Niigata Autumn Leaves: Naeba Dragondola & Tashiro Ropeways

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. For Tokyo departure option: Your tour begins at Tokyo Station, where you will meet your tour conductor and board a reserved-seat Joetsu Shinkansen (Toki or Tanigawa). The train departs between 7:30 and 8:30 AM and travels toward Takasaki Station. After approximately one hour, you will arrive at Takasaki, a gateway to the mountainous landscapes of Niigata, where you will transfer to a local sightseeing bus. Please note that final train details, including the exact meeting time and train information, will be provided approximately one week before departure via Viator chat. For Takasaki departure option: Your tour begins at JR Takasaki Station, where you will meet your tour conductor and join the group arriving from Tokyo. From here, you will travel toward the base of the Tashiro Ropeway, heading into the mountainous area of Niigata to begin your scenic journey. At some point during the tour, you will receive a Japanese-style lunch box featuring chicken served over rice.

   5 minutes here

2. After arriving by bus from Takasaki Station, you’ll reach the Tashiro Ropeway Base Station, the starting point of your journey into the mountains. Here, you’ll board the Tashiro Ropeway, which is known as Japan’s highest cable car, reaching a height of 230 meters above the ground. The 10-minute ride offers a smooth and scenic ascent through the forested slopes of Niigata Prefecture. The ropeway carries you toward the heart of the autumn foliage zone, where the leaves typically reach their peak from mid-October to early November.

   10 minutes here · Admission included

3. After arriving at the summit via the Tashiro Ropeway, you’ll step into the fresh mountain air of Tashiro Plateau, located approximately 1,400 meters above sea level. This highland area is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees are covered in vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow. The foliage typically peaks from mid-October to early November, though this may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. To reach the scenic walking area, you’ll ride the Rakuraku Lift, a gentle chairlift that helps you avoid long uphill walks. Once at the top, you’ll have free time to explore the plateau at your own pace. Whether you prefer taking photos, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, or simply admiring the views, this is a relaxing and immersive nature experience.

   60 minutes here

4. From the Tashiro Plateau, you’ll take a scenic downhill walk of about 1 kilometer to reach the Naeba Dragondola Summit Station. The path takes approximately 20–25 minutes and winds through forested terrain rich with autumn colors. Please note that parts of the trail are unpaved, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

   20 minutes here

5. Next, you’ll board the Naeba Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola ride, stretching 5,481 meters across valleys and lakes. This 25-minute journey is a highlight of the tour, offering breathtaking views of Futai Lake and the surrounding mountains. From mid-October to early November, the forest below becomes a sea of color, with leaves shimmering in the sunlight. The Dragondola glides silently above rivers and ridges, creating a serene and unforgettable experience. It’s like floating through a living painting.

   25 minutes here · Admission included

6. After the Dragondola experience, you continue your journey by bus, traveling for approximately 80 minutes through the mountainous landscape. You arrive at Kawaba Denen Plaza, a popular roadside station set in the countryside, surrounded by fields and fresh mountain air. This stop offers a glimpse into local life, where regional products and seasonal produce are gathered in one place. As you walk through the complex, you can browse local specialties and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing deeper into nature.

   30 minutes here

7. Fukiwarenotaki Falls

   From Kawaba, you continue for approximately 20 minutes by bus to your final destination, Fukiware Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the East.” Here, the water flows powerfully across a wide, eroded rock surface rather than falling straight down, creating a dramatic and unique landscape. As you walk along the surrounding paths and viewpoints, you can observe the rushing water from different angles and experience its scale up close. The sound of the water moving through the rocky gorge creates a refreshing atmosphere, providing a memorable and dynamic end to the day. In autumn, the surrounding area becomes especially striking, with foliage typically reaching its peak from late October to mid-November, adding vibrant color to the rugged scenery.

   40 minutes here

8. After visiting Fukiware Falls, you will begin your return journey, traveling by bus for approximately 80 minutes back to Takasaki Station. For the Takasaki departure option, the tour will conclude here at around 5:50 PM. For the Tokyo departure option, upon arrival at Takasaki Station, you will board a reserved-seat Joetsu Shinkansen (Toki or Tanigawa) for your return to Tokyo. The train will take you comfortably back to the city, arriving at Tokyo Station between 7:00 and 8:30 PM, with optional stops at Omiya or Ueno if more convenient. Final train details, including the exact departure time and train information, will be provided approximately 1 week before departure via Viator chat, so please check your messages in advance.

   5 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Tokyo departure

  Meeting time may vary: Final meeting time and train details will be sent 1 week before departure. Train departure is expected between 7:30-8:30 AM. Starting point: Bellmart Kiosk, Japan, 100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1-chōme−9−１ JR Tokyo Station, 付近 構内 日本橋口駅前広場 丸の内中央ビル1階

• Takasaki departure

  No Return to Tokyo: This option concludes the tour at Takasaki Station. Return to Tokyo Station is not included. Starting point: Takasaki Station, Yashimacho, Takasaki, Gunma 370-0849, Japan

Before you book

Cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Languages

ja, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Club Tourism International Inc.

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. An English-speaking tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information during the tour. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
• For the Takasaki Departure Option: On selected dates, the tour starts and ends only in Takasaki instead of Tokyo. On these departures, a Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
• Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
• The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened.
• This tour includes outdoor sightseeing. Please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or rubber-soled footwear that you are used to walking in, as some areas may have uneven paths.
• Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund.
• According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed.
• Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
• If either the Naeba Dragondola or the Tashiro Ropeway is not operating, the tour will continue using the transportation option that is available. However, if both are out of service, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing location. In that case, you will receive a refund equivalent to the amount originally paid by the tour operator for the unused transportation. Please note that if this amount is used to cover costs at the substitute destination, no additional refund will be provided.
• This tour will proceed as scheduled regardless of the state of the autumn foliage, as long as the tour has been officially confirmed. Please note that the timing of peak autumn colors may vary each year. Typically, the best viewing period for Suwakyo Gorge is from late October to mid-November, while the Tashiro Ropeway and Naeba Dragondola usually reach their peak from mid-October to early November.
• From Tashiro Ropeway Summit Station to Naeba Dragondola Summit Station, you will walk approximately 1 kilometer downhill (about 20 to 25 minutes). Please note that parts of the path are unpaved, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour is designed with care and attention to detail. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, the experience has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities, allowing you to join with confidence.
• Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement.

Photos