The Kyoto: Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway Round Trip Ticket offers an exhilarating journey up Mount Hiei. Soaring 561 meters above the ground, this cable car ride showcases stunning seasonal vistas – from the delicate cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant maple leaves in autumn. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and rich cultural history of the UNESCO-listed Enryakuji Temple. While reviews are mixed, the breathtaking views and access to this renowned site make the Eizan Cable Car a compelling option for those seeking an unforgettable Kyoto experience. There’s certainly more to discover about this unique attraction.
Key Points
- The Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway ticket offers a 561-meter elevation journey with panoramic views of Kyoto’s seasonal landscapes, including cherry blossoms and maple leaves.
- The round-trip ticket allows access to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Enryakuji Temple, situated atop Mount Hiei, providing an immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
- The ticket features a unique two-part route, including a stepped cable car and an air route, providing a exceptional and comfortable transportation experience.
- The Eizan Cable Car has a long history, dating back to 1925, and is known for having the largest vertical interval cable car in Japan.
- Customer reviews suggest that the scenic journey and cultural significance of the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway make it a worthwhile attraction, despite some mixed feedback on accessibility and the ticketing process.
Ticket Information
The Kyoto Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway Round Trip Ticket costs from £1,109 per person and is valid for 1 day, though it’s non-refundable.
Despite the high price tag, the ticket offers a truly exceptional experience. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular cable car journey with a 561-metre elevation difference, offering scenic views of cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.
The highlight is the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji Temple after reaching the top.
Though the reviews are mixed, the consensus is that the ticket is worth it for the breathtaking scenery and cultural significance of the destination.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can embark on a breathtaking cable car journey, ascending 561 meters while basking in the ever-changing scenic splendor of Kyoto’s seasons – from the delicate cherry blossoms of spring to the vibrant maple leaves of autumn.
The experience highlights include:
- Awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape
- A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji Temple, perched atop Mount Hiei
- The chance to witness the unique stepped cable car design and the scenic air route
- An opportunity to take in the serene and spiritual atmosphere of this renowned destination.
Cable Car Details
Operated by Keifuku Electric Railroad, the Eizan Cable dates back to 1925, initially established as a route to the Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. Today, this impressive cable car system features the largest vertical interval in Japan at 561 meters. The route is divided into two parts – a stepped cable car and an air route offering scenic views.
| Cable Car Details | |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1925 |
| Vertical Interval | 561 meters |
| Route | Stepped cable car and air route |
| Operated By | Keifuku Electric Railroad |
This iconic transportation link allows visitors to effortlessly ascend Mount Hiei and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and historic temples.
Usage Instructions
To use the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway, passengers must show the QR code on their ticket at the Mountain Tram Yase Station to exchange it for the actual pass. This station is located a 5-minute walk from the Yasei Hiei Eizan Tram, and the exchange hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Once the ticket is exchanged, visitors can look forward to:
- A spectacular cable car journey with a 561m elevation difference.
- Breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.
- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji Temple at the summit.
- Enjoying the convenience of the two-part cable car system, featuring both a stepped cable car and an air route for scenic panoramas.
Customer Reviews
According to the available reviews, the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway has received a mixed response from customers, with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
While some customers have praised the spectacular scenic views and the visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryakuji Temple, others have expressed concerns about the accessibility and ticketing process.
The feedback suggests that the experience can be worthwhile for those seeking a scenic cable car journey and a visit to the historic temple, but the mixed reviews indicate that the overall experience may not meet the expectations of all visitors.
The Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway remains a popular attraction in Kyoto for its unique features and natural beauty.
Spectacular Cable Car Journey
One of the main highlights of the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway experience is the spectacular cable car journey that offers visitors a breathtaking 561-meter elevation gain.
This iconic ride features:
- Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn.
- A two-part route that includes a stepped cable car and an air route for optimal sightseeing.
- The distinction of being the cable car with the largest vertical interval in Japan.
- A smooth and comfortable ride that transports travelers from the base to the top of Mount Hiei, home to the UNESCO-listed Enryakuji Temple.
Scenic Views in Different Seasons
Throughout the year, the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway offers visitors breathtaking scenic vistas that transform with the changing seasons.
In springtime, the lush cherry blossoms along the mountainside paint a vibrant pink backdrop, while the fiery hues of autumn’s maple leaves provide a stunning visual display during the fall months.
As the cable car ascends the mountain, passengers are treated to panoramic views of Kyoto’s verdant landscapes, which take on an entirely different character depending on the time of year.
Whether it’s the delicate blooms of spring or the vibrant foliage of autumn, the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway delivers an unparalleled visual experience that showcases the natural beauty of the region.
Visiting Enryakuji Temple
After reaching the summit via the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway, visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji Temple, a historic Buddhist complex that has stood atop Mount Hiei for over a millennium. Founded in 788 CE, Enryakuji is considered the headquarters of the Tendai school of Buddhism and boasts:
- Stunning architecture, including the iconic pagodas and Kaisan-do Hall.
- Tranquil temple grounds surrounded by lush forests and hiking trails.
- Fascinating historical artifacts and insights into Japanese spiritual traditions.
- Panoramic views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.
Exploring this serene and spiritually significant site offers a deeply immersive cultural experience for visitors to the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase the Ticket on the Day of the Visit?
Yes, visitors can purchase the ticket on the day of their visit. The exchange hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Mountain Tram Yase Station, just a 5-minute walk from the cable car.
Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens or Students?
There’s no mention of discounts for senior citizens or students in the provided information. The ticket price is a flat rate of £1,109 per person, with no indication of reduced fares for specific groups.
How Long Does the Cable Car Journey Take?
The cable car journey takes approximately 12 minutes to reach the top of Mount Hiei, offering spectacular views along the way. Travelers can enjoy the scenic ride up the mountain’s 561-meter elevation difference.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Using the Cable Car?
The round-trip cable car ticket covers the full cost of the journey, so there are no additional fees for using the Eizan Cable Car. The ticket provides access to the scenic 561-meter elevation change for a single flat rate.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cable Car?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cable car. The operator doesn’t restrict outside food and beverages, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic ride with their own refreshments.
Recap
The Kyoto: Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway Round Trip Ticket offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Soaring 561 meters up the slopes of Mount Hiei, travelers are treated to stunning seasonal vistas and the opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Enryakuji Temple.
While reviews are mixed, the cable car’s scenic beauty and the temple’s rich cultural heritage make this a worthwhile journey for any visitor to Kyoto.
