What other travelers are saying about Kurodake Ropeway
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.
Jaw dropping fall colors. Simply magnifiscent. Feels like heaven. We have arrived in the peak color time. 1st October, 2025. There are buses from Asahikawa station.to Sounkyo.
We took the cable car and chair lift up today (23 September). No wait at 8:30 AM and spectacular views of the canyon and forest. Fall colors are starting near the top where the chairlift is. The “forest “ walk takes you to a nice view of the changing leaves. It’s a steep steps with mud but worth the walk
The journey consists of a cable car and chair lift! Buy the combined tickets for a full experience. There is parking just nearby.
The cable car departs every 20 mins. Boarding begins about 3 mins before the scheduled departure time. There is a running commentary inside the cable car once it starts.
The second section involves a chairlift. You will have to be alert when mounting onto the chair - it’s quite an experience. This very safe, because you are just barely above the ground. Dismounting can be a bit tricky - be alert and follow the instructions of the staff.
Highly recommended- worth the journey and the money. Thumbs up!
The ride from the base to the upper station takes approximately 7 minutes, covering a distance of around 1.6 kilometers (1 mile).
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.
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.
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.
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.
