The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, and takes about 7 minutes to travel from the base station at an altitude of 1,771m to the summit station "Tsuboniwa Station" at an altitude of 2,237m. From the large gondola, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the ever-changing virgin forest and, under good conditions, the Northern Alps, Central Alps, and Southern Alps. In particular, during the autumn foliage season, the scenery is spectacular, with vibrant autumn leaves from the base station to the summit. In winter, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with snowy landscapes and frost-covered trees.

When you get off at the summit station, you will find the lava plateau "Tsuboniwa," which was formed about 10,000 years ago. Alpine plants such as tsuga diversifolia and silver fir bloom in full bloom like a garden, and a wooden walkway is provided, taking you around in about 30 to 40 minutes. From Tsubo-niwa, there is a hiking trail to Kita-Yoko-dake, which is 2,480m above sea level. The course takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to climb and 1 hour to descend. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Yatsugatake mountain range and distant mountains.

The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is an easy way to access the Yatsugatake mountains, allowing everyone from beginners to veterans to enjoy the nature of the mountains. The beauty of nature in every season and the majestic mountain scenery will impress all visitors. There is also a mountain hut called Kita-Yoko-dake Hutte, where you can have a snack or take a break.

[Trivia]
The Tsubo-niwa is a lava plateau formed by an eruption about 10,000 years ago, and the rugged terrain of the lava and the alpine plants that grow there create a garden-like landscape. The gondola of the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway also has a fully glass-walled cabin, so you can fully enjoy the spectacular surroundings from your feet.

[Hidden gem information]
Behind Kitayokodake Hut near the summit station is Nanatsuike Pond, where Yatsugatake's groundwater springs out. It has a quiet and mysterious atmosphere, and its appearance standing quietly in the moss-covered forest gives it a sense of being in a hidden place. It is on the way from Tsuboniwa to Kitayokodake, so if you have time, it is recommended to stop by.

Near the base station, about a 15-minute drive away, is Yokoya Valley, where you can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful valley and waterfalls. Although it is not within walking distance, it is a natural spot that can be accessed by rental car or bus.