Sapporo Night View from Mt.Moiwayama

This place is written as [藻岩山] in Japanese.

As of this autumn on October 3rd, Sapporo has been certified as one of the new top three night views in Japan, alongside Nagasaki and Kobe.

Previously, when discussing the best night views in Japan, Hakodate in Hokkaido was often highlighted. However, the dynamics have shifted, with Sapporo, as the largest city, now elevating its status to claim the second spot among Japan’s top three night views.

Open

  • Summer:10:30 – 22:00(last 21:30)
  • Winter:11:00 – 22:00(last 21:30)
  • 31 Dec: 11:00 – 17:00(last 16:30)
  • 1st Jan, 2016: 5:00 – 17:00(last 16:30) This is a special operation for the New year’s sun-rise at 7:06.

Ropeway + mini cable car(to the top of the mountain)

  • Adult:2,100 yen
  • Child:1050 yen

Access

moiwayama-20151103-92

Indeed, the lights of Sapporo spread far and wide, illuminating the city from east to west and north to south. With a population exceeding 1.9 million, Sapporo ranks as the fourth most populous city in Japan, ensuring a dazzling array of lights adorn its night skies.

However, Hakodate retains its reputation for having one of the most picturesque night views in Japan, owing to its unique geographical features and layout.

moiwayama-20151103-87

People flock to the observation floors to capture stunning photos of Sapporo’s night views and snap selfies against the illuminated backdrop.

Mount Moiwa, standing at 531 meters high in the southwest of Sapporo, is believed to have formed from volcanic activity approximately 4 million years ago when Mount Eniwa erupted, spreading volcanic ash that settled around the area we now call Sapporo.

The northeastern slopes of Mount Moiwa are designated as a natural treasure of Japan, boasting over 400 species of plants and animals. Despite its natural richness, Mount Moiwa is remarkably close to the city center, presenting a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty rarely seen in large Japanese cities.

moiwayama-20151103-117

You can easily reach the ropeway station via streetcar or a free shuttle bus from Sapporo’s central area.

The fare for the ropeway and mini cable car combination is 1,700 yen for adults, with half fares available for children.

moiwayama-20151103-6

moiwayama-20151103-50

moiwayama-20151103-40

At the middle station, you’ll find a shop and a gallery that hosts photo exhibitions and music concerts.

moiwayama-20151103-100

Instead of just enjoying the night view, experiencing the panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings allows you to appreciate the vastness of Sapporo.

moiwayama-20151103-28

Visitors often enjoy taking photos and leaving padlocks as symbols of their eternal love around the ring stage, reminiscent of the practice near the Seine River in Paris, which was later removed for safety reasons on the bridge.

moiwayama-20151103-25

You can enjoy both day and night.

moiwayama-20151103-90

 

moiwayama-20151103-84

moiwayama-20151103-78

moiwayama-20151103-86

See this page for additional information of ropeway fare and others.

author avatar
Hiroshi Mizukoshi painter / writer