
Hodosan Ropeway
A charming gondola ride up Mount Hodo, offering breathtaking panoramic views and access to scenic hiking trails and seasonal blooms.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom

Hodosan Ropeway
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming gondola ride up Mount Hodo, offering breathtaking panoramic views and access to scenic hiking trails and seasonal blooms.
"Enjoy stunning views and seasonal beauty on a quick, scenic ride up Mount Hodo!"

🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom or wintersweet season for stunning floral displays and amazing scents!
🅿️ Parking Fee
Parking is available for 500 yen per day. Consider the shuttle if you prefer not to drive.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Gondola Ride
A quick, charming ride offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Enjoy the ascent!

Hodosan Summit Views
Mount Hodo Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Saitama prefecture's beautiful mountains. Perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

Seasonal Blooms
Mount Hodo Trails
Experience the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms in spring or the fragrant yellow robai (wintersweet) in winter.

Hodosan Shrine
Mount Hodo Summit
A serene shrine offering a peaceful atmosphere amidst the natural beauty of the mountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom or wintersweet season for stunning floral displays and amazing scents!
🅿️ Parking Fee
Parking is available for 500 yen per day. Consider the shuttle if you prefer not to drive.
🐒 Monkey Performances
Catch entertaining monkey performances at the top during certain times.
🛍️ Souvenirs & Snacks
Grab delicious dried persimmons and local souvenirs at the stalls on the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom or wintersweet season for stunning floral displays and amazing scents!
🅿️ Parking Fee
Parking is available for 500 yen per day. Consider the shuttle if you prefer not to drive.
🐒 Monkey Performances
Catch entertaining monkey performances at the top during certain times.
🛍️ Souvenirs & Snacks
Grab delicious dried persimmons and local souvenirs at the stalls on the summit.
📶 Free Wi-Fi
The station offers free Wi-Fi, a rest spot, and location stamps for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hodosan Ropeway for its scenic views and accessibility, especially during bloom seasons. While some find the facilities a bit dated, the overall experience is positive, with many appreciating the convenience and the beauty of Mount Hodo. The short ride and lovely summit attractions make it a worthwhile visit.
"Small gondola rope way that takes you to a nice scenic lookout and several hiking trails. 4/5 only because it’s a bit old and worn feeling but otherwise clean and the service was good. There’s a little eatery at the top with lunch items and ice cream. Stroller friendly to get up to the gondola and the immediate area at the top then becomes trails. Parking is 500 yen for the day."
Danielle M
"I would say that this is one of the most beautiful
Beautiful mountains in Saitama prefecture..
The ropeway is about just 15 mins walk from Nagatoro station.. or there are also free shuttle buses to this place.
The ropeway ride is just about 5 mins to the top of the hill.. You can enjoy stunning views from the hill top and there are places to sit and relax by the breathtaking views..!!
Also there is a small zoo on the hill top..!!"
Lakshmi
"A cute and scenic ride up to Hodosan. The station has free wifi, a rest spot with air conditioning, location stamps, and a small gift shop. There is a free shuttle bus going to and from the ropeway and Nagatoro station. The views from atop Hodosan are spectacular."
Victor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hodosan Ropeway station is about a 15-minute walk from Nagatoro Station. Alternatively, free shuttle buses run regularly between the station and the ropeway.
Yes, there is parking available for a fee of 500 yen per day.
The station area is stroller-friendly, and the immediate area at the top is accessible. However, the hiking trails become more rugged.
You can walk from Nagatoro Station, take a free shuttle bus, or drive and park at the ropeway station.
Yes, it is easily accessible via public transport, with Nagatoro Station being the closest major station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't detailed in the provided reviews, it's a short ride, suggesting a reasonable fare. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the station for current pricing.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Hodosan Ropeway website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Hodosan Ropeway, as it's a relatively small operation. Tickets can typically be purchased at the station.
Information on discounts is not readily available in the reviews. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter or check for any group or seasonal promotions.
The ticket grants you a round-trip ride on the gondola to the summit of Mount Hodo, offering access to the views and trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy stunning scenic views, explore hiking trails, visit the Hodosan Shrine, and find a small eatery. There's also a small zoo and occasional monkey performances.
Yes, Mount Hodo offers several hiking trails accessible from the summit. These trails are surrounded by nature and can be enjoyed after your ropeway ride.
Yes, there is a small eatery at the top that offers lunch items and ice cream. You can also find stalls selling local snacks like dried persimmons.
The views from the hilltop are spectacular, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and Saitama prefecture.
Yes, there is a small zoo located on the hilltop, adding another attraction for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride itself offers great photo opportunities. At the summit, the panoramic viewpoints and seasonal blooms provide excellent backdrops for memorable pictures.
Absolutely! The expansive mountain views from the summit are ideal for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the gondola as you ascend or descend, capturing the journey and the scenery.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the scenic beauty.
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially near the shrine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the summit, families can enjoy the small zoo and, if timed right, catch entertaining monkey performances. The hiking trails offer a chance for gentle exploration, though parents should be mindful of the terrain. The eatery at the top also provides kid-friendly options like ice cream.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Whether you're visiting for the spring cherry blossoms or the winter wintersweet, the trails provide a peaceful escape. Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes as the paths can be uneven. The summit also offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for a moment of quiet appreciation after your hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Spectacles: Blooms and Scents
These seasonal events are highlighted by travelers as a major reason to visit. The combination of the scenic ropeway ride and the natural beauty of the blooming flowers creates a memorable experience. Planning your visit around these times can significantly enhance your trip, offering unique photographic opportunities and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Mount Hodo.
Navigating the Ascent: From Station to Summit
If you're arriving by car, there's a parking lot available for a nominal fee of 500 yen. The ropeway station itself is designed to be stroller-friendly, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. However, it's worth noting that once you reach the summit, the terrain transitions to hiking trails, which can be more challenging for strollers and require appropriate footwear.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit