Hodosan Ropeway
The Hodosan Ropeway is a Japanese aerial lift line in Nagatoro, Saitama.
The line is operated by the Chichibu Railway, which merged the former operator Hodo Kōgyō, a subsidiary of Chichibu Railway, in 2025. Opened in 1961, the line climbs Mount Hodo of Chichibu Mountains. Cabins used for the line have not refurbished since its opening. Consequently, they are the oldest aerial lift cabins still used in Kantō region. At the summit, the company also operates a small zoo, a plum garden, and a wintersweet garden.
Basic data
- System: Aerial tramway, 2 track cables and 1 haulage rope
- Cable length:
- Vertical interval:
- Maximum gradient: 24°56′
- Operational speed: 3.6 m/s
- Passenger capacity per a cabin: 61
- Cabins: 2
- Stations: 2
- Duration of one-way trip: 5 minutes
- One way cost: 700 yen 350 yen as of January 2026