Mt. Moiwa is another one of Sapporo’s gems that simply has to be experienced. Without spending a dime, you’ll get the best views in Japan!
Easily accessible on foot or via tram from Susukino station, Mt. Moiwa is arguably the best viewpoint of Sapporo City and possibly in all of Japan!
Taking The First Step
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” or so they say. Don’t worry, the hike up Mt. Moiwa is nowhere near that long, in fact, it can be done in just one hour!
Be sure to take a drink with you and hit up the restroom at the entrance, because you won’t have access to any facilities until you reach the top.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
As you take step after step up the mountain, you may feel disheartened that the destination is not worth the effort.
My advice to you is to treat it like a workout, after all, your entire mood will change as soon as you catch that first glimpse of the spectacular Sapporo City skyline view.
Also keep in mind, the journey back down is far easier and quicker than the journey up; you can practically skip your way down the mountain like a little kid!
On the way, you’ll definitely get a whole lot of “Konnichiwa’s” from the local hikers, and some may even attempt to practice their English skills if they see you are a foreigner.
There’s no doubt, if you seek the friendly warmth of Japanese society, there’s no better way to do it than getting out in nature!
The Beautiful Mountain Ranges Of Sapporo
Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll see is the glorious surrounding mountains of Hokkaido island, bathing in the sun and embracing the blue sky.
You get the best of both worlds when you reach the top of Mt. Moiwa, with spectacular views of mother nature on one side and the concrete jungle view of Sapporo City on the other!
An Observation Deck Too Good To Be Free!
Given that most observation decks in Japan require an entrance fee (sometimes quite hefty), it makes me wonder why one of the best views in the country is freely accessible to the public!
Perhaps it’s what you pay in sweat and sore muscles from climbing up the mountain that makes it such an exclusive viewing point. Or perhaps it’s that many choose to use the cable car to get to the top (cheaters!).
Check Out Mt. Moiwa’s Souvenir Shop!
Before you rush back down the mountain, be sure to check out the souvenir shop at Mt. Moiwa’s observation deck facility!
There, you can buy exclusive blends of tea and coffee as well as delicious Hokkaido dairy products.
For the memories, you can also pick up a Mt. Moiwa T-shirt among other accessories and souvenirs before you head back down.
As the hungry man I am, I chose to stick to food with these delicious Hokkaido cheese rice crackers and bean paste bun!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!