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Winter Scenery · Tohoku

Hakkoda Rime Ice (Hakkoda Ropeway)

Aomori & HakkodaRime ice❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

The rime ice that forms when snow and ice cling to the Maries’ firs (Aomori todomatsu) of the Hakkoda Mountains is also known as “snow monsters.” On the Hakkoda Ropeway, you can look down on fields of rime ice from the gondola windows and view them up close around Sancho Koen (Summit Park) Station.

Address
Hakkoda Ropeway Sanroku Station, 1-12 Arakawa Kansuizawa, Aomori, Aomori
Closures & winter suspensions
Suspended when wind speeds reach 25 m/s or more and in stormy weather. Closed for maintenance every year in early November
Time needed
About 1–2 hours for the ropeway round trip and a walk at the top
Official website
https://hakkoda-ropeway.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually January to February
December
January
February

The ropeway may be suspended in strong winds or stormy weather. Check the operating status before you go

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

The best season is usually January to February. On clear days you can see Aomori City beyond the rime ice. The ropeway reaches Sancho Koen Station in about 10 minutes.

📷 Best views
Ropeway gondola

Look down on the fields of rime ice from the air

Around Sancho Koen Station

See the rime ice up close. On clear days, Aomori City too

Hours

Opening hours

Ropeway (winter: mid-November to February)9:00–15:40 (last)

Every 15–20 min, takes about 10 min

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Ropeway round tripAdults ¥2,500, elementary school students ¥700
Ropeway one wayAdults ¥1,550, elementary school students ¥450

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓If you want to snowshoe through the rime ice fields, join a guided tour
  • ✓To catch clear weather, it is best to go up in the morning
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae (JR Bus stop)
From major stations & airports
  • Aomori Station: JR Bus (in winter, runs between Aomori and Sukayu Onsen) (About 80 min, ¥1,290 one way)
  • Aomori Station: Car (About 50 min)
Driving & winter roads
Some roads are closed in winter. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, take the bus
Getting back
  • The last ropeway is at 15:40. Plan together with the return bus times
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Aomori: high 1.8°C, low -3.5°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The top of the ropeway is high up, far colder and windier than the city
What to wear & bring
Ski-wear-level warm clothing, a hat, gloves, a neck warmer and waterproof snow boots
☁ Tohoku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Hakkoda Rime Ice (Hakkoda Ropeway)PR

PRSee more places to stay near Hakkoda Rime Ice (Hakkoda Ropeway) on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Aomori & Hakkoda

August

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda

Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Aomori & Hakkoda

Aquarium

Aomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium

Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda

An Aomori Prefecture-run aquarium in Asamushi Onsen, facing Mutsu Bay. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and just ¥1,200 for general visitors. It's about a 10-minute walk from Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Aoimori Railway and about 20 minutes by train from Aomori Station, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Aomori City.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Tohoku

Hot spring town

Ginzan Onsen

Tohoku ・ Ginzan Onsen & Obanazawa

❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Early Mar

✦ Illumination
Snowy village

Ouchi-juku in Snow

Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku

❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb

Frozen waterfall & icicles

Oirase Gorge Ice Falls

Tohoku ・ Lake Towada & Oirase

❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookOirase, Hakkoda & Lake Towada Small-Group Day Tour from AomoriDeparts from Aomori. Plan 1 visits the Oirase Stream, the Hakkoda Ropeway and Lake Towada (the itinerary may be adjusted in winter depending on road conditions)View