Hakkoda Ropeway

The Hakkoda Ropeway is a cable car that links the foothills and summit area of Mt. Tamoyachidake (1,324 meters), one of the more than 10 peaks that make up the Hakkoda Mountains. It opened in 1968. Large gondolas with a capacity of 101 passengers travel an elevation difference of about 650 meters in roughly 10 minutes. From the summit station, on clear days you can enjoy 360-degree views of Mutsu Bay, the Tsugaru and Shimokita Peninsulas, and Mt. Iwaki. The summit station is also the starting point for the approximately one-hour trekking route known as the "Hakkoda Gourd Line," which loops around the Tamoyachi Marshland. In winter (from late November to mid-May), the ropeway serves as the closest station to the Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders can descend all the way to the base station. Because the Hakkoda Mountains are among the world’s heaviest snowfall areas, snow conditions are excellent, but as the ski area makes use of the natural terrain, there are also hazardous spots. It is recommended to ski with a guide. Beginners can use the courses located near the base station. In January and February, you can also see the famous "snow monsters"—juhyo (ice-covered trees) formed when wind-driven ice adheres to trees and accumulates into unique, monster-like shapes.