This short ropeway connects the Nihondaira plateau to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, crossing a forested valley in about five minutes. Nihondaira itself is a hilltop lookout point known for wide views that, on clear days, take in Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Shizuoka coastline together. Most visitors ride it one-way as the link to the shrine rather than for the ride itself.
Nihondaira Ropeway carries visitors across a forested valley between the Nihondaira plateau, a hilltop tea-growing area above Shizuoka City, and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine on the coastal mountain below. The five-minute cabin ride passes over tea terraces and mikan orange groves, with Suruga Bay opening up on one side and, on clear days, Mount Fuji visible in the distance. The Nihondaira side has an observation deck, a small museum, and shops selling local tea and mikan products, making it a natural pairing with a visit to the shrine below. Most visitors ride up, spend time at the Nihondaira viewpoint or Kunozan shrine, and ride back, with the round trip and viewpoint time totaling around an hour beyond the shrine visit itself. Winter mornings after a cold front typically offer the clearest air and best odds of an unobstructed Mount Fuji view across the bay, while the ropeway can suspend operation in high winds, so checking conditions before making the trip is worthwhile. The cabins run frequently, so waiting time is minimal outside of peak holiday periods.
| Admission | Adult JPY 700 one way / JPY 1,250 round trip (approx $4.41-$7.88) · Child JPY 350 one way / JPY 630 round trip (approx $2.21-$3.97) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:10AM-5:00PM, subject to suspension in high winds |
| Typical visit | 5 minutes each way, plus time at the Nihondaira viewpoint |
| Best time | Clear winter mornings for the best chance of an unobstructed Mount Fuji view across Suruga Bay |
| Getting there | Hourly bus from JR Shizuoka Station (45 minutes, JPY 710); the ropeway links the Nihondaira plateau directly to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine |
| Address | 597-8 Kusanagi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka 424-0901, Japan |
Location
597-8 Kusanagi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka 424-0901, Japan
34.9838, 138.4759 View on map
Highlights
- Five-minute aerial crossing between Nihondaira plateau and Kunozan shrine
- Tea terrace and mikan orange grove views from the cabin
- Mount Fuji visible across Suruga Bay on clear days
- Nihondaira observation deck and local tea shops
- Direct link to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine's 1,159-step staircase
Tips for visiting
- Check the operator's phone line or signage for wind-related suspensions before heading up
- Ride in winter for the clearest Mount Fuji sightlines across the bay
- Buy the round-trip ticket if returning to Nihondaira rather than descending the staircase
- Combine the ropeway with a Kunozan Toshogu Shrine visit to avoid climbing all 1,159 steps
- Cabins run frequently, so there is little benefit to arriving early to beat lines
When to visit
Clear winter mornings give the best chance of an unobstructed Mount Fuji view across Suruga Bay.
Accessibility
The ropeway cabins and terminal platforms are step-free and accessible to wheelchair users; the connecting Kunozan staircase is not.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Nihondaira Ropeway visit take?
The ride itself is five minutes each way; with time at the Nihondaira viewpoint, plan for 30 to 45 minutes beyond any shrine visit.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children generally enjoy the short aerial ride and the wide bay views, and the cabins comfortably fit families.
Is photography allowed on the ropeway?
Photography is allowed from inside the cabins and at both terminal viewpoints.