Photo: ブルーノ・プラス / CC BY-SA 4.0Mt. Inasa rises on the opposite side of Nagasaki harbour from the wharves, and the ropeway takes you up 298 m in about 5 minutes over a 1,090 m run. From the summit you see the whole harbour basin and the city climbing the surrounding hills.
The station at the foot, Fuchi Shrine, is reached by a straight bus ride from the Matsugae wharf. At the top there is an observatory and the option, from the mid-mountain station, of a slope car (about 8 minutes) or a walking trail of about 800 m and 15 minutes. After 19:00 a free shuttle bus runs between central hotels, JR Nagasaki Station and the lower station if you book through the ropeway's reservation site.
The catch is that this is a dusk sight. A daytime view is pleasant but not the reason people go, and the free shuttle only runs after about 19:00. If your ship leaves before dark, the Peace Park, Glover Garden and Dejima are better days. The ropeway also halts in bad weather.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- From Nagasaki Station: Nagasaki Bus No. 3 or 4 from the Nagasaki Ekimae stop, get off at Ropeway-mae, 2 minutes' walk.
- The free evening shuttle runs from about 19:00 and needs a reservation; return buses leave Fuchi Shrine station at 20:30, 21:00, 21:30 and 22:10. It does not run if the ropeway is suspended.
- Option without the ropeway: Nagasaki Bus No. 5 to Inasayama Park, 3 minutes' walk, then the slope car (about 8 min).
- Last ascent is 21:00 and the last descent 22:00; allow for the queue on holidays.
- If the weather is poor, ring the operator first (+81 95 861 3640).
After 19:00 a free shuttle bus runs between central hotels, JR Nagasaki Station and the lower station if you book through the ropeway's reservation site.
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Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
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Questions people ask here
How do I get to the Mt. Inasa ropeway from the cruise terminal?
Take Nagasaki Bus No. 4 (bound for Shimo-Ohashi) from the Matsugae International Terminal stop, about 20 minutes, to Ropeway-mae, then walk 2 minutes to Fuchi Shrine station.
How much is the Mt. Inasa ropeway?
¥1,900 return or ¥1,040 one way for adults; elementary children pay ¥950 return.
When does it run?
9:00 to 22:00 all year, with the last ascent at 21:00 and cars every 15 to 20 minutes. Bad weather can suspend it.