Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in Chino, Nagano, and is a 15 minute’s drive away from our hotel. The ropeway is situated between Kita-Yokodake and Shimakareyama, which is situated at the northern end of the Yatsugatake Mountains. The ropeway ascends the slope from the base station at an elevation of 1,771 meters to the summit station at 2,237 meters, covering a vertical difference of 466 meters in about 7 minutes. From the car windows, you can view all three of Japan’s major mountain ranges: the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, and the Northern Alps.

The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is highly popular among nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. It operates year-round, offering a variety of experiences depending on the season: alpine plants from spring to summer, autumn foliage, and frost-covered trees in winter.

The views from the top of the mountain station are spectacular and there is also a cafe complete with a sky deck to take in the magnificent views of the Japanese alps. The sky deck also has wheelchair accessibility although this depends on the season (summer only).

As you exit the gondola station, you will find “Tsuboniwa” rock gardens, an artistic landscape created by mother nature sprawl out in front of you. These rock formations were formed by the last volcanic eruption of the Yatsugatake mountains, thus the apt name of rock garden. Currently, it is designated as a first class special protection area within a national park. Pioneer vegetation and alpine greenery can be seen growing in the crevices of the bare rocks, where there is no proper soil, is a testament to the vitality of nature. It also provides a glimpse into the past of our planet’s history as to what early life might have looked like millions of years prior.

The route that takes your around the rock garden takes around 30-40 minutes to complete and you can enjoy it on every season, as the scenery changes at the top every season. You can pick up a route map at the top of the gondola station which can come handy when in the middle of the track.

Although the route through the rock garden itself is not particularly difficult, there are lots of loose rocks on the trail, therefore comfortable shoes or trekking shoes are highly recommended.

Kita-Yatsugatake ropeway is a destination that is accessible by both car or by bus from the hotel premises. Feel free to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful nature that Chino, Nagano, has to offer.

For more information about the ropeway, please click here.