Yashima Cable Car
The Yashima Cable Car became one of the oldest cable cars in Japan when it opened for business in 1929. It was designed to take pilgrims and tourists from the foot of Yashima up to Yashimaji Temple and the Shishi no Reigan lookout, and was the only form of public transportation on the mountain at the time. During World War II, service was suspended and parts of the track were removed in 1944. The cable car reopened in 1950 but its use declined after the opening of a paved road for cars on Yashima. In 2004, service was once again suspended, and the line was permanently closed in 2005.
Both the top station on the south ridge and the bottom station (located near Omiya Hachiman Shrine), along with the tracks and the two cable cars, have been left in place. The cable cars are parked at the bottom station. The top station building’s art deco-inspired facade recalls the cable car’s history and contrasts with the wild vegetation slowly enveloping it.