Just a short 15-minute drive from our hotel lies one the must see attractions in Tateshina: the Kitayatsugatake Ropeway. The gondola ride to the top is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Tateshina highlands as it ascends. Once you reach the summit, a network of hiking paths sprawls out into the picturesque Japanese countryside of Nagano.
From the top of the ropeway, you have the freedom to explore several different peaks, each offering its own unique vistas and challenges. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, there’s a beginner-friendly looped pathway that starts at the summit. However, despite the well-marked trails, it’s essential to come prepared. The weather at the top can be unpredictable, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Even the beginner’s trail, though relatively gentle, is covered in loose stones and rocks in places as you will have to pass through the rocky garden. So, lace up your boots and get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tateshina.
The journey to the top aboard the ropeway is a brief but breathtaking experience, whisking you to an elevation of 2,237 meters in just 7 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an observation deck, accompanied by a quaint café. On clear days, you get to enjoy panoramic views of the Japanese alps, Tateshina and the Yatsugatake mountain ranges.
Take a moment to unwind and savor the tranquility with a cup of tea or coffee from the café. The looped pathway, winding through the mountain’s summit, offers a delightful stroll lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Immersing yourself in nature’s embrace is not just refreshing – it’s rejuvenating, providing the perfect opportunity to recharge amidst the serene beauty of the mountains.
To conclude, here is a bullet point checklist to keep in mind should you decide to take the trip up to Kitayatsugatake ropeway:
- The ropeway is around a 15 minutes’ drive away from our hotel. Access to the top of the ropeway is fairly straightforward.
- From the top of the ropeway, you can partake in various different hike routes that range from fairly difficult to beginner friendly.
- If you would like to just relax at the top, then that is also perfectly fine, as there is an observation deck together with a small cafe where you can get a hot drink and some confectionaries to go with it.
- There is a looped course that can take 30-40 minutes to complete. This is highly recommended for beginners who want to get a feel for what hiking is all about.
- Be amongst nature; Nagano is known for being one of the most nature rich prefectures in Japan so getting into the outdoors and discovering the joys of fresh alpine air, with greenery surrounding you is a refreshing experience.
Kitayatsugatake ropeway is a very popular destination for outdoor lovers. It is unique in the sense that you can start at the top of a mountain via ropeway and enjoy views you would normally have to spend one or two hours hiking to the top. Yokoya valley is also another hiking route that is popular during the autumn months. Tateshina is the perfect place to spark your love for the great outdoors as there are lots of activities to do around the area! For more information about the ropeway, please click here.
