FAQ

FAQ

Ropeway Operations

What are the operating hours of the ropeway?

	March – Early November	Mid-November – End of February
First Upbound	9:00	9:00
Last Upbound	16:20	15:40
Last Downbound	16:40	16:00

The ropeway operates at 20-minute intervals (upbound and downbound) at :00, :20, and :40, or at 15-minute intervals (upbound and downbound) at :00, :15, :30, and :45. Please note that operating intervals may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Are there any days when the ropeway does not operate?

Service may be suspended in case of strong winds (25 m/s or above) or other severe weather conditions. In addition, the ropeway is closed for annual maintenance in early November.

How long does the ropeway ride take?

The ride takes approximately 10 minutes one way.

How long can I stay at the summit on a round-trip ride?

When the ropeway operates at 20-minute intervals, a round trip can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. Visitors who plan to walk along the Hakkoda Gourd Line (Summit Walking Trail) typically spend 1 to 1.5 hours for the round trip.

Fares & Facilities

What types of tickets are available?

・Adult round-trip ticket: ¥2,200 ( Junior highschool and older)
・Adult one-way ticket: ¥1,400 ( Junior highschool and older)
※ Discounts are available for passengers with disabilities.

For more details, please see the Fare Information page.

What are Season Passes and One-Month Passes?

These passes allow unlimited use of the ropeway during the designated period.
A photo (2.5 cm × 3.5 cm, roughly the size of a driver’s license photo) is required for purchase.
If you do not have a photo, one can be taken on site for ¥200.

For more details, please see the Season Pass Information page.

Can you tell me about the ski area?

The ski season generally runs from early December to mid-May, depending on snow conditions.
Ski courses are marked with orange poles. Please stay within the designated areas.
Snow scooters are also permitted.
※Please note that luggage delivery services are not available.

You can check past opening dates on the Data page.

Are there any restaurants available?

Yes. Dining facilities are located near the Sanroku (Base) Station:
・Berjaya Hakkoda Ski Resort
・Rest House Hakkoda (next to Sanroku Station)
・Hakkoda Sanso (across from the parking area)

Are coin lockers available?

Coin lockers are not available.
However, a luggage storage service is offered at the ticket counters of both the base and summit stations for ¥200 per item.

Is the ropeway accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the ropeway is accessible to wheelchair users.
Wheelchair access is available around the Summit Station area.

Both the base and summit stations are equipped with:

• Elevators for passengers with disabilities
• Accessible restrooms

Wheelchairs are also available at both stations.

Are pets allowed on the ropeway?

Pets are not permitted, regardless of size.
※Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.

Weather, Climate & Nature

What are the average temperatures and snowfall levels?

These vary depending on the season.

Please refer to this Data page for details.

When is the best time to see autumn leaves?

The autumn foliage season typically runs from late September to late October, starting near the summit.

• Best time on the Summit Walking Trail: early October
• Best view from the ropeway: around October 10
  ※Please note that mid-October is very busy, and waiting times may reach up to 90 minutes.

When can I see the snow monsters (frost-covered trees / juhyō)?

The best time to see the snow monsters (frost-covered trees) is typically from January to late February.

Other Information

Are there any precautions for hiking?

From mid-November to late June, snow cover may obscure parts of the hiking trails and the Hakkoda Gourd Line.

Please note that there are no hiking routes descending from the summit station to the base station.

When hiking, we kindly ask visitors to fill out a hiking registration form available at the summit station.

What transportation options are available?

Access is available by private car, taxi, or bus.

Please see the Access page for detailed information.

Important Notes

• Taxis are not stationed at the ropeway.
• From November to April, visitors arriving by private car must use winter (studded or studless) tires to prevent accidents.