Sakamoto Cable Car

The Sakamoto Cable Car (坂本ケーブル) offers one of Japan’s most scenic mountain rides, transporting visitors from the peaceful town of Sakamoto to the summit of Mount Hiei. As the longest cable car line in Japan, this 2,025-meter journey takes around 11 minutes and provides sweeping views of Lake Biwa, lush valleys, and the surrounding countryside. The car’s large windows make it ideal for photography, especially during peak seasons when cherry blossoms in spring or fiery red maple leaves in autumn blanket the landscape. Nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike use this route as a peaceful and picturesque gateway to one of the region’s most revered spiritual destinations.

At the summit station, visitors enter a serene world of mountain air, forest trails, and centuries-old religious heritage. The area serves as the gateway to Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual center of Tendai Buddhism in Japan. Well-marked hiking trails wind along the ridgeline, leading travelers to sub-temples, stone lanterns, mossy paths, and quiet scenic overlooks. Seasonal beauty enhances every visit—from blooming azaleas in late spring to the snowy stillness of winter—making the Sakamoto Cable Car not just a means of transportation, but an immersive experience that enriches any journey to Mount Hiei.