What Makes the Shinhotaka Ropeway so Special in Winter

Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, and the beautifully preserved old streets of Takayama make this area one of the most popular winter destinations in Japan. Just a short trip from Takayama is the Shinhotaka Ropeway, offering breathtaking views of Japan's stunning natural landscape. Board Japan's only double-decker gondola and ascend gradually to witness the majestic peaks of the Japan Alps—known as the Roof of Japan. The winter panorama of snow-capped peaks is truly breathtaking!

In recent years, stylish cafés and relaxing rest areas have opened around the ropeway stations, making it easy to linger and enjoy the scenery. Take your time soaking in the snowy views from the observation decks and savor the quiet beauty of a Japanese winter—an unforgettable winter memory.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors: Snowshoeing in the Nabedaira Kogen

If you’re visiting Shinhotaka, a snowshoe tour is the perfect experience to pair with the stunning views from the ropeway. Just steps from Shirakabadaira Station, the Nabedaira Kogen (Plateau) offers rolling terrain and wide, open snowfields—an ideal setting for snowshoeing. Despite sitting at the foot of the Northern Japan Alps, the area is surprisingly easy to walk in, making it a great choice even for first-timers.

When joining the tour, all essential gear — including winter wear, boots, and snowshoes — is available for rental. One of the highlights is that you can participate without bringing your own equipment.

Tours run twice daily, in the morning and afternoon. Depending on the plan you choose, the experience lasts approximately one to two hours, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule.

On the day of the tour, check in at TSUMUGI STORE on the first floor of Shirakabadaira Station (advance reservations are generally required). After checking in, you’ll put on your snowshoes and receive a short explanation from your guide. Nothing complicated — after a light warm-up near the station to get used to walking on snow, the adventure begins.

Walking across pristine white powder, you’ll pause for photos as the No. 2 Ropeway glides just above you shortly after departure. With more than a meter of snow piled up, the deep cover allows visitors to walk into areas of the forest that cannot be reached in any other season.

There is no fixed destination. Your guide adjusts the route based on participants’ stamina and interests.

We were fortunate to have clear weather on the day of our visit, so we first set out for a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Northern Alps. After walking for about 30 minutes, we arrived at a spot recommended by our guide, where mountains admired by climbers across Japan—such as Mount Yari and Mount Nishi-Hotaka—spread out before us, their peaks blanketed in pure white snow. The scale was so overwhelming that it felt close enough to touch.

The walking paths of Nabedaira Kogen, busy with hikers in warmer months, are now almost completely covered, their boundaries indistinguishable. The only sound is the crunch of your own footsteps. With no other tour groups in sight, it feels as though you have Japan’s winter forest entirely to yourself — an exceptionally quiet and rare privilege.

Though wildlife remains mostly unseen, your guide may point out small animal tracks left overnight in the snow.

Midway through the tour, when you reach a steep slope, your guide compacts the snow to create a makeshift slide. We sat on plastic sheets and shot down faster than expected. The thrill took us right back to childhood and had us shouting in surprise. Surrounded by fine powder snow, you can tumble as much as you like without pain. Lie back in the snow, and your silhouette appears perfectly etched in white.

At the end of the tour, you pass beneath the No. 1 Ropeway and return to Shirakabadaira Station. Because the gondolas travel close to the ground, passengers often notice you in the snow below — and wave back with surprised smiles when you wave to them. After a final round of photos, you return your gear, and the tour concludes.

Afterward, warming your chilled feet in a nearby footbath is recommended. If you joined the morning tour, consider taking the No. 2 Ropeway up to the observation deck above 2,000 meters.

At the summit area—colder and blanketed in even deeper snow than Shirakabadaira—visitors can also take photos with the mascot character, Nishihokun.

For a warm refuge, visit CAFÉ GOKAN, reopened in autumn 2025. Its signature drink is the Unkai Cocoa (Sea of Clouds Hot Chocolate), topped with whipped cream inspired by a sea of clouds. The café also offers toasted sandwiches and other warm dishes — allowing you to relax indoors while gazing out at the stark winter landscape beyond the windows.

Step outside, and towering walls of snow rise far above your head. At the end of the walkway lies the Yari no Kairo, where Mt. Yari and Mt. Nishihotaka dominate the horizon — an unforgettable reminder of the power and beauty of Japan’s winter mountains.

Even simply gazing at these snow-covered peaks is moving. To walk among them, touch the snow, and play in it through a guided snowshoe tour creates a travel memory that lingers long after the journey ends. The tours operate only from early January to early March each year, and advance reservations are generally required.

Snowshoe Tour Plans at the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Tour Season

January 5 (Mon) – March 5 (Sun), 2026
*Dates may vary depending on snow conditions.

Reservations

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Location

Around Nabedaira Kogen
*Registration and meeting point: TSUMUGI STORE, 1st floor of Shirakabadaira Station (Shinhotaka Ropeway)
*Let the shop staff know you're here for the snowshoe tour.
*Shirakabadaira Station is reached after taking the No.1 Ropeway. Please allow ample time for arrival.

Tour Times

• Morning session: from 10:00 (meet at 9:30)
• Afternoon session: from 13:30 (meet at 13:00)

*Tour duration varies by plan (see pricing below).
*End times may vary depending on group size and tour conditions. Please allow extra time.

Pricing and Plans

① Long Course (Approx. 2 hours): ¥7,000

*Ideal for those who want to fully experience a winter wonderland and learn more about the nature, wildlife, and ecosystems of the Hida region.
Optional plans available:
No outerwear rental: ¥5,500 (tax included)
No equipment rental: ¥3,000 (tax included)
*Includes guide fee and insurance.

② Short Course (Approx. 1 hour): ¥5,000

Perfect for those who want to try snowshoeing without a strenuous hike or for a more casual experience.
Optional plans available:
No outerwear rental: ¥4,000 (tax included)
No equipment rental: ¥3,000 (tax included)
*Includes guide fee and insurance.

③ Snow Play Plan (Approx. 1 hour): ¥3,000

Ideal for travelers who simply want to strap on snowshoes and enjoy playing in the snow.
Same-day registration only; no advance booking required.
Optional plan without outerwear rental: ¥2,000 (tax included)
(Rental snowshoes, boots, and poles are included.)

Booking linkskkday

This information is for the 2026 snowshoe tour season. Please note that details are subject to change without notice.