Nihondaira Ropeway

The Nippondaira Ropeway is a ropeway connecting the scenic Nippondaira area and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nippondaira is a prefectural park at an elevation of 307 meters, famous for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Shimizu Port, and even the Southern Alps, and it has been selected among Japan’s “Top 100 Tourist Destinations.” At the summit, the observation facility “Nippondaira Yume Terrace” and a plum grove are also popular attractions. The ropeway station is about a 2–3 minute walk from near the summit. The gondolas are inspired by daimyo palanquins, with the Tokugawa triple-hollyhock crest (mitsuba-aoi) displayed in the center of the doors—making you feel like a lord or princess. Gondolas run every 15 minutes, and the ride to Kunozan Toshogu takes about 5 minutes one way. It’s an aerial stroll with views of Suruga Bay and the hills of Nippondaira below. Access: from Tomei Expressway Shimizu IC, it’s about 30 minutes via the Shimizu Nippondaira Parkway. Buses also run from JR “Shizuoka” Station. If you don’t take the ropeway, you can reach Kunozan Toshogu by climbing 1,159 stone steps from the foot of Mt. Kunozan—so the ropeway is especially recommended if you’re not confident with your legs.