Sumaura Ropeway

The Sumaura Ropeway (須磨浦ロープウェイ, Sumaura Rōpuwei) is a Japanese aerial lift line in Kōbe, Hyōgo, operated by the Sanyō Electric Railway.^[1] Opened in 1957, the line climbs Mount Hachibuse (246m) of the Suma coast.

A view from the cabin.

At the summit, there is a transfer to the Carlator (カーレーター, Kārētā), similar to an escalator but using baskets. Opened in March 18 1966, its name is a portmanteau of "Car" and "escalator"^[2] and takes you from the rope-way’s top station up a steep 91-metre slope to the summit, the 2-person basket-car famously rattles and vibrates on its way up in a way the operator describes as "uncomfortable"^[3].

Basic data

• System: Aerial tramway, 1 track cable and 2 haulage ropes
• Distance: 464 metres (0.3 mi)
• Vertical interval: 180 m (591 ft)
• Passenger capacity per a cabin: 30
• Cabins: 2
• Stations: 2

See also

• List of aerial lifts in Japan