The Asahidake Ropeway operates halfway up Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, located in the central part of the region. Standing at 2,291 meters, Asahidake is also the main peak of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, which includes several other 2,000-meter-class mountains. This area, including Asahidake, is designated as a national park, and is home to nearly 40% of Japan's alpine plants, making it a famous spot for observing a variety of high-altitude flora.

The Asahidake Ropeway connects the hot spring village of Asahidake Onsen, located at an elevation of 1,100 meters, to the 1,600-meter mark on the mountain. From inside the gondola, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Asahidake and the beautiful surrounding nature.

You can reach the ropeway station, Sanroku Station, located in the hot spring village, by car or via the Asahikawa Electric Railway shuttle bus, Ideyu-go. The last stop of the shuttle bus is right in front of Sanroku Station. However, note that it only operates three round trips per day, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.

The shuttle bus also stops at JR Asahikawa Station and Asahikawa Airport, making it convenient to travel from the Asahikawa and Higashikawa areas. From Tokyo, however, the fastest way is by direct flight to Asahikawa Airport!

If traveling to Asahidake from Osaka or other cities, we recommend going to New Chitose Airport first. From there, you can get to Asahikawa Station.

Once you arrive at Sanroku Station, the ropeway’s base station, purchase your tickets at the counter. Then, board the ropeway and head up to Sugatami Station, situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters. Both the ticket counter and ropeway station are on the second floor of Sanroku Station.

Tickets can be purchased with cash or credit card.

There are two types of tickets available: round-trip and one-way. A round-trip ticket allows you to enjoy the mountains at ease, and cost 3,200 yen for adults (junior high school and up) and 1,600 yen for children (price during peak season, between June 1 and October 31). During off-peak season, tickets go for 2,400 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for children.

Pamphlets for the Asahidake Ropeway are available at the ticket counter in seven languages (Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Indonesian). Many of the signs in the facilities are also written in English.

The ropeway operates every 15 minutes between June 1 and October 20, and every 20 minutes during the rest of the year. Operating hours vary by season, so be sure to check the website in advance for the most up-to-date info. The website is available in seven languages (Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Tagalog).

Monitors at the boarding area display current information such as weather, temperature, and wind speed near Sugatami Station. Those planning to explore the area are recommended to check this information before boarding.

The gondola has arrived! Time to begin your 10-minute aerial journey!

After departing Sanroku Station, the ropeway passes over the marshland situated just behind Sanroku Station, moving into the alpine zone, a mixed forest of coniferous trees and downy birch.

The alpine zone begins at around 1,400 meters. From this point on, you’ll start to notice much shorter trees known as haimatsu (a coniferous evergreen shrub). This is also the point where the change in vegetation becomes apparent, easily observed by the rapid decrease in tree height.

A monitor inside the gondola shows an educational video about the national park and its seasonal plants, with audio guidance in Japanese and English about the nature around Asahidake. The video’s content also differs on the journey up compared to the return, so be sure to pay attention both times to get the full experience!

In early July, the trees become a summery scene of lush green, while September brings beautiful autumn landscapes, where broad-leaved trees in shades of red and yellow blend in with the evergreen conifers.

As you take in the scenery, you'll quickly find yourself at Sugatami Station. Once there, you’ll be treated to a 3-minute lecture by an Asahidake nature conservationist. Pay close attention as they will explain the rules for your walks, as well as in which areas you can see the plants at their peak.

You’ll also find a store, rest area, and restrooms at Sugatami Station. If you’re planning to explore the area, be sure to use the restrooms before embarking on your journey!

There’s much more to do at Sugatami Station, Sanroku Station, and the surrounding area besides simply riding the ropeway! Here are three recommended activities to enjoy.

From Sugatami Station, there’s a well-maintained walking path that leads to a large pond called Sugatami-no-Ike (Sugatami Pond). This route is relatively easy, even for beginner hikers, with a variety of alpine plants you can see along the way!

The trail from Sugatami Station makes a large loop of about 1.7 km, passing through the first observation deck and around two ponds, including Sugatami Pond. It typically takes between 1-1.5 hours to complete. The trail also branches off several times along the way, allowing you to adjust the course based on your schedule and physical condition.

When walking the trails, be sure to dress in layers that are easy to add or remove, such as a windbreaker over a t-shirt or long sleeves. The temperature around Sugatami Station is cool even in the summer, around 15 degrees Celsius, and you may sweat while also experiencing windy conditions.Therefore it's recommended to wear clothing that allows for easy temperature adjustment.

There are also rocks lying around the ground, and the trails can be muddy from the melting snow, so it’s advisable to wear hiking footwear. Boots can be rented for 300 yen (tax included) at Sugatami Station or at the Asahidake Visitor Center, located next to Sanroku Station.

Early July is peak blooming season for summer alpines. You can see fields of Chinguruma, a high mountain plant characterized by white petals and yellow stamens and pistils, scattered throughout the trails.

Sugatami Pond is located at the far end of the trail. Literally translating to the word “full-length mirror,” Sugatami Pond is named for the reflections of Mt. Asahidake visible on its surface. It also offers the perfect photo spot when the winds and rain have stopped!

At Sugatami Station you’ll find a shop selling souvenirs and refreshments. Before heading back down to Sanriku Station, be sure to try the Oyama Croquette (300 yen including tax), an exclusive delicacy only available at Sugatami Station!

These mountain-shaped croquettes are made using Asahikawa's branded pork, Sasabuta, and potatoes and onions grown in Higashikawa Town at the foot of the mountain. Once you’ve got your croquettes, step outside the station to enjoy it with a view of Mt. Asahidake—perfect for a photo opportunity!

The croquettes are a satisfying combination of diced pork inside fresh, fluffy potato, making them a satisfying snack to curb your hunger.

The store also sells organic coffee brewed with Asahidake's underground water. Coffee made with this water is said to be smooth and easy-to-drink, making it the perfect complement to your croquette!

After taking the ropeway back to Sanroku Station, don't miss the chance to pick up some Asahidake-exclusive souvenirs at the shop on the first floor before heading home!

Asahidake ropeway has many limited-edition souvenirs, including tote bags and T-shirts with the Asahidake logo which are especially popular.

They also sell original stickers and hand towels. The designs of the T-shirts and stickers also change every year, with new designs added frequently. So if you see something you like, be sure to grab it while you still have the chance!

You’ll also find the refreshing Asahidake Mugishu Beer (580 yen including tax), recognizable in its bright green can, as well as Gaufrette wafers designed with images of Ashidaka (870 yen including tax). These also make great treats after your descent!

Asahidake has much to offer in every season. It’s more than just a summer attraction! Next up we will introduce some of the best seasonal highlights that can only be experienced with a trip on the ropeway. Also note that in 2024, the flowering of the plants are predicted to begin 7-10 days earlier than usual.

The snow on Asahidake typically begins to melt around late May, and the mountain officially opens on the third weekend of June each year. 2024 saw an early thaw, with the yellow flowers that herald the arrival of spring, Ezo-ryukinka, begininng to bloom in the marshland behind Sanroku Station in late May.

The marshland has a wooden boardwalk through which visitors can walk from the entrance to the left of Sanroku Station, and extending under the ropeway. It’s a nice, hidden gem where visitors can capture great photos of the beautiful flower fields and the ropeway together in one shot.

Next to the parking lot at Sanroku Station you can see Japan’s “late-blooming cherry blossoms.” In 2024, these cherry blossoms bloomed in mid-June, coinciding with the time of the mountain’s opening.

Once the spring flowers have finished their bloom, it’s time for the summer alpines to make their appearance. Low growing alpine plants like the white Rhododendron aureum and the balloon-shaped pink Phyllodoce aleutica, and the dwarf alpine cinquefoils add splashes of color to the meadows along the trails. It’s also not uncommon for snow to linger along the trails, even as late as July! But that’s just another unique feature of this area, where summer blooms and snow can exist side by side.

Because of its high elevation, autumn arrives early here, and the leaves gradually begin to turn around the end of August. Below the alpine zones, the green of the coniferous forests blends with the red of the rowan trees and the yellow of the birch trees, creating a patchwork of stunning fall colors. The best time to see the fall foliage is usually from early September to early October, attracting many tourists to Asahidake during this period.

Asahidake Ropeway continues its operation into the winter months, as well. Asahidake is known as a place where you can enjoy snow for nine months of the year. The first snowfall usually occurs in late September, blanketing the mountains and trees in snow, painting a silver-toned landscape that is a true sight to behold from above! Additionally, if weather conditions are right, you may even witness natural phenomena such as diamond dust or sun pillars!

All areas around the ropeway are also situated within the national park. Please be mindful of the guidelines below to help preserve the natural environment during your visit.

Around Asahidake Ropeway’s Sugatami Station, you’ll also find walking trails, as well as the start of the trail leading to the summit. However, please note that there are no restrooms beyond this point! So if you plan to stay in this area for an extended period or to hike further, be sure to bring a portable toilet, available for purchase in the lecture space from designated vending machines (500 yen each).

The Asahidake ropeway is a great way to enjoy the 2,000-meter mountains of Hokkaido without the need for a strenuous climb. Not only can you enjoy the scenic natural views from inside the ropeway car, you’ll also have the chance to explore, discover exclusive gourmet and goodies, and make lasting memories of your trip.

Photography by Kosuke Otani
Text and editing by Minna no Kotoba


English translation by Krys Suzuki