The night view from Mt. Moiwa is said to be very beautiful, but when I actually went there, its charm exceeded all expectations. The cityscape of Hokkaido's largest city with a population of 190 million is illuminated by a great many lights, and some say it's even more spectacular than the famous Mt. Hakodate. Of the three night views of Hokkaido—Mt. Hakodate, Mt. Tengu in Otaru, and Mt. Moiwa—Mt. Moiwa was the one that impressed me the most. It's also easily accessible from Sapporo Station in about 30 minutes, so it's a recommended spot to visit if you're in Sapporo!

But is it really that beautiful? How do I get there? For those of you wondering, we'll introduce the charm of the Mt. Moiwa night view and how to get there.

Furthermore, in October 2015, at the "Night View Summit" organized by the Night View Tourism Convention & Bureau and others, Sapporo was selected as one of the "New Three Great Night View Cities of Japan," alongside Nagasaki and Kobe, based on votes from 4,500 people who had passed the Night View Appreciation Specialist Certification Exam. We hope you will experience the charm of the night view from Mt. Moiwa, one of Sapporo's most representative night views!

<Table of Contents>
1. The allure of the night view from Mt. Moiwa
"Lovers' Sanctuary": A date spot where you can find happiness!
"Bell of Happiness" and "Padlock of Love"
"THE JEWELS" - A restaurant in the sky with a stunning night view.
The souvenir corner at "Moi Moi Shop" inside the mid-mountain station is also well-stocked.
"Barrier-free access" - making it accessible to everyone!
2. How to get to Mt. Moiwa, access information
"Streetcar", "Route bus", "Scheduled sightseeing bus", "Car"
3. To reach the mountaintop observation deck, take the "Moiwa Mountain Ropeway" or the "Morris Car".
• Opening hours and fees

Night views are often associated with couples, and Mt. Moiwa has 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.

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."

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

Enjoy dinner while taking in a 180-degree panoramic night view from the spacious, glass-walled interior. Dinner courses start from 3,500 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.tgn.co.jp/hall/sapporo/jwlr/

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!

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.

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 170 yen for adults and 90 yen for children one way.

It was a retro-style train, but I was able to use my IC card.

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.

Opening 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 - 17:00 AM (last ascent at 16:30 AM)
*The entire building will be closed for maintenance for 10 days from November 21st to November 30th.

Prices

■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 1,700 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 850 yen
One-way fare: Adults 900 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 450 yen

■Moiwa Mountain Foot Station → Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station
Cable car fare
Round trip: Adults 1,100 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 550 yen
One-way fare: Adults 600 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 300 yen

■Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station → Moiwa Summit Station (Observation Deck)
Morris Car (mini cable car) usage fee
Round trip: Adults 600 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 300 yen
One-way fare: Adults 300 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 150 yen

★Great deals★
[Birthday Discount]
If you present proof of your birthday at the ticket counter
A round-trip ticket for the ropeway and Morris Car is free for the person riding, and 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children accompanying them.

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[Recommended articles to read together]
・5 cities in Hokkaido with beautiful night views that you'll want to visit on a date or trip!
You too can be moved by the breathtaking scenery! The complete guide to Otaru's night view, one of Hokkaido's three greatest night views!
Spectacular Views! Everything You Need to Know and Hidden Gems to Enjoy Hakodate's Night View to the Fullest
・Romantic! What makes Muroran's factory night view so appealing? (One of Japan's Five Great Factory Night Views)
A classic Sapporo sightseeing route | Your first trip to Sapporo!
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