Sumaura Ropeway


The Sumaura Ropeway is a Japanese aerial lift line in Kōbe, Hyōgo, operated by the Sanyō Electric Railway. Opened in 1957, the line climbs Mount Hachibuse, a peak on the Suma coast.
At the summit, there is a transfer to the Carlator, a ride that transports people using large baskets on an inclined conveyor belt. Opened on March 18, 1966, its name is a portmanteau of "car" and "escalator" and takes riders from the ropeway's top station up a steep slope. The two-seat vehicles famously rattle and vibrate on their way up in a way the operator describes as "uncomfortable".

Basic data

  • System: Aerial tramway, 1 track cable and 2 haulage ropes
  • Distance:
  • Vertical interval:
  • Passenger capacity per cabin: 30
  • Cabins: 2
  • Stations: 2