Escape the city lights for one of Japan’s most spectacular stargazing experiences in the Northern Japan Alps. If you’ll be in Japan from mid-September to mid-October, we recommend riding the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for its “Starry Sky Viewing Service,” where you can take in breathtaking night views from 2,156 meters above sea level.
Our Recommendation
Located about 70 minutes by car from Takayama City or accessible by direct bus from JR Takayama Station, the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway becomes even more incredible at night. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Northern Japan Alps, where the clear Hida air creates perfect conditions for stargazing, with brilliant stars filling the entire sky. On lucky nights, you may even see a breathtaking sea of clouds spread out below.
From colorful autumn foliage in the daytime to a star-filled night sky, it’s an entire day of enjoying unforgettable scenery!
When to Visit
This year, the “Starry Sky Viewing Service” will be offered on just 12 special days, running on Fridays, weekends, and holidays. The schedule is perfectly timed with the peak of autumn foliage, making it an unforgettable way to enjoy both the night sky and the season’s colors.
2025 Dates: (Fridays–Sundays) September 12–14 & 19–21, and October 10–12 & 17–19.
Bonus Tip: Autumn Takayama Festival
If you’re planning to visit the Autumn Takayama Festival on October 9–10, we highly recommend this Shin-Hotaka Ropeway “Starry Sky Viewing Service” as a perfect addition to your itinerary.
Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage of the Hida region and end the day beneath a star-filled sky from the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway—one of Gifu’s must-do experiences!
