Mt. Fuji Ropeway: Hours, Tickets, and Getting There
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posted by WANGKIRA
The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway takes you up Mount Tenjo above Lake Kawaguchiko, with views across the lake toward Mount Fuji.
The ride itself is short, but the timing of your visit can make a difference, especially during busy seasons. This guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, what you can see at the top, how to get there, and the best time to visit.
Table of Contents
- What to Expect at the Top
- Mt. Fuji Ropeway Tickets and Opening Hours
- Things to Do at Mount Tenjo
- Enjoy the Mt. Fuji View
- Try the Kachi-Kachi Yama Swing
- Visit Rabbit Shrine
- Walk Part of the Mount Tenjo Trail
- How to Get to the Mt. Fuji Ropeway
- From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
- Visit on Your Own or Take a Day Tour?
- Mt. Fuji Ropeway FAQs
What to Expect at the Top
The ropeway takes about 3 minutes to reach Fujimidai Station on Mount Tenjo. The upper station sits at an altitude of 1,075 meters, with a 360-degree panorama of Lake Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, and the surrounding mountains.
On clear days, you may also be able to see the Southern Alps in the distance.
Mount Tenjo is associated with the Japanese folktale Kachi-Kachi Yama, which was also adapted by writer Osamu Dazai. You will see rabbit and tanuki decorations around the ropeway and summit area.
The ropeway runs with two gondolas and operates at roughly 5- to 10-minute intervals. Each gondola can carry up to 36 passengers.
For more viewpoints around the area, see our Best Place to See Mt. Fuji.
Mt. Fuji Ropeway Tickets and Opening Hours
As of October 2026, an adult round-trip ticket costs ¥1,000, while a one-way ticket costs ¥600. Children's fares are ¥500 for a round trip and ¥300 for a one-way ticket.
From November 1, 2026, the individual round-trip fare will increase to ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children. The ropeway's official website has announced the new round-trip fares but does not currently list revised one-way fares.
| Ticket Type | Current Price | From Nov. 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Round Trip | ¥1,000 | ¥1,200 |
| Child Round Trip | ¥500 | ¥600 |
| Adult One Way | ¥600 | Check official site |
| Child One Way | ¥300 | Check official site |
The new individual fares take effect on November 1, 2026. The official announcement currently gives the new round-trip prices but does not list revised one-way fares, so check the official website if you plan to buy a one-way ticket after that date.
The ropeway's opening hours vary by season, so check the latest operating schedule before your visit rather than relying on a fixed year-round timetable.
There are also a few scheduled maintenance dates to be aware of in late 2026:
- October 21–22: shortened hours, with the last uphill departure at 3:00 PM and the last downhill departure at 3:20 PM
- November 25–26: shortened hours with the same schedule
- December 7–18: planned annual maintenance closure
The ropeway normally runs every 5 to 10 minutes, and reservations are not required. During busy periods, however, you may need to wait in line.
Things to Do at Mount Tenjo
You can see the main views fairly quickly, but there are several things to do if you want to spend more time at the summit.
Enjoy the Mt. Fuji View
The main reason most visitors come is the view from Mount Tenjo. From the upper area, you can look across Lake Kawaguchiko toward Mount Fuji.
The summit also has several viewpoints and photo spots, so allow some extra time if you want to walk around rather than simply ride back down.
Try the Kachi-Kachi Yama Swing
The Kachi-Kachi Yama Scenic Swing is a paid attraction at the summit. Ticket prices, operating hours, and rider restrictions may change, and the swing may close in bad weather or for maintenance. Check the latest information on site before joining the queue.
Visit Rabbit Shrine
The summit area includes Usagi Jinja (Rabbit Shrine), which is connected to the Kachi-Kachi Yama theme of Mount Tenjo.
The shrine is associated with safe travel, hiking, and healthy legs. It is an easy stop if you are already exploring the summit area.
Walk Part of the Mount Tenjo Trail
If you want to spend more time outdoors, you can hike down Mount Tenjo instead of taking the ropeway back.
The official hiking route from Fujimidai Station to Lake Kawaguchiko takes about 40 minutes. The trail passes the Dazai Osamu monument and continues toward Gokoku Shrine before reaching the lakeside.
This is a better option for visitors who want a short walk rather than another ride down.
How to Get to the Mt. Fuji Ropeway
The lower ropeway station is close to Kawaguchiko Station, so it is easy to add to a day around the lake.
From Kawaguchiko Station, the station is about a 15- to 20-minute walk away. You can also take the Omni Bus Red Line and get off at Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi. The bus ride takes around 15 minutes.
From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
Direct highway buses run from Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs roughly ¥2,200 each way.
By train, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko. The full journey takes around 2.5 hours.
A JR Pass covers the JR section to Otsuki, but the Fujikyu Railway section generally requires a separate ticket unless your particular pass includes it.
For a more detailed breakdown of the different routes, see How to Get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo.
Visit on Your Own or Take a Day Tour?
Visiting independently gives you more control over your schedule, but a day tour can be easier if you want to combine the ropeway with several other Mount Fuji attractions.
| Visit on Your Own | Tokyo Day Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Train or highway bus | Coach from Tokyo |
| Schedule | Flexible | Fixed itinerary |
| Ropeway | Buy separately | Included in the tour |
| Other stops | Plan your own route | Several Mount Fuji-area stops |
| Best for | Travelers who want flexibility | First-time visitors who want an easier day |
A typical Keep Good Trip Mount Fuji day tour combines the ropeway with Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Chureito Pagoda, with departures from central Tokyo.
For travelers who want to see several Mount Fuji sights in one day without working out the train and bus connections, a coach tour can save time.
¥536.00
¥335.00
Mt. Fuji Ropeway FAQs
Does the ropeway go to the top of Mount Fuji?
No. The ropeway goes to the top of Mount Tenjo, beside Lake Kawaguchiko. Mount Fuji is across the lake and is viewed from the observation deck.
How long should I spend at the ropeway?
For the ropeway itself, around 1 hour is usually enough for the ride, viewpoint, and a quick look around the summit. Allow longer if you want to try the Giant Swing, stop at the teahouse, or walk part of the hiking trail.
Can you take the ropeway in the rain?
Light rain does not necessarily stop the ropeway. Operations may be suspended in strong winds, severe weather, or icy conditions.
What can I do if the ropeway line is too long?
The Mount Tenjo hiking trail is the main alternative. The uphill walk from the lake shore takes about 40 minutes. If you mainly want a Mount Fuji view, you can also skip the ropeway and visit Oishi Park on the opposite side of Lake Kawaguchiko.
See 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Kawaguchi for more options.
