Konnichiwa from Takayama and the MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Takayama team!
If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary this autumn, then the Shinhotaka Ropeway might just be what you’re looking for to add to your Takayama travel itinerary.
Shinhotaka Ropeway, located in the Okuhida Onsen area, operates a special seasonal service called the Hoshizora Kansho-bin — the Stargazing Ropeway. For a limited number of evenings each year, the ropeway runs into the night, carrying visitors up to the rooftop observation deck at Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station, over 2,000 meters above sea level, for an experience that is genuinely hard to describe: a sky full of stars, far above the lights of the city, surrounded by the Northern Alps.
2026 Autumn Dates:
October 2–4, October 9–12, October 30–November 3, November 6–8
Operating Hours:
Shirakabadaira Station (upward): first departure 18:00, last departure 20:20
Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station (downward): first departure 18:00, last departure 21:00
Fares:
Round trip on the Second Ropeway: ¥4,000 for adults / ¥2,150 for children (elementary school), including the special stargazing surcharge.
At over 2,000 meters, far from any town, the darkness on clear nights is the kind you rarely get to experience. If the timing is right, you may even catch a meteor. The observation deck is unlit, so a small flashlight might be handy, as is a warm layer or two; mountain temperatures at this elevation drop noticeably after dark even in early autumn.
A few practical notes:
- The go/no-go decision for each evening is made at around 14:00 on the day, based on weather and visibility. Always check the official website before heading out.
- The First Ropeway does not run at night for this event — visitors should use the Nabedaira car park (paid) near the Second Ropeway.
- A dedicated stargazing bus runs from Takayama (Nohi Bus Center) and Hirayu Onsen on all event dates, with a bus attendant included. Advance reservation is required.
For help planning your evening or getting to Shinhotaka, feel free to ask our guest services team!
