A Heavenly 8-Minute Aerial Walk Ascending 850 Meters in Elevation
About this spot
A large ropeway spanning the entrance to Ishizuchi Mountain (1,982 meters elevation), the highest peak in western Japan. It connects Shimoshiotani Station at the base along the Kamo River gorge to Joujueki summit station, covering approximately 850 meters of elevation gain in just 8 minutes. From the windows of the large gondola, you can take in at a glance the deepening gorge below and the multiple layers of mountain ranges continuing toward the Seto Inland Sea. The mountain shows a completely different appearance with each season—new green, deep green, autumn foliage, and rime ice—adding to its charm. It is a pilgrimage route to Ishizuchi Mountain, long revered as a sacred peak of mountain-based faith, allowing not just climbers but casual tourists to easily step into the heavenly world at 1,300 meters elevation. As you ascend, the sensation of ears popping is a genuine adventure for children.
Tips
The ropeway operates at roughly 20-minute intervals (varies by season). The parking area near Shimoshiotani Station is a privately operated paid lot. It takes several minutes of walking on slopes and stairs to reach the boarding platform, so it's convenient to organize your luggage beforehand. The first departures of the morning can get crowded with climbers, so try to arrive with some time to spare.
Best time to visit
Approximately 50 minutes required. In the morning, the air is clearest and the mountain ranges from the gondola are most sharply visible.
Access & map
Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway (石鎚登山ロープウェイ)
Model course featuring this spot
Saijo: A Journey Through Sky and Steam - Ishizuchi Ropeway and Railway Park
Ehime
Explore features & model courses
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