The Hida Mountains form the Gifu side of the Northern Japan Alps, rising to over 3,000 metres in dramatic peaks including Okuhotaka, Japan’s third-highest mountain, and offer some of the country’s most spectacular high-mountain scenery. The most accessible way to experience it is the Shinhotaka Ropeway, a double-decker cable car that climbs to a viewing platform at over 2,150 metres, delivering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding peaks without any hiking, while the Okuhida onsen villages below offer hot springs with mountain views.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Takayama (Okuhida), Gifu |
| Hours | Ropeway ~8:30–16:00 (seasonal variation) |
| Admission | Ropeway round trip around ¥3,500 |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Clear days for peak views; autumn for foliage |
What to See
- Spectacular views of 3,000-metre Northern Alps peaks from the Gifu side.
- The Shinhotaka Ropeway to a 2,150-metre observation deck, no hiking needed.
- Okuhida onsen villages with mountain-view hot springs below.
- Autumn foliage and, in winter, snow-covered peaks.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Hida Beef and Takayama sightseeing.
- Pair with Norikura Highland for more alpine scenery.
- Read our Gifu overview .
Getting There
- By bus: buses from Takayama to Shinhotaka Ropeway and the Okuhida onsen area.
- By car: roughly 1 hour from Takayama into the Okuhida valley.
Tips
The Shinhotaka Ropeway makes the high-mountain views accessible to everyone without hiking, so it’s ideal for visitors who want the Alps scenery without the climb. Dress warmly even in summer, as the observation deck is at high altitude and much colder than the valley below, and go on a clear day, as clouds often obscure the peaks.
