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Japan’s first permanent urban ropeway to open in Yokohama from April

9 Comments
By Connie Sceaphierde, grape Japan

It is no secret that Japan prides itself on its transportation industry.

If you’ve been to Japan it’s highly unlikely that you’ve missed an opportunity to use at least one of the many hundreds of trains that weave their way through the cities. Not only that, but you’ve probably also experienced, or at least witnessed, the good range of bus, taxi and other transportation methods that exist in this well connected country.

And whilst it may be true that some companies focus a little bit more on increasing the quantity of people they can carry in one journey, they never attempt to put a damper on comfort (though you might not notice it).

Here, going to and from places is not a simple matter of getting from A to B. When people spend a specific amount of their day traveling, they want to enjoy it, and that is what many companies strive to create – an enjoyable, comfortable and convenient journey.

One of the most enjoyable and scenic ways to see Japan from a different perspective is by ropeway. Popular in mountainous and snowy regions, ropeways are also now being brought into the cities, with Yokohama’s "Air Cabin" being the country’s first permanent urban ropeway.

The Yokohama Air Cabin will connect Sakuragicho station and Shinko Pier directly, making access more convenient between the two locations.

gondola.jpg

The urban ropeway is scheduled to open on April 22, and will feature barrier-free gondolas that are fully equipped with air-conditioning, meaning that rides will be comfortable year round.

The glass-walled gondola will provide a new way to enjoy the fascinating scenery of Yokohama’s Minatomirai waterfront, and with line operation running until 10pm, the ropeway is sure to attract people looking for a unique night view of the bay.

Operation Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Journey time per ride: 5 minutes

The ropeway will be suspended 40 meters in the air, and travel 630 meters from Sakuragicho station to Shinko Pier. The line will hold 36 individual gondolas, which will each hold up to 8 people.

Fare (one way)

Adults (junior high and up): 1,000 yen

Children (3 years to elementary): 500 yen

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© grape Japan

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9 Comments
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This will be utilized about as often as the ferris wheel. People will use it try it once and then never again.

Yokohama always seems to have budget money for expensive amusement park novelty projects but none for things that would actually improve residents lives on a daily basis. Other major cities around the world are now encouraging active transport by making cycling and walking safer by actively dissuading car use and by developing networks of protected bike lanes. It's not as "gee whiz" or instagrammable - but it would be a much more valuable addition to the city.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Eight people. Nice social distancing!

Its ok! You’ll be made to social distance while lining up for this thing. And then packed into the ‘AirCabin.’

Also, a thousand yen one way? No thanks!

6 ( +8 / -2 )

At the start they will not utilize full capacity. Expect the evenings to be a lot of couples paying for a little privacy and the view of the lights reflecting on the water beneath. It will become part of a "date night".

3 ( +3 / -0 )

One way 4,000 yen for a family of four? Think we'll walk the 630 meters and spend the money saved on a nice dinner somewhere!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Eight people. Nice social distancing!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Cool. Yokohama is great city.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Once I was up in the Yokohama Ferris wheel with two blondes from Lvov, Ukraine. That park also has a roller coaster with an optical illusion that makes it look like it's diving into a pond. For grub 'Hama's got Greek, Basque, Chinese, etc. I try to get there once every other month. Great town.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Color has change back to white?

Anyhow I think this rope way is dagerous imagine falling into the ocean and drowning. Sorry but I rather stay safe and hope nothing bad would happen. My personal Phobia. Cheers! :)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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