Shizukuishi Iwate
Night ropeway for a nocturnal stroll in the air.
Starry sky tour to a field 730 meters above sea level
The Shizukuishi area, located at the foot of Mt. Takakura facing Mt. Iwate, is an ideal spot for astronomical observation. The clear air that envelops the entire mountain and the absence of light at the foot of the mountain create the perfect conditions for stargazing at night, as the Shizukuishi Galaxy Ropeway lifts you to the top of the mountain. Why not rise into a fantastic space woven by nature for a unique experience?
Activities
Shizukuishi Ginga (Galaxy) Ropeway
At 730m above sea level, look up from the summit cable car station to see the whole sky glittering with stars. It takes only 7 minutes to get there by Shizukuishi Ginga (Galaxy) Ropeway. What spreads out before you is a stunning panorama from another world, a starry sky that feels close enough to touch.
The fairy tale author Kenji Miyazawa, who was born in Iwate prefecture's Hanamaki city, was also drawn in by the beauty of Shizukushi's night sky, and it is said that it had a huge influence on the creation of his most famous work. It remains a superb opportunity to gaze at the starry sky, just as it was in the past. From the cable car, you can also enjoy night views of Shizukuishi and Morioka.
| 2024 Schedule | April 19 (Fri) - November 3 (Sun / National holiday) |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | ● Ropeway Up April-May and August-November: 7:30P.M. - 8:00P.M. June - July: 8:00P.M. - 8:30P.M. ● Ropeway Down April-May and August-November: From 8:40P.M. June to July: From 9:10P.M. |
| Prices | Adult ¥2,200, Elementary school student ¥1,500 (Children under school age free) |
| Notes | If the number of visitors exceeds 200, we will increase the number of ropeway runs. |
- *You will be stargazing at an altitude of 730m. Preparing warm outfit is highly recommended.
Professional star guide explains the stars in the sky.
Visitors can enjoy stargazing while listening to the expert guide's commentary on the Milky Way shining above, and occasional shooting stars twinkling in the sky.
| Open Hours | All days of the ropeway operation season April-May and August-November: 8:15P.M. - 8:35P.M. During June and July: 8:45P.M. - 9:05P.M. |
|---|---|
| Notes | When the number of passengers exceeds 200, additional stargazing commentary will be provided to serve the additional ropeway runs. |
Restaurants
Main Dining Room Kobushi
- Experience the feeling of Iwate in this restaurant, with its real wood accents, warm atmosphere, and Nanbu ironware motif decor. Enjoy a set menu dinner featuring local produce from Iwate and other regions.
Prince Room
- Mt. Iwate view restaurant, facing a vista of majestic Mt. Iwate. Japanese and Western buffet-style meals are available for both dinner and breakfast.
For more information
Accommodation
Shizukuishi Prince Hotel
Quick and easy access by Shinkansen (bullet train), 2 hours 28 minutes from Tokyo. Shizukuishi Prince Hotel is an all season integrated resort, offering sightseeing, golfing, skiing leisure activities to all age groups. Special activity like star-gazing is also available.
- Address: Takakura Onsen, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate, 020-0593 Japan
- Tel: 81-(0)19-693-1111
- Check Availability
Hot Springs
Shizukuishi Takakura Onsen
This is an atmospheric open-air hot spring bath where you can experience the four seasons: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and an open-air bath for viewing snow in winter. Watch up close as carp swim in the pond that is right next to the bath.
Access
By Public Transportation
By Car or Taxi
From Airport
