Mount Usu Ropeway offers a spectacular aerial journey over one of Hokkaido’s most active volcanoes and the surrounding landscape of the Toya-Usu Geopark. Mount Usu is an exceptionally active volcano, with eruptions observed four times during the 20th century.
The ropeway travels approximately 1,370 meters, rising about 356 meters in elevation. The one-way journey takes approximately six minutes, providing a relaxing aerial view of the volcanic landscape as the cabins climb toward the summit.
At the upper station, Mt. USU Terrace provides an inviting place to enjoy the scenery. Sofas are arranged on the observation deck, allowing visitors to sit back and take in the expansive panorama.
From the terrace, the view stretches across Uchiura Bay, Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, and Nakajima Island. Looking downward, visitors can also see the distinctive volcanic form of Mount Showa-Shinzan directly below.
The scenery around Mount Usu has been transformed repeatedly by volcanic activity over long periods of time. From the observation areas, visitors can appreciate the enormous scale of these geological forces while enjoying views across forests, mountains, the lake, and the sea.
From spring through early summer, sea-of-cloud conditions may occasionally appear, creating a particularly atmospheric view as clouds spread across the lower landscape.
A walking trail from the upper ropeway station leads toward the Crater Basin Observatory. From this viewpoint, visitors can look down toward the crater created during the 1977 eruption of Mount Usu.
The walking route offers an opportunity to experience the volcanic landscape more closely after enjoying the panoramic view from the ropeway. The changing terrain and views provide a deeper understanding of the forces that continue to shape the region.
The lower ropeway station is part of a visitor area known as Volcano Village, where restaurants and shops provide places to eat, rest, and browse for souvenirs.
The area also includes a Volcanic Eruption Experience Room and the Usu Volcano Geopark Volcano Village Information Center. Exhibits explain how volcanic eruptions occur and introduce the geological characteristics of the Mount Usu area.
One of the most memorable aspects of the ropeway journey is the changing perspective on Mount Showa-Shinzan. This young volcanic mountain emerged during volcanic activity in the 1940s and remains a striking feature of the landscape below Mount Usu.
Seeing the two volcanoes together from an elevated viewpoint makes it easier to appreciate the extraordinary geological history of the Lake Toya region.
Mount Usu Ropeway combines an easy aerial ride with dramatic views of a living volcanic landscape. The journey from the lower station to the summit takes only a few minutes, yet the scenery reveals the relationship between Lake Toya, Mount Usu, Mount Showa-Shinzan, Mount Yotei, and Uchiura Bay.
Whether you visit for the panoramic views from Mt. USU Terrace, continue along the walking trail toward the crater viewpoint, or explore the volcano exhibits at the foot of the mountain, the ropeway provides an engaging introduction to one of Hokkaido’s most fascinating volcanic regions.
8:00 - 18:00 (varies depending on the season)
Round-trip fare
Adults 1,800 yen (junior high school students and older)
Children 900 yen (elementary school students)
15 min. on the Donan Bus bound for Toyako Onsen from JR Toya Station.
→ Get off at “Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal”, the last stop.
→ Transfer to Donan Bus bound for Showa Shinzan (15 min.) and get off at the last stop.
Buses are closed during the winter season.
Car: 15 min. by car from the Date IC of the Hokkaido Expressway to Showa Shinzan.