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Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway: Gateway to Hokkaido's Natural Beauty

Ascend Mount Kurodake via ropeway for breathtaking views, hiking, and seasonal beauty in Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido.

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The Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway is an aerial lift that ascends Mount Kurodake, offering stunning views of Daisetsuzan National Park. It provides easy access to hiking trails, autumn foliage, and winter sports, making it a popular destination year-round.

A brief summary to Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway

Local tips

  • Check the ropeway's operation status before visiting, as it may be suspended due to bad weather or maintenance.
  • Bring warm, waterproof clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly.
  • Purchase a combination ticket for the ropeway and chairlift for access to the 7th Station.
  • Arrive early in the morning for the best chance to see a sea of clouds from Kurodake Station.
  • Wear mountain-climbing shoes or boots if you plan to hike beyond the 7th Station.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From JR Kamikawa Station, take the Dohoku Bus Sounkyo/Kamikawa Line for approximately 30 minutes. Get off at Sounkyo Onsen, and walk 5-10 minutes to the Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway station. Bus schedules should be checked in advance due to limited service. A one-way bus fare costs around ¥890.

  • Walking

    The Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway station is conveniently located within a 5-10 minute walk from most hotels in Sounkyo Onsen. Follow the signs from your accommodation to the ropeway station.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Sounkyo Onsen. A short taxi ride from a hotel to the ropeway station will likely cost between ¥700-¥1000, depending on the distance and traffic.

  • Car

    If driving, take the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway to the Kamikawa Sounkyo Interchange (IC), approximately 25 minutes from Sounkyo. Free parking is available near the ropeway station with about 60 spaces. Be aware that parking may be limited during peak seasons.

  • Special Transport

    The final ascent to the 5th Station requires purchasing a round-trip ticket on the Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway. As of May 2025, the round-trip fare is ¥3000 for adults. From the 5th station, a chair lift is available seasonally for an additional ¥1200 (round trip) to reach the 7th Station. A combination ticket for both the ropeway and chairlift is available for ¥3900.

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Discover more about Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway

The Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway, opened in 1967, serves as the primary entrance to the northern Daisetsuzan Mountains. Located in Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa, Hokkaido, the ropeway transports visitors up Mount Kurodake, a 1,984-meter peak within Daisetsuzan National Park. The journey begins at Sounkyo Station, where a large gondola, capable of carrying 101 passengers, ascends to Kurodake Station, also known as the 5th Station, at an elevation of 1,300 meters. The seven-minute ride offers panoramic views of Sounkyo Gorge and the surrounding landscape. From Kurodake Station, visitors can take a chairlift to the 7th Station, located at 1,520 meters, or explore a 30-minute walking trail near Kurodake Station, featuring an observatory and a museum. Mount Kurodake is renowned for its seasonal beauty. In spring and summer, alpine plants and Ezo chipmunks dot the landscape. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, attracting leaf-peepers from across Japan. In winter, the mountain transforms into a snowy playground, offering opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Advanced hikers can use the ropeway as a starting point for longer treks into the Daisetsuzan mountain range. The mountain's summit is about a 60 to 90 minute climb from the 7th station.

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