Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway Winter Opening Hours & Travel Guide

Mount Tsurumi offers the most iconic winter views in Oita Prefecture. You must check the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway winter opening hours before your morning departure. This peak transforms into a frozen landscape during the colder months of 2026. This guide provides all necessary timings for your snowy Japanese adventure.

The ropeway provides a scenic ten-minute journey to the mountain summit. You will rise high above the steaming hot springs of Beppu city. Many visitors come specifically to see the rare rime ice on the trees. Proper planning ensures you have enough time to explore the entire summit area.

Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway Winter Opening Hours

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The standard operating hours during the winter season begin at 9:00 AM daily. Most visitors arrive early to catch the first cabin up the mountain slope. The final upward journey usually departs from the base station at 4:30 PM. You should plan your return trip before the last cabin at 5:00 PM.

Operational hours can change quickly due to high winds or heavy snow. Maintenance days occasionally occur during the quieter weeks in late January or February. Always verify the current status on the official website before leaving your hotel. Beppu winds can be much stronger at higher altitudes than in the city.

The ropeway typically runs every twenty minutes throughout the busy winter day. Additional cabins may operate if large tour groups arrive at the lower station. Each large cabin can accommodate up to 101 passengers for the short ascent. The ride offers incredible views of Beppu Bay and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Sunset visits are popular but require careful timing during the short winter days. The sun often dips below the horizon by 5:00 PM in Beppu. You should aim to be at the summit by 4:00 PM for colors. Ensure you follow all Mount Tsurumi winter ropeway tips for a safe evening return.

Winter Views and Photography on Mount Tsurumi

The summit of Mount Tsurumi offers a 360-degree view of the Oita landscape. On clear days, you can see all the way to Shikoku Island. The contrast between the blue sea and white snow is truly breathtaking. Photographers should bring extra batteries because the cold drains them very quickly.

Rime ice is the main attraction for most winter visitors to Beppu. This phenomenon occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze onto the frozen tree branches. The result is a forest of white coral-like structures across the peak. This creates a magical atmosphere that feels like a different world entirely.

Walk toward the many small shrines located near the main summit observation deck. These red structures look stunning against the deep white snow and clear sky. You can find several unique angles for photos along the designated walking paths. Please stay on the marked trails to protect the delicate mountain flora.

Morning light provides the best conditions for capturing the rime ice details. The ice often melts if the afternoon sun becomes too strong during February. Arrive at the ropeway station before 10:00 AM for the highest quality photos. The crisp mountain air makes the distant mountains appear very sharp and clear.

Beppu Ropeway Ticket Prices and Booking 2026

Adult tickets for the round-trip journey cost approximately 1,600 yen during the 2026 season. Children and seniors can enjoy reduced rates for their mountain excursion to the top. You can purchase these tickets directly at the ticket window near the entrance. Most major credit cards and IC cards are accepted for your convenience.

One-way tickets are available for those who wish to hike down the trail. However, hiking down in winter is only recommended for very experienced mountain climbers. The trails become extremely slippery and dangerous when covered in deep ice or snow. Check the current ropeway ticket prices for 2026 before you visit the station.

Groups of twenty or more people can qualify for a special discounted entry rate. It is best to contact the Kintetsu office in advance for group bookings. Public holidays and weekends see the highest volume of visitors at the ticket counter. Arriving early helps you avoid long queues during the peak winter weekends.

Keep your ticket safe during your entire time spent on the mountain summit. You will need to show the return portion before boarding the downward cabin. The ticket includes access to the small museum located at the base station. This museum explains the history and local geography of the famous Beppu mountains.

Getting to Mount Tsurumi From Central Beppu

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Most travelers use the local Kameoi bus system to reach the ropeway station. Take bus number 36 or 37 from the west exit of Beppu Station. The bus journey takes about twenty minutes through the scenic mountain roads. Buses run approximately once or twice every hour during the daytime hours.

A taxi ride from the city center to the ropeway takes fifteen minutes. This is a convenient option if you are traveling with a small group. Expect to pay around 3,000 yen for a one-way trip to the base. Tell the driver you want to go to the Beppu Ropeway station.

Rental cars are a great way to explore the Oita region during winter. The road leading to the ropeway is usually well-maintained and cleared of snow. Free parking is available for hundreds of vehicles at the lower ropeway station. Ensure your rental car has winter tires if you plan to drive further.

The bus stop is located directly in front of the main ropeway entrance. You should check the return bus schedule as soon as you arrive there. This ensures you do not miss the last bus back to Beppu. The mountain air gets very cold once the winter sun starts to set.

Weather Conditions and Summit Safety Tips

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Temperatures at the summit are often ten degrees colder than in Beppu city. Strong winds can make the air feel even colder than the actual reading. You must wear heavy winter clothing and windproof layers for your summit visit. Gloves and warm hats are essential for walking around the observation areas.

The walking paths near the upper station can become very icy and slick. Wear sturdy boots with good grip to prevent slipping on the frozen ground. Some visitors bring small ice cleats to attach to their regular walking shoes. This makes exploring the shrines and viewpoints much safer for everyone involved.

There is a small heated waiting room and café at the top station. You can buy hot drinks and snacks to warm up between photographs. This is a great place to rest if the wind becomes too strong. Spend some time indoors if you start to feel the effects of the cold.

Visibility can change in minutes when clouds move across the high Japanese peaks. If thick fog appears, stay close to the main station and buildings. Do not attempt to hike far from the marked paths during low visibility. Safety should always be your top priority while visiting the snowy mountain summit.

Seeing Rime Ice and Snow on the Summit

Rime ice usually forms between late December and early March on Mount Tsurumi. This depends heavily on the specific temperature and humidity levels each winter season. January often provides the most consistent opportunities for seeing rime ice on Mount Tsurumi. The trees look like they are covered in white sugar or white coral.

The ropeway staff often posts photos of current ice conditions on social media. Check these updates to see if the rime ice is currently active. Some days the trees are clear while other days they are fully white. It is a natural phenomenon that changes with the local Beppu weather.

The summit area has many stone statues that get covered in thick frost. These frozen guardians create a very peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for many visitors. You can walk the full loop around the summit in thirty minutes. Take your time to enjoy the quiet beauty of the winter season.

Large snowfalls can occur several times during the peak winter months in Oita. The ropeway cabins offer a bird's eye view of the snowy forest canopy. You might even spot local wildlife like deer or birds in the snow. Mount Tsurumi is truly a highlight of any winter trip to Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway winter opening hours for 2026?

The ropeway opens at 9:00 AM and usually closes at 5:00 PM in winter. The last trip up the mountain is at 4:30 PM. Operating hours may change if the weather becomes too windy or dangerous. Always check the official website on the morning of your planned visit.

Is the Beppu Ropeway open on holidays during the winter season?

Yes, the ropeway typically remains open throughout the New Year holiday period in Japan. This is a very popular time for locals to visit the mountain shrines. Expect larger crowds and longer wait times during the first week of January. Arrive early to secure your spot in the cabin.

How cold is it at the top of Mount Tsurumi in February?

The summit temperature often drops well below freezing during the month of February. You should expect temperatures between -5 and 5 degrees Celsius on average. Strong winds can make the summit feel much colder than the city below. Dress in multiple warm layers to stay comfortable while you explore.

Can I buy food and drinks at the Mount Tsurumi summit station?

There is a small shop and café at the top of the ropeway. You can purchase hot tea, coffee, and light snacks inside the heated station. This provides a necessary break from the freezing outdoor temperatures and wind. The base station also has a larger souvenir shop and snack bar.

Visiting Mount Tsurumi is a highlights of any winter trip to the city of Beppu. Ensure you remember the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway winter opening hours for a smooth journey. The rime ice and panoramic views provide memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your 2026 mountain adventure today and enjoy the beautiful snowy landscapes of Oita.

Key Takeaways

Winter hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last ascent at 4:30 PM.
Rime ice is most visible between January and February on the summit.
Wear heavy winter layers and windproof clothing for the mountain top.
Check the official ropeway status online to avoid wind-related closures.

Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway Winter Opening Hours (2026)

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