How long is the ride on the Kurodake Ropeway?

The ride from the base to the upper station takes approximately 7 minutes, covering a distance of around 1.6 kilometers (1 mile).

What can visitors see from the Kurodake Ropeway?

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, including peaks such as Asahidake, Hokkaido's tallest mountain. During different seasons, the landscape offers a variety of stunning scenes, from vibrant autumn colors to snowy winter vistas.

Is the Kurodake Ropeway operational year-round?

The ropeway operates most of the year but may close temporarily due to severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months, for maintenance or safety reasons. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the latest operational status.

Are there any activities available at the top of the ropeway?

Yes, the top station serves as a starting point for various hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, including the ascent to the summit of Mount Kurodake. In winter, the area becomes a popular spot for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

Are there any facilities at the ropeway stations?

Yes, both the base and top stations offer facilities, including restrooms, souvenir shops, and snack bars. The base station also has a visitor center where guests can learn more about the area's natural environment and history.

Hokkaido

Kurodake Ropeway

4.3 (2691)Hiking AreaTourist AttractionSports Activity LocationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 30, 2026

The Kurodake Ropeway, located in the heart of Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park, offers a spectacular journey into the sky, providing visitors with unparalleled access to one of Japan's most majestic mountain landscapes. This ropeway is your gateway to the peaks of Mount Kurodake, where the beauty of the natural world unfolds in an awe-inspiring panorama.

Boarding the ropeway, you'll be lifted from the Sounkyo Gorge base, ascending through layers of dense forest before breaking above the treeline to reveal sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The experience is transformative, offering a unique perspective on the park's diverse ecosystems and the changing seasons that paint the landscape in a myriad of colors.

At the upper station, situated at an impressive altitude, you're not just a spectator but a participant in the mountain's life. From here, you can embark on hikes ranging from leisurely walks to challenging treks, each offering a different view of Daisetsuzan's rugged terrain. In winter, the area becomes a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with the ropeway providing easy access to pristine, powdery slopes.

Hours:

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Closed:

Open daily

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Ropeway round trip: Adults 2,600 yen, Children 1,300 yen

Ropeway one-way: Adults 1,500 yen, Children 750 yen

Phone

+81 1658-5-3031

Website

www.rinyu.co.jp

Overview

Address

Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan

Places & attractions near Kurodake Ropeway

Sounkyo Gorge

A vibrant blue pond with numerous bare tree trunks rising from the water, surrounded by lush green forest under a clear blue sky.

Biei Blue Pond

A tall waterfall flows down a rocky, forested mountain surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and green under a clear blue sky.

Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls

Snow-covered mountains and forested hills stretch across the landscape under a clear blue sky. The valley below is blanketed in white, with distant mountains rising majestically in the background.

Furano Ski Area

Places & attractions near Kurodake Ropeway

Sounkyo Gorge

Biei Blue Pond

Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls

Furano Ski Area

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

20260201 - bought ticket for round trip cablecar @ 3000 yen or sgd 25 per pax, which is expensive! The ride was slightly long due to height of mountain. The view at the top was nice, with trees covered in snow and it was quite quiet with not many people. Took some photos but overall not worth the price paid.

Frank P

Feb 1, 2026

A must visit when in the area for the stunning views. The ropeway and chairlift were very old and slow though so manage your expectations (I was disappointed). The rope way got quite crowded so if you end up in the middle, your visit will get obstructed. Luckily for us, we were last to board when coming down so we were not blocked. We attempted to hike up the trail after the chairlift but the path was muddy and icy at some parts and also quite steep. We saw many people slip and fall. So unless you have good proper hiking shoes (we didn’t), don’t bother. We ended up with nothing but muddy shoes and feeling a little foolish. Enjoy the views from the chairlift and ropeway areas. The ropeway views are already stunning enough so if you choose to skip the chairlift, I personally think it’s fine.

Really lovely place and well worth the drive to get here. It started snowing as we were approaching the Ropeway start point. The ride up was simply awesome with the snow-covered trees. We walked around for about half an hour taking photos and playing with the snow.

The experience is super weather dependent — we had the best of both worlds in mid October, autumn leaves on the way up and snow at the 5th station. The blue sky and sun peaked through when we were there, allowing us to play with snow and take fantastic pictures. After 30mins, it started to snow, so we also experienced fresh snow fall on us. The weather is very unpredictable up there but so glad we went!!

It was our lucky day! We arrived around 11 a.m. and queued for tickets. It was a very windy day, and the operators told us it would be the last cable car trip up the hill — so yes, strong winds do affect the operation. After taking the cable car, we continued with the chair lift, which offered beautiful views and a relaxing ride. There’s not much at the top except hiking trails, but it’s definitely worth taking the chair lift to enjoy the scenery and the cable car for the stunning autumn leaves.