway is immediately nearby. - Credit Cards
- Accepted at the base station only (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and JCB). Credit cards are not accepted at the summit station.
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)