Unzen Ropeway
The Unzen Ropeway, opened in 1957, climbs from Nita Pass to the top of Mt. Myoken in just three minutes, a 500-meter journey over an ascent of 174 meters. From the left side of the gondola, the entire southwestern side of the peninsula is visible, including Japan’s second-oldest golf course and the towns of Unzen Onsen and Minamishimabara. On the right side, the slopes of the mountains still bear visible scars of the lava flows, but an increasing amount of vegetation can be seen as it slowly regains a foothold on the barren ground. There are several attractions near the station at the top: a Shinto shrine where climbers often make offerings before setting off on their journey; an observation deck with a 360-degree panoramic view, and a diorama at the station that offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire peninsula. (Ropeway operation times vary with the season and the weather. The fee is ¥630 one-way.)