The Ikaho Ropeway is a sightseeing cableway in Ikaho Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, connecting the center of Ikaho Onsen with a scenic area near the summit of Mount Monomi. The ropeway is operated by Shibukawa City and is a popular way to enjoy the mountains and panoramic scenery surrounding the famous hot spring resort.
From Hototogisu Station in the heart of the hot spring town, the ropeway takes visitors to Miharashi Station, located at an elevation of approximately 955 meters. The journey takes only about 4 minutes, making it easy to reach the scenic mountain area from Ikaho Onsen.
Because the ride is short and convenient, the Ikaho Ropeway is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families and older travelers. It is one of the area’s popular attractions for enjoying spectacular views without a long mountain climb.
The Ikaho Ropeway covers a route of approximately 500 meters between the hot spring town and the mountain area. As the gondola rises, passengers can look through the trees and enjoy views of the surrounding natural landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Fresh green foliage appears in spring, deep forest greenery surrounds the route in summer, brilliant autumn colors cover the mountains in fall, and snowy landscapes create a serene atmosphere in winter.
Each gondola can accommodate up to 21 passengers, providing enough space to enjoy the ride comfortably. Although the journey lasts only about 4 minutes, it offers a memorable aerial perspective of the mountains around Ikaho.
The area around Miharashi Station offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular viewpoints is the nearby Tokimeki Deck.
From the deck, visitors can see magnificent mountains including Mount Akagi and Mount Tanigawa. On clear days, the view extends across the Kanto Plain, creating a sweeping panorama.
The deck also features the Kibo no Kane, or “Bell of Hope.” The bell is associated with wishes and good relationships and has become a popular spot for couples and visitors who want to take commemorative photographs while enjoying the mountain scenery.
Near Miharashi Station lies the expansive Ikaho Forest Park, a prefectural park rich in natural scenery. The park extends around Mount Futatsudake, one of the peaks forming part of the outer rim of the Haruna volcanic range.
The park covers approximately 2.9 kilometers from east to west and 1.9 kilometers from north to south. Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints allow visitors to enjoy walking through the forest, trekking, and birdwatching.
For travelers who want to spend more time surrounded by nature, the park provides an excellent opportunity to explore the mountain environment around Ikaho at a leisurely pace.
Near Miharashi Station is Ikaho Rink, a large skating facility known for its outdoor 400-meter international-standard track as well as an indoor rink.
The facility hosts speed skating competitions and is open to the public on selected days during the winter season. Skating in the crisp winter air provides an invigorating experience and offers another way to enjoy the mountain area around Ikaho during the colder months.
The Ikaho Ropeway opened in August 1962, established by the Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association to promote tourism and improve access between the hot spring town and the mountain area.
Operation was transferred to Ikaho Town in 1967, after which it became a municipal ropeway. Following the municipal merger in 2006, operation came under the administration of Shibukawa City, which continues to operate the ropeway today.
The ropeway remains an important transportation and sightseeing facility for visitors to Ikaho Onsen, attracting more than approximately 140,000 passengers each year.
Total route length: 499 meters
Horizontal distance: 465 meters
Elevation difference: 189 meters
Travel time: Approximately 4 minutes
Capacity: 21 passengers
The ropeway uses a three-wire circulating system, designed to provide stable and reliable operation along the route.
Hototogisu Station: Located in the center of Ikaho Onsen
Miharashi Station: Located in the Monomi area near Uenosan Park
Hototogisu Station is located in the center of Ikaho Onsen, close to the Ikaho Onsen Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is approximately a 1-minute walk from the station.
Local buses from Shibukawa Station, buses serving the Lake Haruna area, and highway buses also operate from the surrounding area, making the ropeway convenient to access by public transportation.
Ikaho Onsen is home to many well-known attractions, including the Ikaho Stone Steps, Ikaho Shrine, and Kajika Bridge. The Ikaho Ropeway offers a different perspective, allowing visitors to leave the historic hot spring town behind and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
After exploring the hot spring town, taking the ropeway to Miharashi Station is an easy way to add panoramic views and nature to an Ikaho itinerary. Because the ride takes only a few minutes, it is also an accessible option for first-time visitors who want to experience the mountain landscape without undertaking a strenuous hike.
The Ikaho Ropeway connects the heart of Ikaho Onsen with the natural landscapes above the town, offering a memorable aerial journey of just four minutes. From Miharashi Station, visitors can enjoy panoramic viewpoints, forest trails, and seasonal scenery.
Whether you visit in the fresh green of spring, the lush forests of summer, the colorful foliage of autumn, or the snowy landscape of winter, the ropeway provides a convenient way to experience the natural beauty surrounding Ikaho Onsen.