If you've experienced Japan's traditional customs and culture by visiting Takayama and Shirakawa-go, why not take the next step and visit the Shinhotaka Ropeway in the Okuhida area at the foot of the Northern Alps to immerse yourself in Japan's natural beauty fully? This region is considered a sacred spot for mountain tourism in Japan, offering breathtaking views of rugged yet beautiful mountains and the chance to relax in hot springs blessed with abundant water.

Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway consists of two sections: the first ropeway connects Shinhotaka Onsen Station to Nabedaira Kogen Station in just 4 minutes, while the second ropeway links Shirakaba-daira Station to Nishihotakaguchi Station in 7 minutes. Combined, these two ropeways span a vertical difference of 1,035 meters.

Nishihotakaguchi Station: Home to a Michelin-recognized observation deck and the newly popular Itadaki no Mori.

First, board the two connecting ropeways and head to Nishihotakaguchi Station, situated at an elevation of 2,156 meters. The rooftop of the four-story station building serves as an observation deck, offering a panoramic view of the Northern Alps' towering 3,000-meter-class peaks. This breathtaking view has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Nishihotakaguchi Station is also a popular gateway for climbing the Northern Alps, attracting many mountaineers. While serious climbing requires proper gear, the area around Nishihotakaguchi Station has been developed as Itadaki no Mori, where you can enjoy majestic views and leisurely nature walks through pristine forests.

The Yari no Kairo, where you can view the iconic Mount Yari directly ahead, is a beloved photo spot for Japanese mountaineering enthusiasts. You might also enjoy taking a break on the wooden deck, sipping coffee, while enjoying the view.

The Itadaki no Mori will be completed on October 11, 2024, featuring several new additions: the Ooshirabiso Road for forest bathing and alpine plant observation, Nishiho no Odoriba for viewing the majestic Nishi-Hotaka mountain range, and the Gondola Stage for various events.

The restaurant on the fourth floor of Nishihotakaguchi Station is popular for its local specialties, such as Hida Beef Takayama Ramen and Hida Beef Curry. Additionally, you can enjoy desserts like soft serve ice cream and churros inspired by the kanji for the summit (頂), which symbolizes the peak.

The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers seasonal delights, from breathtaking snow views in winter and spring to stunning autumn foliage. However, summer in the green season is also highly recommended. Even on hot Japanese summer days, when temperatures in the town of Takayama exceed 30°C, the area around Nishihotakaguchi Station stays below 20°C, allowing you to luxuriate in nature's refreshing coolness.

Shirakaba-daira Station: The Nabedaira Kogen Nature Trail and Alps Bakery

Shirakaba-daira Station, the departure and arrival point for the second ropeway, was renovated in 2020. The area around the station features a 2.3 km nature trail, which takes about an hour to walk.

On this nature trail, you can enjoy a leisurely hike while taking in the view of the Northern Alps and the ropeway gondolas. The trail is safe with no dangerous spots, making it suitable for young children as well. There is also a free foot bath near the station to help you recoup after your walk.

On the second floor of Shirakaba-daira Station, there is a bakery shop. Popular items include classic croissants, Gondola Bread shaped like a gondola, and Hoba Miso Bread made with ingredients from Hida Takayama.

At the bakery, there's also a view lounge where you can relax and enjoy the expansive natural scenery outside through large windows.

Recommended spots to visit on an Okuhida drive

The drive from the center of Takayama, with its historic townscape, to the Shinhotaka Ropeway takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. This route offers a pleasant drive through picturesque rural landscapes typical of Japan, with several enticing spots to visit.

Hida Great Limestone Cave

Among these spots, the Hida Great Limestone Cave is a must-see. A limestone cave features stalactites and stalagmites formed over tens of thousands of years, creating a landscape that resembles an otherworldly scene straight out of a sci-fi movie.

The Hida Great Limestone Cave stretches about 800 meters round-trip and is the highest-altitude limestone cave open to the public in Japan.

Upon entering the cave, you might be surprised by the cool air. The average temperature inside the cave is maintained at about 12°C, making it a popular spot for escaping the summer heat.

In one corner of the cave, there is a storage room where sake and shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) are kept. The low temperature allows for long-term aging, which enhances their smoothness and flavor.

Hirayu Great Falls

Hirayu Great Falls is a large waterfall with a drop of 64 meters and a width of 6 meters. In spring and summer, you can enjoy the lush greenery, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. During winter, the Hirayu Great Falls Ice Festival is held, featuring a beautifully illuminated frozen waterfall.

Near Hirayu Great Falls, you'll find the Hirayu Bus Terminal, a key transportation hub that connects to Takayama, Shinhotaka, and, by bus, to areas where private vehicles are restricted, such as Norikura and Kamikochi. This area also features Hirayu Onsen, one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the Okuhida region, with many dining options and souvenir shops.

Kita Alps Bridge

The Northern Alps Bridge is also a popular driving route, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent views of the Northern Alps as you cross. It is about 5 minutes by car from the Shinhotaka Onsen Station of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, the bridge has a nearby parking area where you can capture the entire bridge in a beautiful photograph.

Hotel Hotaka

In the Okuhida area, known for its attractive hot spring accommodations, staying at Hotel Hotaka, directly in front of Shinhotaka Onsen Station, is recommended if you want to enjoy the views from the Shinhotaka Ropeway's observation deck on a clear morning.

Hotel Hotaka offers a variety of room types, including Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, some with private outdoor baths. All the hotel's baths use natural, flowing hot spring water, providing a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of travel.

Reservations can be made through the hotel's official website, which supports English, Chinese, and Korean languages.