Sapporo Moiwa Mountain Ropeway

Mount Moiwa is a symbolic mountain of Sapporo, standing at an elevation of 531 meters. It is located close to the city center, making it easily accessible and popular among both residents and tourists for its beautiful natural surroundings. In the Ainu language, it is called "Inkarushipe," which means "a place for lookout," and it has historically been revered both as a watchtower and a sacred mountain.

**Access and Overview of the Ropeway**
To reach the summit of Mount Moiwa, visitors take the "Moiwa Mountain Ropeway" and then transfer to the mini cable car "Morris Car." From the Sapporo City Tram "Ropeway Entrance" station, a free shuttle bus or a short walk will take you to the "Moiwa Mountain Base Station." The ropeway travels about 1,200 meters in approximately five minutes, offering a delightful aerial stroll up to the mid-station.

The ropeway can accommodate up to 60 passengers and provides spectacular views of the Sapporo cityscape, Ishikari Bay, and distant mountains. The gondolas are designed in two colors, "Ezorisu (orange)" and "Ezo Owl (silver)," based on Sapporo's landscape coloring initiative known as "Sapporo's 70 Colors."

The ropeway began operation in 1958 (Showa 33), initially featuring small gondolas that could hold eight people. It was refurbished in 1971 and upgraded to its current larger type in preparation for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Today, it is a popular transport option used by many tourists throughout the year.

**Morris Car from Mid-Station to Summit**
From the mid-station to the summit, visitors transfer to the world's first dual-coupled, alternating operation mini cable car, the "Morris Car." Manufactured in Switzerland, this cable car is designed for forest observation, moving quietly through the woods. The approximately two-minute ride allows passengers to experience the rich natural surroundings as they arrive at the summit.

**Attraction of the Observation Deck and Night Views**
From the observation deck at the summit, a 360-degree panorama unfolds, offering views of Sapporo city, the Ishikari Plain, Ishikari Bay, and even the Mashike Shokanbetsu Mountain. Particularly during dusk to night, it is a popular spot for enjoying enchanting night views.

In 2015, Sapporo was certified by the Japan Night View Tourism Convention Bureau as one of the "New Three Great Night Views in Japan," with the night view from Mount Moiwa being a notable representation. The city's lights, shimmering like scattered jewels in the clear air, create a breathtaking sight that blankets the Ishikari Plain in a glow.

**The "Bell of Happiness" at the Lover's Sanctuary and Moon Viewing Spot**
At the summit of Mount Moiwa, there is the "Bell of Happiness," designated as a "Lover's Sanctuary" in 2009. Couples can ring the bell or attach a love lock, filled with their affections, to the railing, leaving behind a special memento. Locks can be purchased at the "Mt. MOIWA SOUVENIR SHOP" at the mid-station or at the restaurant "The Jewels" at the summit.

Additionally, Mount Moiwa is recognized as one of the "One Hundred Famous Moons of Japan," and the moon viewed from the observation deck, in conjunction with the night view, adds a special charm to the experience.

**Restaurant "The Jewels"**
At the summit, there is a glass-enclosed creative French restaurant called "The Jewels." It offers dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido, providing a dining experience that feels like floating in the sky with about 270-degree views. This restaurant is perfect for anniversaries or special occasions.

**Enjoy Nature and Hiking**
Mount Moiwa is also popular among hikers, with five well-maintained trails leading to the summit (the shortest being 2.4 km and the longest 4.5 km). From spring to autumn, the trails are bustling with locals and tourists enjoying leisurely hikes.

The forest sprawling on the north side of the mountain has been designated as a national natural monument known as "Moiwa Mountain Primitive Forest," home to over 450 species of plants. This forest also contributes to environmental conservation, absorbing approximately 600 tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the yearly emissions of about 200 households.

The Mount Moiwa Ropeway is a valuable tourist spot that can be easily visited from downtown Sapporo, offering a unique blend of nature, history, spectacular views, and culture all in one place. With stunning aerial views, enchanting night scenes, the "Lover's Sanctuary," hiking routes, and lush primitive forests, it is a multifaceted attraction. When visiting Sapporo, be sure to stop by Mount Moiwa and enjoy a memorable experience.