Mount Moiwa

At 531 meters or 1742 feet tall, Mount Moiwa is located 7 km south of the center of Sapporo. This mountain is best known for its great view of Sapporo. The Ainu people considered Mount Moiwa a sacred mountain where the gods reside. They called the mountain Inkarushibe, which means “a place to be always climbed and look out over.” The primeval forest surrounding Mount Moiwa was selected as one of the Top 100 Natural Features of Hokkaido. It was also designated as a Natural Monument by the Hokkaido government. The mountain serves as a natural habitat for the titmouse, the Ezo red fox and owl, the Hokkaido squirrel and even for the protected species the black woodpecker.

One of the ways to get to the top is by the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. It is a Japanese aerial lift line in Sapporo and is the only one operated by Sapporo Development. The trip takes 5 minutes from the base; however, the area where the ropeway stops is not the summit. There is a drive-type mini cable, the first in the world, which leaves from Chufuku station and takes 2 minutes to reach Sancho Station. The Mount Moiwa Observation Deck is a romantic spot where many couples go. At the viewing platform right in the center is the “Bell of Happiness.” There you can ring the bell with your loved one and put a padlock on the rail with a vow written on it. It is said that couples who do this will live happily ever after.