Mt. Moiwa’s summit and observation deck are accessible via Mt. Moiwa Ropeway. This aerial tramway system climbs two-thirds of the way up the mountain to a transfer station, where passengers change to a mini cable car. Five hiking trails of varying lengths lead visitors up the forest-covered mountain. Visitors find an observation deck, restaurant, and planetarium at the summit. Many sightseeing tours of Sapporo, by day and night, include a trip up the mountain.
There is a fee for the ropeway and cable car.
Check before setting out: The ropeway occasionally closes for maintenance.
Thanks to its romantic night view, Mt. Moiwa is a popular destination for couples.
Take the Sapporo Streetcar (Sapporo shiden) for 25 minutes from Susukino in the heart of Sapporo to Ropeway Iriguchi station. You can walk five minutes to the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway or jump on the free shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes and takes five minutes to reach the ropeway station.
The view from Mt. Moiwa is beautiful after sunset. The nighttime view from the summit is so popular that it's known as one of Japan’s top night views, along with spots in Nagasaki and Kobe. If visiting after dark, give yourself plenty of time as you may need to wait in a long line for the ropeway and cable car.
On the mountain's southeastern slope, Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort is a ski-only resort (no snowboarding. It has 10 runs suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts, as well as families. A popular spot for nighttime skiing, the resort is typically open from late December through late March.