Shin-hotaka (新穂高)
Ride into the clouds on Japan’s only double-decker gondola.
About the name: Shin (新) means new, and Hotaka (穂高) is the nearby alpine mountain. “New Hotaka” is the stepping-off point to the Northern Alps. Shin shows up often for new towns or stations—like Shin-Osaka or Shin-Hakodate.
Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ)
Shin-hotaka Ropeway is your ticket to the high peaks of the Northern Alps. The ropeway climbs above 2,000 meters, ending at an observation deck with sweeping views and short alpine trails.
Climbing over 1,000 meters into the Northern Alps, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of Japan’s most dramatic cable cars—and the only one with double-decker gondolas. The ride offers sweeping views of the Hotaka Mountains, including Oku-Hotakadake (奥穂高岳), Japan’s third-highest peak.
The journey starts with a short lift from the bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen (鍋平高原), which is also accessible by car. Here there are trailheads, a visitor centre, restaurants, and an onsen. From there, the double-decker gondola climbs to an altitude of 2,150 meters to the upper station, with an observation deck and more walking trails at the top.
This network of walking trails to lookout points is an fabulous & accessible way to experience a gentle hike at altitude. Stunning views, without gear - or a workout.
Hiking from the Shin-hotaka Ropeway
From late June to September, when the snow has melted, the upper ropeway station becomes a gateway to high-alpine hiking.
A well-marked trail climbs about 90 minutes to the Nishiho mountain hut (西穂山荘), a popular base for further routes. From there, hikers can descend into Kamikochi in around 2.5 hours, or continue up to the peak of Nishi-Hotakadake (西穂高岳) in about 3 hours.
The full traverse to Oku-Hotakadake (奥穂高岳), Japan’s third-highest summit, takes roughly 9 hours and should only be attempted by experienced, well-equipped mountaineers. All routes require solid hiking shoes, good weather, and proper preparation.
Highlights
Ride the iconic double-decker gondola
Stroll short alpine trails and take in panoramic views
Hike down into Kamikochi (check trail conditions)
Unwind at Shinhotaka Outdoor Public Onsen, a mixed-gender wild rotenburo (open-air onsen) by the river - bring swimmers & a towel
Getting There
Roadtrip: Turn off to Shin-hotaka from the road linking Hirayu & Kamioka. From Hirayu it’s a short drive along the valley and the hot spring water source, up the mountainside. On the way you can take a short detour to Fukuji Onsen and stopping at hot springs on the way including the open-air onsen near the turnoff to Shin-hotaka. There’s a carpark at the base station of the ropeway, or depending on the snow, you can drive to the first station at Nabedaira Kogen (鍋平高原).
Bus: Hirayu Onsen → Shin-hotaka Ropeway (~30 mins)
Return: Same route, or hike into Kamikochi and shuttle back to the campground