Written by Aarohi
Researched by Patrick Balfe
Celebrate winter with unique contests at the Beppu Ropeway.
What happens?
Got a competitive streak and a love of the bitter cold?
The Beppu Tsurumi-dake Cold Weather Competition features a variety of contests: racing, devouring shaved ice and somen noodles, and a shochu-tasting challenge that tests your palate.
Also expect an icicle-clinging contest where contestants grip a two-meter-long icicle and see who can hold on the longest — someone’s idea of fun. The record in 2025, by the way, was 2 minutes and 27 seconds!
Tickets 2026
Note: Registrations have closed.
The entry fee is ¥1,800 per person. This includes a round-trip ropeway ticket, insurance, and a special souvenir to commemorate your frosty adventure. Register online from 9 a.m. on January 4, 2026.
How to get there
From Oita Airport, take the Airport Express Bus to Beppu Station (approximately 40 minutes). From Beppu Station, you can catch a bus to Beppu Ropeway, which takes around 20 minutes.
For those driving, it’s a 5-minute trip from the Beppu Interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway.
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Adults:
Advance sales: ¥1,800
