Hodosan Ropeway
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Hodosan Ropeway

3.9
·863 reviews·Nagatoro, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Hodosan Ropeway

Hodosan Ropeway

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms in full bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.9
(863 reviews)

"Enjoy stunning views and seasonal beauty on a quick, scenic ride up Mount Hodo!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Gondola Ride

Scenic Gondola Ride

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

Hodosan Summit Views

Hodosan Summit Views

Mount Hodo Summit

Breathtaking vistas of Saitama prefecture's beautiful mountains. Perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

Seasonal Blooms

Seasonal Blooms

Mount Hodo Trails

Experience the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms in spring or the fragrant yellow robai (wintersweet) in winter.

Hodosan Shrine

Hodosan Shrine

Mount Hodo Summit

A serene shrine offering a peaceful atmosphere amidst the natural beauty of the mountain.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ascent

The Hodosan Ropeway offers stunning views, especially during cherry blossom and wintersweet seasons. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, as weekends can get busy with families and tour groups. Arrive early for the best light and fewer people.

Getting There & Parking

The ropeway is a short walk from Nagatoro Station, with free shuttle buses also available. If driving, expect a parking fee of around 500 yen. The station itself is stroller-friendly, but trails at the top are more rugged.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Fragrant wintersweet blooms
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Il Monte Hodosan, nella prefettura di Saitama, è il luogo perfetto per godersi i colori autunnali da una nuova prospettiva. Partite dalla stazione Sanroku della funivia Hodosan e durante la corsa che dura circa 5 minuti, ammirate una vista aerea delle montagne di Chichibu immerse nei colori autunnali. Naturalmente non dimenticate di visitare anche il santuario ai piedi del monte! ➡ Segui visi...
visitjapan_it
468 likes • 33.9K views

🌸 Seasonal Beauty

Visit during cherry blossom or wintersweet season for stunning floral displays and amazing scents! Reddit

🅿️ Parking Fee

Parking is available for 500 yen per day. Consider the shuttle if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

[View the Autumn Foliage from Up High 💗] Mt. Hodosan, located in the town of Nagatoro, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves from a different perspective. Start your journey from the Hodosan Ropeway Sanroku Station. 🚶🎶Unfortunately, it was raining, but in addition to the damp yet glossy autumn leaves, we also saw a sea of clouds! It takes about 5 minutes to get from Sa...
saitama.japan.official
94 likes • 2.6K views
宝登山ロープウェイ ばんび号と 鋸山ロープウェー かもめ号の 奇跡の交走式が完成しました。 ダンダンダン ダダンダン ダダンダ埼玉♪ もちろんライバルは…千葉♪ #宝登山ロープウェイ #hodosanropeway #鋸山ロープウェー #nokogiriyamaropeway #翔んで埼玉 #埼玉県のうた #ロープウェイ #ropeway #ゴンドラ #gondola #タミヤ #tamiya #toys #模型 #工作 #楽しい工作シリーズ #ペーパークラフト #ロープウェイ工作セット
ropeway_mf
63 likes • 672 views

🐒 Monkey Performances

Catch entertaining monkey performances at the top during certain times. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenirs & Snacks

Grab delicious dried persimmons and local souvenirs at the stalls on the summit. Reddit

HODOSAN ROPEWAY🚠 Distractions are important😌 #hodosanropeway #ropeways #distractionsaregood #distractionphoto #travellovers🌍 #travelphotography📸 #enjoylifesmileeveryday #japantraveltips #̲i̲n̲s̲t̲a̲g̲o̲o̲d̲ #instagood☺️ #素敵な世界をありがとう #動画で伝えたい私の世界 #日帰り観光 #地元観光 #旅好き #小旅 #お出かけ好き #散歩がてら #ロープウェイ🚠 #人生楽しむ #リフレッシュの旅 #自然の中
happy_daysja
627 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Seasonal Beauty

Visit during cherry blossom or wintersweet season for stunning floral displays and amazing scents! Reddit

🅿️ Parking Fee

Parking is available for 500 yen per day. Consider the shuttle if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

🐒 Monkey Performances

Catch entertaining monkey performances at the top during certain times. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenirs & Snacks

Grab delicious dried persimmons and local souvenirs at the stalls on the summit. Reddit

📶 Free Wi-Fi

The station offers free Wi-Fi, a rest spot, and location stamps for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(863 reviews)

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

Scenic mountain views
Seasonal flower blooms
Convenient access

What People Dislike

Slightly dated facilities

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. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for a fee of 500 yen per day. Reddit

The station area is stroller-friendly, and the immediate area at the top is accessible. However, the hiking trails become more rugged. Reddit

You can walk from Nagatoro Station, take a free shuttle bus, or drive and park at the ropeway station. Reddit

Yes, it is easily accessible via public transport, with Nagatoro Station being the closest major station. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The ticket grants you a round-trip ride on the gondola to the summit of Mount Hodo, offering access to the views and trails. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The views from the hilltop are spectacular, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and Saitama prefecture. Reddit

Yes, there is a small zoo located on the hilltop, adding another attraction for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The gondola ride itself offers great photo opportunities. At the summit, the panoramic viewpoints and seasonal blooms provide excellent backdrops for memorable pictures. Reddit

Absolutely! The expansive mountain views from the summit are ideal for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos from inside the gondola as you ascend or descend, capturing the journey and the scenery. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the scenic beauty. Reddit

Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially near the shrine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hodosan Ropeway offers a fun and accessible outing for families. The short gondola ride is exciting for children, providing great views without being too long. The station area is stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who love to hike, the Hodosan Ropeway serves as an excellent starting point. After the scenic ride to the summit, you can explore various hiking trails that wind through the natural beauty of Mount Hodo. These trails offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Seasonal Spectacles: Blooms and Scents

The Hodosan Ropeway is particularly enchanting during its seasonal flower displays. In spring, the mountain slopes are adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene that draws many visitors. The delicate pink and white petals against the blue sky are a photographer's dream. For those visiting in winter, the robai (wintersweet) offers a different kind of beauty. These small, yellow flowers emit a wonderfully sweet fragrance, making a winter visit a sensory delight. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Ascent: From Station to Summit

Reaching the Hodosan Ropeway is straightforward. It's a pleasant 15-minute walk from Nagatoro Station, making it easily accessible for those using public transport. For added convenience, free shuttle buses operate between Nagatoro Station and the ropeway station, a detail frequently appreciated by visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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