1. The allure of the night view from Mt. Moiwa

When you think of night views, you often picture couples. Mt. Moiwa has also been designated a "Lover's Sanctuary." It's a wonderful place that will create special memories for lovers. Furthermore, after a major renovation in 2011, the entire building is now barrier-free, and with plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants, it's a spot that anyone, young or old, from families to the elderly, can easily visit.
Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo! As its name suggests, which comes from the Ainu language of Hokkaido's indigenous people, "Inkarushipe" (meaning "the place where one always goes up to keep watch"), the mountaintop observation deck at an altitude of 531 meters offers a magnificent 360-degree view of Sapporo city, as well as the Ishikari Plain, Ishikari Bay, and the Mashike mountain range.

"Lovers' Sanctuary": A date spot where you can find happiness!

The NPO Regional Revitalization Support Center selects romantic spots suitable for marriage proposals from tourist areas across Japan as "Lovers' Sanctuaries." At the observation deck of Mt. Moiwa, there are items that deepen the bond between lovers, such as the "Bell of Happiness" and "Love Locks."

"Bell of happiness"

Located in the center of the observation deck, it's a particularly eye-catching spot for commemorative photos. It's said that if a man holds the longer end and a woman holds the shorter end and they both ring it, their love will be fulfilled.

"The padlock of love"

There are padlocks that can be attached to the railing around the bell.
There's a legend that if you write both people's names on it and hang it up, that couple will never break up.
Padlocks are sold at the souvenir shop inside the mid-mountain station. (1,000 yen / as of 2019)

"THE JEWELS"
The only restaurant where you can enjoy the night view of Mt. Moiwa!

Enjoy dinner while taking in a 180-degree panoramic night view from the spacious, glass-walled interior. Dinner courses start from 5,800 yen, and while drinks are a bit pricey, considering the amazing view, it's a very cost-effective restaurant, perfect for a date. It's also highly recommended for anniversaries and other special occasions.
<The Jewels>　http://www.sapporo-dc.co.jp/jewels/

"Moi Moi Shop" - Souvenir corner inside the mid-mountain station

They have a wide variety of souvenirs, from food to cute goods.
The limited-edition Morris merchandise available only at Moiwa Mountain is very popular!

"Barrier-free access" - making it accessible to everyone!

Each facility is designed to be easily accessible to everyone, from young children to the elderly, wheelchair users, and people with disabilities. The mountaintop observation deck is equipped with elevators from the basement to the rooftop, making it a building that is easy for everyone to use.
Additionally, there is a viewing area where you can enjoy views of Sapporo city and its nightscape from indoors, even on rainy days or during the cold winter months.

2. How to get to Mt. Moiwa

Access to Mt. Moiwa is very convenient, with options including streetcars, regular buses, and scheduled sightseeing buses.

I recommend the streetcar! (Approximately 30 minutes from Susukino)

It's about a 20-minute ride from either the Nishi 4-chome or Susukino bus stop, where you can enjoy the scenery from the window.
The journey takes about the same amount of time whether you board at the Nishi 4-chome or Susukino bus stop.

The fare is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children one way. IC cards can also be used.

Get off at the tram ropeway entrance stop.

There are arrows pointing towards the ropeway base station, and it's convenient to use the free shuttle bus from South 19 West 15.

The bus stop has a map showing the way to the shuttle bus stop, making it easy to find.
It's very close, about a one-minute walk.

A free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes to Moiwa Mountain Foot Station.
The ride will take about 5 minutes.

 "Local bus" (approximately 40 minutes from the main road)

(First, take the Tozai Line subway to Maruyama Park Station.)

Take the train bound for Miyanosawa from Odori Station (6 minutes).

After exiting the ticket gate at Maruyama Park Station, follow the signs to the bus terminal.

The bus terminal has a waiting area where you can escape the cold, which is a welcome feature in winter.

Take the JR Hokkaido Bus, Ropeway Line [Circular Route 10 or Circular Route 11], and ride for approximately 15 minutes to the "Ropeway Entrance" bus stop.
Get off at "Ropeway Entrance" and walk for about 5 minutes to "Moiwa Mountain Base Station".

Part of the [Circular Route 11] goes to "Moiwa Mountain Foot Station". If the timing works out, the [Circular Route 11] is convenient.

However, since both only run once or twice an hour, be sure to check the schedule carefully.

"Regular sightseeing bus"

Another recommended option is to tour the main tourist attractions in Sapporo while listening to a tour guide, and then head to the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway.
For details, Hokkaido Chuo Bus Regular Sightseeing Website .

"car"

It's about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station and about 10 minutes from Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
Take Ishiyama Street (National Route 230) towards Jozankei. Turn right at the Minami 19-jo intersection, and you will arrive at Moiwa Mountain Foot Station.
There is a free parking lot with space for approximately 120 cars located very close to the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway station, "Moiwa Mountain Base Station".

3. To reach the mountaintop observation deck, take the "Moiwa Mountain Ropeway" or the "Morris Car".

The newly renovated ropeway, featuring larger glass windows, travels 1200 meters to the mid-mountain station in approximately 5 minutes. The atmosphere inside the ropeway is truly enlivening. It operates every 15 minutes.

Taking a stroll through the air, the night view from the ropeway will make you involuntarily exclaim, "It's wonderful!"

 

Once you arrive at the mid-mountain station, transfer to the latest Swiss-made cable car, the "Morris Car," and head up to the mountaintop observation deck.

Business hours

Summer season: April 1st to November 20th, 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM (last ascent at 9:30 PM)
Winter season: December 1st to March 31st, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last ascent at 9:30 PM)
December 31st, New Year's Eve, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last northbound train at 2:30 PM)
January 1st (New Year's Day): Special service for viewing the first sunrise of the year, 5:00 AM - 10:00 AM (last ascent at 9:30 AM)
*Please note that we will be closed from Monday, March 27th to Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 for annual maintenance inspections.

Price

■Moiwa Mountain Foot Station → Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station → Moiwa Mountain Summit Station (Observation Deck)
Ropeway + Morris Car (mini cable car) set price
Round trip: Adults 2,100 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 1,050 yen
One-way fare: Adults 1,050 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 530 yen

■Moiwa Mountain Foot Station → Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station
Cable car fare
Round trip: Adults 1,400 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 700 yen
One-way fare: Adults 700 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 350 yen

■Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station → Moiwa Summit Station (Observation Deck)
Morris Car (mini cable car) usage fee
Round trip: Adults 700 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 350 yen
One-way fare: Adults 350 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 180 yen

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