On 14 September 2024, I visited Marunuma Kogen in Katashina, Gunma.
Rather than hiking Mt Nikkoshirane, I took the ropeway up the mountain and spent some time around the upper station.
I don’t remember every detail of the trip now, but I do remember the views — and luckily, I took plenty of photos.
Taking the Ropeway Up
The ropeway ride itself was one of the best parts of the visit.
As we climbed higher, there was green almost everywhere I looked. It was still mid-September, so autumn colours hadn’t really arrived yet.
Taking the ropeway up through the mountains.
Looking down, I could also see what appeared to be a campsite, with tents scattered across the grass below.
The view from the ropeway — still very green in mid-September.
Mt Nikkoshirane Was Still Visible — At First
At the top, I could initially see Mt Nikkoshirane surprisingly clearly.
Mt Nikkoshirane was still clearly visible when I arrived.
The sign beside it marked the elevation at 2,000 metres, and the mountain looked pretty impressive from there.
But it didn’t stay like that for long.
Clouds gradually moved in while I was up there, and the top of the mountain started disappearing.
A while later, this was the same view:
Later on, the mountain had almost completely disappeared behind the clouds.
I remember thinking that if I’d arrived a little later, I might not have seen the top at all.
Chiffon Cake at the Café
I also spent some time at the café near the upper station.
I ordered a slice of chiffon cake, which I remember being light and fluffy.
There was also an outdoor area around the upper station, including a footbath when I visited.
I wasn’t there to do anything particularly ambitious that day. I simply took the ropeway up, looked around, had something at the café and enjoyed being up in the mountains.
And looking back at these photos now, the thing I remember most is probably how quickly the view changed.
Mt Nikkoshirane was right there when I arrived.
Not long afterwards, the clouds had swallowed it.
You can go to the point by either ropeway or hiking up, where there is Tenku-Cafe that you can enjoy snacks and drinks. It is based at an elevation of 2000 meters. There is also a natural “Ashiyu”footbath that It will help relieve the fatigue from hiking. The mountain stands just in front of you, which offers a spectacular view!
Planning your visit
Ropeway times, fares and operating dates can change, so check the official Marunuma Kogen website before visiting.
Official information: Marunuma Kogen
