Mount Usu Ropeway
有珠山ロープウェイ
A roughly 6-minute ride up Mount Usu, with a summit viewpoint overlooking Showa-shinzan, Lake Toya, and Uchiura Bay, followed by a walk to the Crater Plateau viewpoint.
The Mount Usu Ropeway departs from the mountain-base station at Showa-shinzan and reaches the summit station in about 6 minutes. The Lake Toya viewpoint beside the summit station shows Showa-shinzan, Lake Toya, and Nakajima Island together. From the other side you can look out over Uchiura Bay and Mount Yotei. Following the trail and steps to the Crater Plateau viewpoint, you can see the Ginnuma Great Crater formed by the 1977 eruption and the steaming lava dome. Those with more stamina can take the outer rim trail. Operating hours are about 08:15–17:30, shorter in winter, and ticket prices should be confirmed on the official website. The summit is windy and cold, so bring a jacket.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:15–17:30 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Showa-shinzan
- Toyako Onsen
- Lake Toya
- Toyako Visitor Center & Volcano Science Museum
- Nishiyama Crater Walking Trail
- Silo Observatory
- Hakucho Bridge
- Cape Chikyu