Japan's Longest 2,025-Meter Sakamoto Cable Car—Ascend the Mountain While Enjoying Views of Lake Biwa
About this spot
The lower station of the Hiei Mountain Railroad's Sakamoto Cable Car, boasting Japan's longest cable car route at 2,025 meters. The Western-style station building, retaining the character of its opening in 1927 (Showa 2), is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, evoking travel romance even before boarding. During the approximately 11-minute journey in cars named "En" (fate) and "Fuku" (fortune), a grand panorama of Lake Biwa unfolds below. The changing scenery as you pass through tunnels and over bridges adds to the enjoyment. The experience of ascending an elevation of 484 meters in one stretch becomes a special prelude to your pilgrimage to Mount Hiei. The view of Lake Biwa from Sakamoto Cable Car Upper Station on Mount Hiei is equally spectacular, and experiencing it twice—on the way up and down—is the true delight of this course.
Tips
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Sakamoto Hiei-san-guchi Station on the Keihan Line; just steps from Hiyoshi Taisha. Fares: ¥870 one-way, ¥1,660 round-trip for adults. Round-trip tickets offer better value if returning by cable car. Trains operate at approximately 30-minute intervals, so checking departure times and coordinating with your temple town exploration allows for seamless boarding without waiting.
Best time to visit
Approximately 30 minutes (boarding time approximately 11 minutes). On clear days before noon, when the air is crisp, the views of Lake Biwa are exceptional.
Access & map
〒520-0116 Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, Sakamoto-honcho 4244
Model course featuring this spot
Journey to Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei via the Sakamoto Cable Car
Shiga
Explore features & model courses
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