Mt. Hakodate Ropeway - Hokkaido
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (函館山ロープウェイ) is a cable car that brings tourists to the peak of Mt. Hakodate. The mountain base station is located at 19-7 Motomachi while the Sancho Tenbodai Station is located on Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway |
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Details
The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway is a well-known cable car system that connects the base of Mt. Hakodate to its summit in Hakodate, Hokkaido. The ropeway offers stunning views of the city, including the famous nightscape that has become one of the most popular attractions in the region. With its picturesque scenery and convenient access to the mountaintop, it remains an essential part of Hakodate's tourism experience.
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In November 1957, Mt. Hakodate was named the top destination in the Yomiuri Shimbun's "New 100 Views of Japan," a distinction that significantly increased its popularity among tourists. As demand for a cable car to the summit grew, the city faced financial challenges, which prevented it from leading the project. Instead, the local business community established a tourism development company to make the ropeway a reality. Initially, a cable car system was proposed, but due to concerns over potential environmental damage, the design was changed to a ropeway system.
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station
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| You can get the Commemorative Stamps of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway inside the Mountain Base Station |
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station at night |
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The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
opened on November 15, 1958, and quickly became a favorite among visitors. Over
time, the city invested in the project, and by 1988, the facility underwent
significant expansion to accommodate even more tourists.
Inside Sanchō Tenbōdai Station
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| 1988 Memorial Marker of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway |
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| Welcome to Mt. Hakodate |
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| The peak of Mt. Hakodate |
Since its opening, the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway has undergone several updates to enhance its service. In 1959, a mountaintop observation deck, restaurant, and shop were added, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic views in comfort. In 1970, the ropeway system was expanded to accommodate 45 passengers, reflecting the growing demand.
View from Hakodate Ropeway and Mt. Hakodate Observatory
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| View from Hakodate Ropeway and Mt. Hakodate Observatory |
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| Night view of Mt. Hakodate |
A major renovation took place in 1988 with the introduction of a new gondola that could carry 125 passengers, which was the largest capacity in Japan at the time. In 1997, the gondola was replaced with another 125-seat version imported from Austria. The most recent upgrade occurred in 2014 with the introduction of a 5th generation gondola, which maintained the 125-passenger capacity. Additionally, in 2015, the base station and summit facilities were renovated and reopened, further improving the overall visitor experience.
Safety and Maintenance
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| This shows the thickness of the cables used in the ropeway. |
The
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway operates with high safety standards, utilizing a 3-line
cableway system for added security. Each year, the ropeway suspends service for
about three weeks, typically starting in mid-October, to perform mandatory
maintenance inspections. This annual downtime ensures that the system remains
in top condition for the safety and enjoyment of visitors.
Team Nicerio rode the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
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| We got our ticket to ride Mt. Hakodate Ropeway |
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| Time to board the ropeway going up Mt. Hakodate |
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| Mt. Hakodate Observatory |
My
family and I rode the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway for the first time on April 2, 2023,
during the second day of our 3-Day Birthday Road Trip. It was my 517th
day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, we made sure to ride
the cable car before sundown. In that way, we were able to watch the sunset and
also see the city slowly light up as it got darker. We were able to ride the
last ropeway down the mountain. I highly recommend riding the ropeway up Mt.
Hakodate as it is very convenient and hassle-free. Heads up, the last
departure is always jam-packed. Expect a waiting time of at least an hour, depending on the season.
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Fare
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway ticketing is already automated so it's very convenient |
Adult
/ Round trip: 1,800 yen / One way: 1,200 yen
Child
/ Round trip: 900 yen / One way: 600 yen
Children
up to 2 years old can ride for free.
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Operating Hours
April 20 – September 30: 10 AM to 10 PM
October 1 – April 19: 10 AM to 9 PM
Operating hours are subject to change depending on
the weather.
Why ride the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway?
A
ride on the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway is a must for anyone visiting the region,
offering breathtaking views of the city, the Tsugaru Strait, and the
surrounding landscape. Whether during the day, when the scenery is vibrant and
clear, or at night when Hakodate is illuminated in a blanket of lights, the
ropeway provides an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking vistas, combined
with the historical significance and modern updates, make the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
a highlight of any trip to Hokkaido. Also if you collect stamps, don’t miss out
on the commemorative stamp of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway.
Getting to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station
From Hakodate Station, walk approximately 160 meters to the Hakodate Asaichi-mae bus stop. From there, take Bus No. 3, operated by Hakobus Company, heading toward Hakodate Sta.-mae.
Get off at the Ropeway-mae bus stop, conveniently located across the street from the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station.
Travel time: 15 minutes
Fare: 250 yen
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