Summary: Today, we once again ventured away from the usual tourist routes by taking the Shinhotaka Ropeway to hike Mt. Yakedake. Situated about 75 minutes from Takayama, the Shinhotaka Ropeway consists of two distinct ropeways that together elevate you over 1000 meters to the trailhead of Mt. Yakedake. Even if you don't intend to hike, this enjoyable experience is worthwhile as it lifts you high into the Japanese Alps.
[This blog is part of a 15-days in Japan series].
Getting there. The easiest way to get to the Shinhotaka Ropeway is by rental car. Depending on road construction, expect between 75-90 minutes of travel time. Like most places, arriving early is usually best. There are public transportation options as well and we found that this would have been a useful site if we had not already rented a car. Paid parking is available at the first lift. The first ropeway runs every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online but we found buying upon arrival just as easy.
Taking the lift. The first lift travels, in just five minutes, 573 meters (1,880 feet), for a total of 617 feet of elevation gain. The second lift is seven minutes in length, traveling 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles), for a total of 2,782 feet of elevation gain.
Trailhead. After leaving the ropeway and exploring the viewing platform, we set off to hike Mt. Yakedake. During our visit, renovations were underway on the frequently used section of the trail near the lift.
As you get further from the ropeway, the trail gets more difficult and narrow.
About half-way up the hike is a resting point for multi-day trekkers. Here, you can buy snacks, drinks, use the toilets, and even set up a tent.
On the next stretch the trail became increasingly thick with vegetation. It was clear to us that this particular trail did not see a lot of hikers even if certain stretches had contained wood boards and stairs.
We gave up! Eventually, merely a couple kilometers from the summit, the vegetation grew so dense that we decided to turn back. At one point, the trail was almost impossible to discern, prompting us to put on our ponchos to protect ourselves from the thick foliage. Although we hate turning back before reaching a peak, we decided to end our hike and return.
Viewing platform. At the ropeway, we finally caught a glimpse of the view below that had been hidden by clouds earlier. This platform includes an area where you can walk out on a safety rope to observe the drop in elevation beneath you.
Before heading down the ropeway, we stopped for ice cream (of course!).
Back in Takayama, we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon in our comfortable AirBnB (photo below).
For dinner, we walked into central Takayama, enjoying dinner at a noodle bar.
Postscript. Although we had to turn back, the hike remained beautiful and challenging. If you're pressed for time, you might consider skipping this day, but we appreciated another day in the stunning Japanese Alps. It was also pleasant to experience a remote area before spending the next few days in the busy, crowded city of Tokyo, our final destination of the trip.
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