Mt. Moiwa (elev. 531 m), a sightseeing spot in central Sapporo, commands a splendid view. It is known for its natural splendor, including that seen in the primeval forest there. It’s popular among tourists throughout the year for views of green leaves, autumnal colors and trees covered with snow.

The observatory deck at the summit commands a splendid view of central Sapporo, the Ishikari Bay and Mt. Shokanbetsu in Mashike. The view at dusk and in the early evening is romantic. The night view of central Sapporo, a carpet of lights, is breathtaking. To reach the summit, visitors can drive up Mt. Moiwa Sightseeing Road, climb any of four hiking trails, where visitors might encounter Yezo foxes, or ride a gondola that connects with a free shuttle bus to the top. Those interested in historical building shouldn’t miss the Ogura Residence, near the gondola station at the foot of the mountain.

Address: Fushimi 5-chome 3-7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Hours (gondola):
10:30AM – 9:30PM from Apr. 9 to May 31
10:30AM – 10PM from Oct. 1 to Nov. 19
11:00AM – 8:00PM from Dec. 10 to Mar. 31
11AM – 3PM on Dec. 31
5AM – Noon on Jan. 1
11AM – 9PM during the Snow Festival
Hours (observatory deck):
10:30AM – 9:30PM from Apr. 9 to May 31
10:30AM – 10PM from Oct. 1 to Nov. 19
11:00AM – 8:00PM from Dec. 10 to Mar. 31
11AM – 3PM on Dec. 31
5AM – Noon on Jan. 1
11AM – 9PM during the Snow Festival
Closed (gondola):
Apr. 1 – 8, Nov. 20 to Dec. 9
Closed (observatory deck):
Apr. 1 – 8, Dec. 1 to 9
Closed (sightseeing road):
Apr. 1 – 8, Dec. 1 to Mar. 31
Charge (o/w): 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
Access: From Susukino Subway Sta. (Namboku Line), take the tram to the Ropeway iriguchi Sta., and then walk 8 min.
Note: The tram is more convenient than the bus, because the tram departs every 6 min. or so.
Or take the “Kan 12” JR Hokkaido Bus to the Ropwey-mae bus stop, and then walk 4 min.
Note: Taxi fare is about 1,500 yen from Sapporo Sta. to the gondola station.
Parking (free): 65 cars
Contact: 011-561-8177 (Mt. Moiwa Ropeway)

● Mt. Moiwa Ice Terrace
Mt. Moiwa Ice Terrace, an observation deck made of ice, was in service from Dec. 22, 2007 to Feb. 11, 2008, near the gondola station at the top of the mountain.
Mt. Moiwa Ice Terrace

■ Season Pass for the Elderly
For those aged 65 or older
Validity: Apr. 1 – Mar. 31
Price: 1,500 yen

Note: Discount tickets for the Moiwa Ropeway are put in trams. For a 200-yen discount (adult) or a 100-yen discount (children), have the tram driver stamp the tickets.

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Night view of central Sapporo from Mt. Moiwa


Morisu #1 and #2, free shuttle buses, carry sightseers from the upper gondola station to the mountaintop observation deck in winter.