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If you want to use a painting to describe the night of Sapporo, it must be the sea of lights overlooking from the top of Mt. Moiwa. This place is known as one of the "New Three Night Views of Japan". Whenever night falls, the lights of the city are like gems scattered on the Ishikari Plain, quietly spreading to the distance, which is shocking.
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The journey starts from the cable car at the foot of Mt. Moiwa. The transparent car slowly slides out of the platform, and the city lines of Sapporo gradually unfold under your feet. As the altitude rises, the high-rise buildings and streets become smaller and smaller, and the surface of the Daisetsuzan and Toyohira River in the distance are looming. In spring, there is a large area of fresh green under the cable car, and in summer you can see the afterglow of the sunset. In autumn, the red and yellow forests are like a painting, and in winter, it is a silver world, as if sliding into a pure dream.
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The cable car is divided into two sections: the first section takes about 5 minutes to reach the Chufu Station, where there is a small viewing platform, where you can try out the scenery. Then change to a small "mini cable car", which is steeper and seems to go straight into the sky. When the lights of the viewing platform on the top of the mountain come into view, the expectations in my heart are full.
Standing on the mountaintop viewing platform at an altitude of 531 meters, the night view of Sapporo City will make you forget to breathe. The city lights are pouring like a galaxy, densely extending into the distance, and complementing the stars in the night sky. Looking east, the Toyohira River is like a shining silver belt, cutting the city into a beautiful arc; looking west, the outline of the mountain range is looming in the night.
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In the evening, it is the most anticipated golden time for the viewing platform. The setting sun slowly falls from the horizon, the sky is covered with soft orange-red, and the city gradually lights up. The junction between day and night is extremely romantic at this moment. This transition from twilight to night view is the most charming moment of Mt. Moiwa.
The observation deck of Mt. Moiwa is called the "holy land for lovers", not only because the scenery here is heart-pounding, but also because there is a special "happiness bell" and "love lock" fence on the platform. Lovers often hang small locks symbolizing their vows here, and then ring the bells together, letting the vows echo in the wind throughout the night sky of Sapporo. In winter, snowflakes are flying, and only two people's footprints on the snow extend to the observation deck. That unique sense of romance cannot be fully expressed in words.
Even if you are not a couple, you can feel the unique romantic atmosphere here. Friends, family, and even people traveling alone can find their own warmth in this sea of lights.
Although Mount Moiwa is most famous for its night views, the daytime views are equally charming. In spring, wild flowers bloom in the mountains, and the air is filled with sweet floral scents; in summer, the lush forests are refreshing; in autumn, the entire mountain forest is dyed gorgeous by red leaves; in winter, the pure white snow covers everything, as if it were a fairy tale world. On a clear day, you can also clearly see the coastline of Ishikari Bay in the distance, and a panoramic view of Sapporo.
If time permits, you might as well go up the mountain in the afternoon, enjoy the natural scenery during the day, and stay at the observation deck in the evening to wait for night to fall, and enjoy the two completely different beauties of day and night.
Best time: The sunset in summer is around 19:00, and around 16:00 in winter. If you want to take pictures of the twilight and night scenes, it is recommended to arrive 30 to 40 minutes in advance.
Keep warm: The temperature on the top of the mountain is lower than that in the city, especially in winter when there is often cold wind, so it is recommended to bring a coat or scarf.
Convenient transportation: Take the tram from the city to the "Ropeway Entrance Station", and walk a few minutes to the cable car station, which is very convenient.
Take away memories, not scenery When Sapporo at night gradually falls into tranquility under your feet, soft music will be heard from the observation deck, and the lights and stars will flicker together. Taking photos is beautiful, but don't forget to record this moment with your eyes and heart. The night view of Mt. Moiwa is not only a visual feast, but also a journey that will remain in your memory for a long time. Whether you are visiting Hokkaido for the first time or visiting Sapporo again, it is worth staying here for a night just to see the city lit up by lights. The next time you come to Sapporo, you might as well give yourself some time to climb Mt. Moiwa and take in the most charming night view of this city.
