Shinhotaka Ropeway 新穂高ロープウェイ

Ride the cable cars over 3,000 meters to an observation platform for some of the best views in Japan.

Buses from Takayama (90 minutes) and Hirayu Onsen (40 minutes) terminate at Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, close to the lower ropeway station.

The first leg of the ropeway stops at Nabedaira Kogen, which is the beginning of hiking trails. It is also the site of the Visitors Center, restaurants, a public bath. The second leg to the upper station is made in massive double-decker cable cars.

From the observation deck, you will have panoramic views of the Okuhida region. A number of easy paths let you explore the area around the station. However, these altitudes can get chilly even in the summer—make sure that you have some cold-weather gear.

From roughly June to September, a 90-minute hike will take you to a mountain ridge and Nishiho Sanso, a mountain hut where climbers on multi-day hikes can rest.

These are proper mountain routes, which require the proper equipment; they should never be undertaken in thin clothes and casual footwear.

From Nishiho, the trail continues along the ridge to Nishi-Hotakadake and Mt. Hotaka, or you can descend into Kamikochi and catch a bus back to Hirayu Onsen .

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website