Location & Access
Cable Sanjō Station was situated atop Mount Myoken in Kawanishi, Hyōgo Prefecture. As the upper terminus of the Myoken Cable funicular, it served as a crucial gateway for visitors looking to explore the scenic beauty and spiritual sites of the mountain, including the Nose Myoken-do temple.
Railway Lines
The station was exclusively served by the Myoken Cable (officially Myoken no Mori Cable), a funicular line operated by Nose Electric Railway. This 0.6 km (0.37 mi) line was notable for its standard gauge (1,435 mm) track, a rarity among Japanese funiculars which often use a 1067mm gauge. The funicular connected to the Myoken no Mori Lift (chairlift), forming a comprehensive access route up the mountain.
Station History
Opened on August 1, 1925, by Myōken Cable Railway, the line initially comprised the Kabu Line and Jōbu Line. Both were closed in 1944 during World War II. The Kabu Line reopened as Myoken Cable on April 22, 1960, while the Jōbu Line was converted into a chairlift. The line was known as the Cable Line until March 16, 2013, when it was renamed Myoken no Mori Cable. After 63 years of operations since its reopening, the Myoken Cable Line, along with Cable Sanjō Station, permanently ceased operations on December 3, 2023, due to declining ridership and aging facilities. The two cars, named “Hohoemi” (Smile) and “Tokimeki” (Excitement), were manufactured by Naniwa Koki (now Aruna Sharyo) and had been in service since the 1960 reopening.
Travel Tips
Although Cable Sanjō Station and the Myoken Cable are no longer operational, Mount Myoken remains a beautiful destination. Visitors can still explore the area, though alternative access methods would be required. It’s advisable to check local transportation options and hiking trails for current access to the mountain's attractions.
