Mt. Moiwa Ropeway & Observation Sapporo
Ascend Mt. Moiwa for breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo, especially magical at sunset and night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the sunset and city lights
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway & Observation Sapporo
Best Time
Catch the sunset and city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mt. Moiwa for breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo, especially magical at sunset and night.
"The best sunset and city lights view in Sapporo!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45-60 mins before sunset to beat crowds & get the best view. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets chilly at the top, even in summer! Bring a jacket or hoodie. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sapporo's Panoramic Night View
Summit Observation Deck
Witness Sapporo transform into a glittering tapestry of lights as dusk settles. Truly magical!
Sunset Over the City
Observation Deck
Watch the sky paint vibrant colors as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the city.
The Scenic Ropeway Journey
Ropeway and Mini Cable Car
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding nature as you ascend to the summit.
Lover's Bell
Summit
Ring the bell and make a wish with your loved one for a romantic touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the View
Ropeway vs. Hiking: Know Your Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45-60 mins before sunset to beat crowds & get the best view. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets chilly at the top, even in summer! Bring a jacket or hoodie. :cloud:
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Queues are manageable; buying on-site avoids pre-purchase timing issues. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Consider Walking Down
Skip the mini cable car queue by walking down the steps (at night, use phone flashlights).
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45-60 mins before sunset to beat crowds & get the best view. :camerawithflash:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets chilly at the top, even in summer! Bring a jacket or hoodie. :cloud:
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Queues are manageable; buying on-site avoids pre-purchase timing issues. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Consider Walking Down
Skip the mini cable car queue by walking down the steps (at night, use phone flashlights).
🐻 Bear Safety if Hiking
Carry bear spray and use common sense if hiking. Risk is low but present.
📱 Check Ropeway Status
Verify the ropeway is operational before you go; inspections can cause closures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway offers spectacular panoramic views of Sapporo, especially at sunset and night, making it a highly recommended spot. While the ascent via ropeway is smooth and scenic, the observation deck can get crowded, and the weather at the summit is often chilly. Some visitors find the experience a bit commercialized, but the views are generally considered worth the trip.
"If you’re in Sapporo and wondering where to catch the best sunset—or just want to see the whole city laid out like a glowing circuit board—the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway is where it’s at.
The ride up is smooth, scenic, and quick. First, you hop on a ropeway that glides over lush green hills, and then transfer to a cute little mini cable car that brings you right to the summit. At the top? A 360° panoramic view of Sapporo, the mountains, and on clear days, even the sea. It’s a whole vibe—especially as the sun starts to dip and the lights of the city flicker on.
There’s a café and a small observation deck (which can get crowded at golden hour), but honestly, the view does all the heavy lifting. There’s even a “lovers’ bell” and lock wall if you’re feeling romantic—or just want an excuse to ring a bell and make a wish.
💡 Pro tip: Time it right—arrive about 45–60 minutes before sunset to beat the crowds and snag the best spot. And bring a jacket. Even in summer, that mountain breeze means business."
The Country Collectors
"Free shuttle bus but only started at 1715. So we walked for about 10mins to station with upslope 1/3 the way. Bought halfway return tickets at 1400yen instead as there was a 500m gentle trail and 200m steep steps to the top which is quite easy with flora and fauna along side the 500m trail on a cool summer high up the mountain. Spent day and night viewing at the observatory. Long Q for the mini cable car to the halfway station downwards but we only had the halfway return tickets and beat everyone who were waiting in the Q. Save 700yen each and probably 45mins queuing time for the downward journey by walking down instead of the snaking Q. Only thing was that you can only take the steps at night. Very dark but everyone had a handphone flashlight to lit the way. Fantastic view at the top and the weather was windy and chilly so warm clothing is advised."
Max Foo
"They packed you like sardines in a can - (they packed as many people they can in a ropeway car). The viewing platform on the top also of limited space. There is one fancy restaurant and a small pastry shop.
Not worth the effort to get here and pay the entrance fee.
The views are so-so."
Eddy Chandra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mt. Moiwa via public transport. Take a tram to the 'Ropeway Entrance' stop, then walk about 10 minutes uphill to the base station.
Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway.
Yes, hiking is possible, with routes like the 'Hospital Route' being popular and generally safe. However, the ropeway is the more common and recommended way to reach the summit for most visitors.
For sunset, taking the ropeway is the most convenient. Aim to arrive at the base station about an hour before sunset to allow time for ticket purchase and the ascent.
Yes, a free shuttle bus operates to Mt. Moiwa, typically starting in the late afternoon (around 5:15 PM). It's advisable to check the latest schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Round-trip tickets for the ropeway and mini cable car typically cost around 1400 JPY for adults. You can purchase tickets at the base station.
While pre-purchase options might exist, many travelers find it convenient to buy tickets directly at the base station. This also allows you to check the view on their screen before purchasing.
Operating hours vary seasonally, but generally, the ropeway runs from late morning until around 9 PM or 10 PM. It's crucial to check the official website for current hours and potential inspection closures.
Yes, the ropeway can be closed for inspection and maintenance. For example, it was closed through April 25th in one instance. Always check the official website for updates.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but purchasing halfway return tickets can save money if you plan to walk down.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo, the surrounding mountains, and the sea on clear days.
Most visitors find the view spectacular, especially at sunset and night when the city lights up. +1 However, some reviews suggest the view can be 'so-so' depending on weather conditions.
The observation deck can get very crowded, particularly around sunset. Arriving early is recommended to find a good spot.
It's advisable to wear layers and bring a jacket or hoodie, as it can be quite cold and windy at the summit, even during warmer months.
Yes, there is a cafe and a fancy restaurant at the summit. The restaurant can be expensive, so booking in advance is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, just before and during sunset, offers stunning light for cityscapes. The night view is also a popular subject.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic city views. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography, especially for the night view.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be mindful of other visitors, especially on the crowded observation deck.
Yes, the ropeway journey itself offers scenic photo opportunities of the surrounding landscape.
The main observation deck provides the most comprehensive views. Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of Sapporo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The panoramic views from the summit are sure to captivate young minds, offering a chance to spot cars and buildings from high above. 💑 Couples & Romantics
🚶♀️ Adventurous Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ascent: Ropeway & Hiking
The journey itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature and the city as you ascend. For the more adventurous, hiking is an option. Popular trails like the 'Hospital Route' are considered relatively easy and are often busy enough to deter bears.
It's crucial to check the ropeway's operational status before your visit, as it can be subject to closures for inspection and maintenance.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Mt. Moiwa
For the best results, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast panorama.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times.
Experiencing the Summit: Views, Amenities, and Romance
This vista is particularly magical at sunset and after dark when the city lights twinkle like a carpet of stars. At the summit, you'll find a cafe for refreshments and a small observation deck.
It's important to note that the summit can be crowded, especially during popular times like sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit