Located right in the heart of central Japan, are the Japanese Central Alps. On this 1/2 experience you will ride the Komagane Ropeway, have an easy 30 minute walk, have lunch/coffee at a cafe at the top, before coming back down. It is recommended to experience this half day in combination with another experience in the Ina Valley to make an incredible full day in the Ina Valley.

Komagane Ropeway:

This ropeway takes only 7 minutes and takes you all the way up to 2,612m, the highest station in all of Japan. If from there you would like to hike to the highest peak of the Central Alps, check out this tour. If you prefer not to hike this one, but still want the views, then this is the tour for you. The prize awaiting you at the top of the Komagane Ropeway is the Senjojiki Cirque. This incredible bowl shaped valley has been cut into the mountain by glaciers thousands of years ago. Senjojiki means 1,000 tatami mats, which describes the sheer size of the cirque. Look down and the fertile Ina Valley spreads out before you. Look up and the craggy ridge line of Mount Hoken towers above you. On a clear day this is truly one of the most stunning views in Japan and the ropeway is open year round.

What you will do on this trip:

• Bus to the ropeway: In the morning you will meet your guide at Komagane Station or the predetermined meeting point and take a bus to Shirabi-daira, the base station of Komagane Ropeway.

• Ride the ropeway: In just seven minutes the Komagane Ropeway climbs to 2,612m above sea level with incredible waterfalls and views on the way.

• 30 minute walk: After arriving you will take an easy 30 walk around the bottom of the cirque.

• Lunch/coffee: At the 2612 Cafe you can have lunch or coffee with stunning views both above and below you.

• Come down: Catching the ropeway and bus back to Komagane Station.

How to make a half day into a full day:

This tour combines well with the following half day tours to make a full day of adventure:

• Silk weaving and a tour of a traditional Japanese silk factory. This facility is in the perfect location to make the smoothest half day combination. (Price to be added: 10,000 JPY + 5,000 JPY per person)

• Wara-zaiku (traditional Japanese straw craft) experience (Price to be added: 10,000 JPY + 5,000 JPY per person).

• Tenryu Gorge hike and/or boat ride (Price to be added: 10,000 JPY + optional boat ride fee of around 3,600 JPY per adult)