History and Features
The Haruna Mountain Ropeway began operating on July 15, 1958, under Gunma Kanko Co., Ltd. Management was later transferred to Tobu Kogyo, followed by operations under Tanigawadake Ropeway Co., Ltd. Since March 1, 2022, the ropeway has been part of the Hoshino Resorts Group and currently operates as “Haruna Mountain Ropeway by Hoshino Resorts.”
In 1996, the ropeway introduced Japan’s first two-car connected gondola with a capacity of 15 passengers. The two connected cars provide a stable and comfortable ride while allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery from above.
The ropeway uses a single-track, reversible system, with gondolas generally operating at approximately 15-minute intervals.
Panoramic Views from the Summit
Mount Haruna is one of the Three Mountains of Jōmō, together with Mount Akagi and Mount Myōgi. Rather than referring to a single peak, the name Mount Haruna describes a group of mountains that includes Mount Haruna-Fuji, Mount Kamongatake, and Mount Eboshigatake.
The Haruna volcanic complex was formed through volcanic activity beginning hundreds of thousands of years ago. A major eruption approximately 220,000 years ago created a caldera, which eventually became the foundation of today’s Lake Haruna.
From the summit of Mount Haruna-Fuji, passengers can enjoy sweeping views across the Kanto Plain and the mountains of Gunma. On exceptionally clear days, the view may extend as far as the Tanigawa mountain range, Mount Asama, Mount Fuji, and even Tokyo Skytree.
Each season offers a different experience. Spring brings fresh green foliage, summer is surrounded by lush vegetation, autumn transforms the mountains with colorful leaves, and winter often provides exceptionally clear long-distance views.
Haruna Fuji Mountain Shrine – A Peaceful Shrine at the Summit
Located close to the summit station is Haruna Fuji Mountain Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, a deity traditionally associated with marriage, childbirth, and family blessings.
Visitors can purchase an ema wooden prayer plaque at Haruna Kogen Station and carry it to the shrine at the summit to make a wish. This custom has made the shrine a popular destination for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a traditional Japanese spiritual experience.
A small shrine is believed to have existed here for many centuries, while the present shrine building was constructed in 1964. Standing quietly at the summit with views toward Lake Haruna, the shrine provides a peaceful place to pause and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Route and Operating Information
Ropeway Details
Route length: Approximately 527 meters
Elevation difference: Approximately 269 meters
Travel time: Approximately 2 minutes 50 seconds
System: Single-track reversible ropeway
Gondolas: Two connected 15-passenger gondolas
Stations: 2 stations – Haruna Kogen Station and Haruna Fuji Summit Station
Operating Hours
April–November: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last uphill departure at 4:30 p.m.)
December–March: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last uphill departure at 3:30 p.m.)
Gondolas generally operate at approximately 15-minute intervals.
Access
Address: 845-1 Harunako-machi, Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
By car: Approximately 21 km from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Free parking is available for approximately 37 standard vehicles and 8 large buses.
By public transportation: From JR Takasaki Station, take a Gunma Bus bound for Haruna Lake. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. Get off at the final stop and walk for about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, from JR Shibukawa Station, visitors can travel via Ikaho Onsen and transfer to a bus bound for the ropeway area. Getting off at the Ropeway-mae stop is a convenient option.
Experience the Natural Beauty of Mount Haruna
Haruna Mountain Ropeway offers an easy way to experience spectacular mountain scenery without a long hike. In only a few minutes, visitors can rise from the lakeside to the summit and enjoy a sweeping panorama of Lake Haruna, Mount Haruna, and the vast Kanto Plain.
The ropeway is especially enjoyable when combined with a walk around Lake Haruna and visits to other attractions in the surrounding mountain area. Each season brings its own distinctive scenery, making the ride worth experiencing at different times of the year.
As the gondola climbs toward the clear blue sky, take in the magnificent natural landscape of Haruna. Combining a historic mountain setting with modern ropeway facilities, this is one of Gunma’s memorable sightseeing experiences.