About Mt. Moiwa

Mt. Moiwa is a popular mountain and observation deck located in Sapporo, Japan. Here are some facts and highlights of Mt. Moiwa:

  1. Location: Mt. Moiwa is located in the southwest part of Sapporo, and it offers panoramic views of the city, the Sea of Japan, and the Ishikari Plains.
  2. Access: You can reach the top of the mountain by taking the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, which departs from the base station at the foot of the mountain. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain using one of the several trails available.
  3. Observation Deck: At the summit of the mountain, there is an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. The deck is open year-round, and it is a popular spot for watching the sunset and the city lights at night.
  4. Restaurant: There is a restaurant located at the summit of the mountain, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.
  5. Weather Station: At the top of the mountain, there is a weather station that monitors the local weather conditions. Visitors can view the data from the station on a display screen.
  6. Skiing: In the winter, the mountain offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities at the Moiwa Ski Resort.
  7. Moiwa Shrine: There is a small shrine located on the mountain that is dedicated to the deity of love and marriage. It is a popular spot for couples and tourists to take photos.

These are some of the highlights of Mt. Moiwa. The mountain is a popular attraction in Sapporo, offering visitors stunning views of the city and the natural surroundings.

History timeline of Mt. Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is a mountain in Sapporo, Japan, with an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city. Here is a brief history timeline of Mount Moiwa:

  • 1874: Mount Moiwa is officially named, and a survey team from the Hokkaido Development Commission is sent to the mountain to study its geography and natural resources.
  • 1891: The first mountain trail to the summit of Mount Moiwa is established.
  • 1951: The Sapporo City Tramway extends its line to the base of Mount Moiwa, making it more accessible to visitors.
  • 1958: The Sapporo Moiwa Ropeway, a cable car system, is constructed to take visitors from the base of the mountain to the summit.
  • 1998: The Moiwa Ropeway is upgraded with a new gondola system, featuring modern, spacious cars and a faster ride to the top.
  • 2005: The Moiwa Ropeway is closed for a major renovation, which includes the construction of a new observation deck at the summit of the mountain.
  • 2011: The renovated Moiwa Ropeway and the new observation deck are opened to the public.
  • 2016: A new “Star Gazing Platform” is opened on the observation deck, offering visitors the chance to stargaze in a special area designed for astronomy enthusiasts.

Today, Mount Moiwa remains a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Sapporo’s natural beauty. The Moiwa Ropeway and observation deck provide visitors with stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape, and the mountain is a popular spot for hiking and other outdoor activities.

How to reach Mt. Moiwa

There are a few ways to reach Mount Moiwa in Sapporo, Japan:

  1. By car: Visitors can drive to the base of the mountain and park in the Moiwa Sanroku Parking Lot, which is located near the Moiwa Ropeway Station.
  2. By public transportation: Visitors can take the Sapporo City Tramway to the Ropeway Iriguchi stop, which is the nearest tram stop to the base of the mountain. From there, visitors can walk to the Moiwa Ropeway Station, which is about 10 minutes away.
  3. By taxi: Visitors can take a taxi from anywhere in Sapporo to the Moiwa Ropeway Station. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and are a convenient option for those who do not want to drive or take public transportation.

Once at the Moiwa Ropeway Station, visitors can purchase a ticket to ride the cable car up to the summit of Mount Moiwa. The ride takes about 5 minutes and offers spectacular views of Sapporo and the surrounding landscape. At the summit, visitors can enjoy the observation deck, the “Star Gazing Platform,” and other attractions, as well as hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

Do's and Dont's at Mt. Moiwa

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Mt. Moiwa:

Do’s:

  1. Do dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike the trails.
  2. Do bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
  3. Do purchase tickets for the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  4. Do explore the hiking trails and the ski resort, depending on the season.
  5. Do be respectful of the Moiwa Shrine and its surroundings.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t litter. Be sure to dispose of your trash properly in the designated trash cans.
  2. Don’t smoke in non-smoking areas.
  3. Don’t feed any wildlife that you may encounter on the mountain.
  4. Don’t leave the designated trails when hiking.
  5. Don’t bring your pets, as they are not allowed on the mountain for safety reasons.

Overall, visitors should be mindful of their impact on the mountain’s natural environment and should respect the local customs and culture. Enjoy the beautiful views and have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting Mt. Moiwa.

Highlights of Mt. Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is a popular tourist destination in Sapporo, Japan, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the highlights of Mt. Moiwa:

  1. Moiwa Ropeway: The Moiwa Ropeway is a cable car system that takes visitors from the base of the mountain to the summit. The ride takes about 5 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the city and the landscape below.
  2. Observation deck: At the summit of Mount Moiwa, there is an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding area. Visitors can see as far as the Sea of Japan on a clear day.
  3. Star Gazing Platform: The Star Gazing Platform is a special area on the observation deck designed for astronomy enthusiasts. Visitors can use telescopes to view the stars and learn about astronomy from knowledgeable staff.
  4. Hiking trails: Mount Moiwa has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the mountain and its surroundings.
  5. Winter activities: In the winter, Mount Moiwa is a popular spot for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. The mountain also offers spectacular views of the winter landscape.
  6. Romantic evening views: Mount Moiwa is also known for its romantic evening views. Visitors can enjoy a romantic dinner or drinks at the mountain-top restaurant while taking in the spectacular nighttime views of the city below.

Overall, Mount Moiwa is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Sapporo, Japan. Its stunning views, hiking trails, and winter activities make it a popular attraction for visitors year-round.

Reviews of Mt. Moiwa by Tourists

Sure, here are a few reviews of Mt. Moiwa by tourists:

  1. “The views from the top of Mt. Moiwa are absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up the mountain was fun and the observation deck at the summit is definitely worth the visit. The star-gazing platform was a really unique and special experience. I would highly recommend a visit to Mt. Moiwa if you’re in Sapporo.”
  2. “We went to Mt. Moiwa in the winter and it was an amazing experience. The snow-covered landscape was beautiful and the winter sports were so much fun. The restaurant at the summit was also great, with delicious food and great views of the city.”
  3. “Mt. Moiwa is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. We hiked one of the trails and it was a great workout with some really stunning views along the way. The observation deck at the top is a must-see, with panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding mountains.”
  4. “The cable car ride up to the summit of Mt. Moiwa was so much fun, and the views from the top were absolutely incredible. We visited in the evening and the city lights were so beautiful. The restaurant and gift shop were also great, with a nice selection of food and souvenirs.”

Overall, tourists seem to love the stunning views and outdoor activities offered by Mt. Moiwa, as well as the unique experiences such as the star-gazing platform and winter sports. Visitors also appreciate the peaceful nature of the mountain, which is a nice contrast to the busy city of Sapporo.

Frequently asked questions about Mt. Moiwa ?

What is the best time to visit Mt. Moiwa?
The best time to visit Mt. Moiwa depends on your interests. The winter season is best for skiing and snowboarding, while the summer season is best for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery. The autumn season is also popular for the colorful foliage, and the observation deck offers beautiful views during the fall.
How do I get to Mt. Moiwa?
Mt. Moiwa is accessible by taking the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway from the base station, which can be reached by bus or taxi from central Sapporo. There is also a parking lot available for those who wish to drive to the base station.
How long does it take to reach the top of the mountain by the ropeway?
The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway ride takes about 5 minutes to reach the summit.
Is there an admission fee for Mt. Moiwa?
Yes, there is an admission fee to take the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, which varies depending on the season and time of day. There may be additional fees for the ski resort and other activities on the mountain.
Are there hiking trails on Mt. Moiwa?
Yes, there are several hiking trails available on Mt. Moiwa, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Maps and information about the trails can be obtained at the base station or the observation deck.
Is there a restaurant on Mt. Moiwa?
Yes, there is a restaurant located at the summit of the mountain that offers meals and drinks with a panoramic view of Sapporo.
Can I visit Mt. Moiwa at night?
Yes, the observation deck is open until 10 pm, offering a stunning view of the city lights at night. However, the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway may have different operating hours at night, so it is important to check in advance.