Hakodateyama Ropeway Sanroku Station (Base Station)

The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway is a vital transportation link connecting the base and summit of Mt. Hakodate, and one of the most popular ways to view Hakodate’s famous “million-dollar night view.” This large cable car, which can accommodate up to 125 passengers, is built with a combination of Japanese and international technologies, offering a stable, safe, and comfortable ride with a modern design.

The current ropeway is the fifth-generation model. The original, first-generation cable car could only carry 30 people. As Hakodate tourism flourished and technology advanced, the ropeway’s capacity and performance improved significantly, culminating in today’s high-efficiency system. The ride from the base to the summit takes just about 3 minutes, operating at a steady 7 meters per second, making the journey quick and convenient.

The ropeway offers a panoramic view of Hakodate City and the bay, and is especially recommended around sunset, when the changing light creates a romantic atmosphere. Each season presents a unique charm: fresh greenery in spring, lush foliage in summer, vibrant leaves in autumn, and snow-covered magic in winter. From the summit in winter, the snow-lit city and harbor below create a dreamlike spectacle.

Mt. Hakodate is also known as a rich natural habitat, home to diverse plants and wildlife, including many species of birds. To preserve the mountain’s environment and scenic beauty, the ropeway was designed with a simple exterior that blends naturally with the forest landscape, emphasizing harmony with nature.