Planning a trip to Aomori? Look no further than the Hakkōda Ropeway (八甲田ロープウェー), your gateway to the stunning Hakkoda Mountains. This iconic aerial lift offers passengers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, Aomori City, and even distant Hokkaidō on a clear day. Whether you’re seeking to marvel at vibrant autumn foliage, trek through alpine marshlands in summer, or experience world-class powder skiing and see the famous “snow monsters” in winter, the Hakkoda Ropeway delivers an unforgettable, year-round natural escape.
After reaching Hakkoda Ropeway’s Summit Station (山麓・山頂駅), there are a few trekking courses that you can stroll around the summit before going back down to continue your exploration in the area (*’▽’).
Please refer to HERE for the trek/hike course map!
For Hakkoda Ropeway’s business hours, timetable and fares, please refer to their official website HERE and scroll down.
Hakkoda Ropeway’s Autumn Foliage Season
The fall foliage season around Hakkoda mountains usually peaks around mid-October. Still, if you want to see the autumn foliage at the top of the mountains, you should aim for early October instead.
Hakkoda Ropeway’s Winter and Ski Season
From late October to early November, the winter season begins. As the Earth gets warmer, the first snow may not occur until sometime in November.
The snow season around Hakkoda Ropeway typically begins at the end of November and lasts until mid-May. There are several courses with various levels of difficulty that you can take.
Apart from the rime on trees in Hakkoda, you will also be enjoying the scenery of Tsugaru (津軽), Shimokita Peninsulas (下北両半島), and even Hokkaidō (北海道) as you ski or snowboard (but still pay close attention to what is in front of you. We really don’t want your Japan trip to end up with you in the hospital).
Tip: if you are interested in the snow monsters (trees that are glazed with snow and ice, morphing them into strange monster-looking figures – like those that are shown in the photo) in Hakkoda Mountains, visit the Hakkoda Ropeway in January or February (^_-)-☆.
If you would like to learn more about the Hakkoda area and what to expect when visiting Hakkoda Ropeway each season, please refer to the official HERE and translate it using your browser’s translation function!
Skiing Around Hakkoda Ropeway
Please click HERE for more information about the ski/snowboard courses at Hakkoda.
Ski/Snowboard Equipment Rental at Hakkoda Ropeway
Apparently, you can get a cheaper price if you pay in cash. Please refer to the price tables HERE on the official website. The English price table is below the Japanese ones.
How to Get to Hakkoda Ropeway by Bus
- To get from Aomori to Hakkoda Ropeway (approx. 60 minutes travel time): Take JR Bus Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号) from either JR Aomori Station’s bus stop no. 11 or the bus stop no. 1 located at JR Shin-Aomori’s east exit.
- To get from Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉) to Hakkoda Ropway (approx. 15 minutes travel time): Take JR Bus Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号)
- To get from Lake Towada to Hakkoda Ropeway (approx. 125 minutes travel time): Take JR Bus Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号) from JR Tohoku Bus Nenokuchi Station (ジェイアールバス東北 子ノ口駅)
- The bus service is only available between mid-April to mid-November.
Once you get on the bus, please keep track of your destination stop as you will need to get off at Hakkoda Ropeway (ロープウェー駅前) (‘ω’)ノ.
Tips:
☛ If you have luggage or bags that you don’t want to take with you as you trek around the Summit Station (山麓・山頂駅窓口), you can check in your belongings at the Summit Station for 200 yen per bag.
☛ If you are holding a JR pass covering the Aomori Prefecture, it is free for you to board any JR bus in the region! You can refer to HERE for a list of regional JR Passes and look for the ones that covers Aomori.☛ If you are planning a day trip from Aomori City to Hakkōda Ropeway, Jokagura Onsen (城ヶ倉温泉) or Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉), you can utilize the Hakkōda 1-Day Free Ticket (八甲田1Dayフリーきっぷ). The 2,000 yen ticket can be purchased from Aomori’s main JR stations’s Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口), reserved ticket vending machines, or travel agents such as Eki Tabi Concierge (駅たびコンシェルジュ). The tickets will also get you discounts at the ropeway as well as Sukayu Onsen and Jokagura Onsen!
Discover the Attractions in Hakkōda Mountains
Instead of heading straight to Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada after you enjoyed Hakkoda Ropeway, we recommend you stop by a couple of the attractions in the Hakkōda Mountains (八甲田山). You will find some of the most breathtaking scenery as you trek through the mountain trails that connect you to ponds and lookouts.
For more information, refer to our article on Hakkoda Mountains!
