The Sakamoto Cable (Hieizan Railway), opened 1927, is 2,025 m long, Japan's longest funicular per the operator and Shiga Prefecture, and both terminals are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, the top station the 1927 original still in use.
Why it's unique
At 2,025 m, the operator and Shiga Prefecture both describe it as Japan's longest funicular, and both of its terminals are on the national register of cultural properties, the top one still the 1927 original.
With the Kyoto-side Eizan Cable and Ropeway suspended indefinitely, this is now the rail route onto Mt Hiei and Enryaku-ji.
Before you go
With the Kyoto-side Eizan Cable and Ropeway suspended indefinitely, this is now the rail route onto Mt Hiei. The two halfway stations stop only on request. Sit facing downhill: Lake Biwa opens up behind you. It takes about 11 minutes up.
Currently 8:00 to 17:30 (seasonal); a return is about ¥1,660. From Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi, walk 10 minutes.
