Sapporo Moiwa Mountain Ropeway

Mt. Moiwa, at 531 meters above sea level, is an iconic mountain symbolizing Sapporo. Located close to the city center, it is beloved by residents and tourists alike for its easy access and beautiful natural surroundings. In the Ainu language, it is called “inkarushipe” (“a place where one always climbs up to keep watch”), and it was once revered both as a lookout point and as a sacred mountain.

Access and the Ropeway Overview
To reach the summit of Mt. Moiwa, visitors take the “Mt. Moiwa Ropeway” and then transfer to the mini cable car “Morris Car.” From the Sapporo Streetcar “Ropeway Iriguchi” stop, a free shuttle bus or a walk will take you to the “Mt. Moiwa Foot Station.” The ropeway travels 1,200 meters in about five minutes, offering an aerial stroll up to the mid-mountain station.

The ropeway can carry up to 60 passengers and offers views of Sapporo city, Ishikari Bay, and distant mountains. The gondolas are painted in two colors—“Ezo squirrel” orange and “Ezo owl” silver—based on Sapporo’s scenic cityscape color initiative, “Sapporo Scenic Colors” (70 landscape colors).

Ropeway service began in 1958. At first, it used small gondolas for eight passengers, but it was renewed in 1971 and upgraded to the current large type in preparation for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Today, it is a popular mode of transportation used by many tourists throughout the year.

From the Mid-Station to the Summit by “Morris Car”
From the mid-station to the summit, passengers transfer to “Morris Car,” the world’s first two-car connected, alternating-run mini cable car. This Swiss-made cable car is designed for forest observation and moves quietly through the woods. The approximately two-minute ride brings you to the summit while allowing you to feel the richness of nature.

Observation Deck and Night Views
From the summit observation deck, a 360-degree panoramic view opens up, taking in Sapporo city, the Ishikari Plain, Ishikari Bay, and even the Mashike-Shokanbetsu mountain range. In particular, from dusk into the night, it is highly popular as a spot for enjoying fantastical night views.

In 2015, Sapporo was certified by the Night View Tourism and Convention Bureau as one of Japan’s New Top Three Night View Cities, and the night view from Mt. Moiwa is one of its 대표 attractions. In the clear air, the city lights of Sapporo sparkle like scattered jewels, stretching across the Ishikari Plain like a carpet of light.

“The Bell of Happiness,” a Sacred Place for Lovers, and a Famous Moon View Spot
At the summit of Mt. Moiwa is “The Bell of Happiness,” a spot certified in 2009 as a “Sacred Place for Lovers.” Couples can ring the bell together or attach a heartfelt “love padlock” to the handrail to create a special memory. Padlocks can be purchased at the “Mt. MOIWA SOUVENIR SHOP” at the mid-station or at the summit restaurant “The Jewels.”

Mt. Moiwa has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Moon Viewing Spots, and the moon seen from the observation deck, together with the night view, creates a particularly elegant atmosphere.

Restaurant “The Jewels”
At the summit is “The Jewels,” a glass-walled creative French restaurant. Guests can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido, and the interior, with its approximately 270-degree panoramic view, creates an extraordinary experience as if floating in the sky. It is perfect for anniversaries and special occasions.

Enjoy Nature and Hiking Too
Mt. Moiwa is also popular with hikers, and five hiking trails lead to the summit (the shortest is 2.4 km and the longest is 4.5 km). From spring through autumn, the mountain is busy with local residents and tourists enjoying hiking in light clothing.

The forest on the north side of the mountain is designated as a National Natural Monument known as the “Mt. Moiwa Primeval Forest,” and it is a natural treasure trove with more than 450 plant species. The forest also contributes to environmental conservation, absorbing an estimated 600 tons of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to the yearly emissions of about 200 ordinary households.

The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway is an easily accessible attraction from central Sapporo where visitors can enjoy nature, history, spectacular views, and culture all at once. With its aerial scenery, magical night views, the “Sacred Place for Lovers,” hiking trails, and rich primeval forest, it offers a wide variety of appeal. When visiting Sapporo, be sure to stop by Mt. Moiwa and enjoy an unforgettable experience.