The Moiwa Mountain Ropeway is a popular tourist attraction in Sapporo. It is easily accessible, taking about 40 minutes from Sapporo Station to Moiwa Sanroku Station by train and bus. The night view from Moiwa Mountain, selected as one of Japan’s New Three Great Night Views, is highly recommended. The beautiful illuminations of Sapporo City are something you should see at least once. This guide introduces the business hours, access routes, and free shuttle bus information for the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway!
1. What is the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway?
The Moiwa Mountain Ropeway is a cable car system located on Mount Moiwa, which has an elevation of approximately 531 meters near Sapporo. The ropeway connects Sanroku Station at the base to Chufuku Station at the midpoint, from where visitors can take a mini cable car to reach the summit station.
It takes about 40 minutes to reach Sanroku Station from Sapporo Station by train and bus. The station building at Sanroku Station is a four-story structure that houses the ropeway boarding area.
◆ Chufuku Station – The transfer point for the mini cable car
Chufuku Station, the arrival point of the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway, serves as the transfer point where passengers can switch from the ropeway to the mini cable car. The transition is easy, as the station building is two stories high and allows for a seamless transfer.
Inside the station, there is the "Mt. MOIWA SOUVENIR SHOP," which sells exclusive Moiwa Mountain goods, as well as popular Hokkaido souvenirs and merchandise featuring the mountain’s mascot, "Morris."
Additionally, the station includes a Forest Gallery with a seating capacity of up to 100 people and a parking lot with approximately 80 spaces.
◆ Summit & Observation Deck
At the summit station, visitors will find an observation deck, a restaurant, and a rest area for hikers. The observation deck has been recognized as a "Lovers' Sanctuary," featuring numerous "Love Locks" attached to the railing surrounding the "Bell of Happiness" monument.
"Love Locks" are available for purchase at the "Mt. MOIWA SOUVENIR SHOP" at Chufuku Station for 1,000 yen.
◆ Moiwa Mountain Ropeway
The "Moiwa Mountain Ropeway," which connects Sanroku Station and Chufuku Station, offers breathtaking views even in winter. Visitors can enjoy a snow-covered Moiwa Mountain and the glittering white landscape of Sapporo City.
【Sanroku Station ⇔ Chufuku Station】
■ Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
※ Operates every 15 minutes
■ Capacity: 66 passengers
◆ Morris Car (Mini Cable Car)
The mini cable car "Morris Car" connects Chufuku Station and the summit station, climbing approximately 70 meters in elevation over a 230-meter slope.
【Chufuku Station ⇔ Summit Station】
■ Duration: Approximately 2 minutes
※ Operates every 15 minutes
■ Capacity: 60 passengers
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.032113,141.333317&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed
■ Name: Moiwa Mountain Ropeway
■ Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
■ Phone Number: 011-561-8177
■ Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
2. Highlights of the night view from Moiwa Mountain
Sapporo City, selected as one of Japan’s New Three Great Night Views (alongside Nagasaki and Kitakyushu), offers spectacular nighttime scenery. Among its best night views, Moiwa Mountain is a highly popular spot, offering a panoramic view of the illuminated high-rise buildings of Sapporo and the vast Ishikari Plain.
◆ Night View from the Summit Observation Deck
◆ Night View from the Summit Observation Deck
The dazzling night view, sparkling like a field of gemstones, is truly breathtaking.
◆ "Bell of Happiness" at the Summit Observation Deck
At night, the atmosphere transforms into a dreamy and romantic setting. Why not ring the Bell of Happiness together at the summit of Moiwa Mountain, a popular date spot?
3. Business hours of the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway
The business hours for Moiwa Mountain Ropeway vary between the summer season (April–November) and winter season (December–March), with special operation days as well. Additionally, operations may be suspended in case of bad weather, so be sure to check the official website for updates before visiting.
*Business hours may be subject to change.
◆ Moiwa Mountain Ropeway Business Hours
【Operating Hours】
■ Summer Season (April–November): 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM ※ Last ascent at 9:30 PM
■ Winter Season (December–March): 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM ※ Last ascent at 9:30 PM
【Special Operation Days】
■ New Year's Eve (December 31): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ※ Last ascent at 4:30 PM
■ New Year's Day (January 1): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ※ Last ascent at 4:30 PM
◆ Mini Cable Car Business Hours
【Operating Hours】
■ Summer Season (April–November): 10:30 AM – 9:50 PM ※ Last ascent at 9:40 PM
■ Winter Season (December–March): 11:10 AM – 9:50 PM ※ Last ascent at 9:40 PM
【Special Operation Days】
■ New Year's Eve (December 31): 11:10 AM – 4:50 PM ※ Last ascent at 4:40 PM
■ New Year's Day (January 1): 11:10 AM – 4:50 PM ※ Last ascent at 4:40 PM
4. Moiwa Mountain Ropeway fares and discounts
The fares for the ropeway and mini cable car vary depending on whether you purchase a round-trip, one-way, or set ticket. There are also discounts available for Sapporo residents and for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Be sure to check the available discounts before purchasing your ticket.
◆ Moiwa Mountain Ropeway + Mini Cable Car Set Fare
■ Round-trip: Adults 1,800 yen (1,440 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 900 yen (720 yen)
■ One-way: Adults 900 yen (720 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 450 yen (360 yen)
◆ Moiwa Mountain Ropeway Only Fare
■ Round-trip: Adults 1,200 yen (960 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 600 yen (480 yen)
■ One-way: Adults 600 yen (480 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 300 yen (240 yen)
◆ Mini Cable Car Only Fare
■ Round-trip: Adults 600 yen (480 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 300 yen (240 yen)
■ One-way: Adults 300 yen (240 yen) / Children (elementary school and younger) 150 yen (120 yen)
◆ Sapporo Resident Discount System
【Ropeway + Mini Cable Car Set Ticket Discount】
■ Adults: 1,000 yen / Children (elementary school and younger): 500 yen
※ No discounts for one-way fares, ropeway-only, or mini cable car-only tickets.
※ Proof of residency (such as a driver’s license, proof of driving history, or health insurance card) is required at the ticket counter.
※ Cannot be combined with other discounts, including travel agency purchases.
【For those using the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road with a Mini Cable Car (Round-trip)】
■ Adults: 300 yen / Children (elementary school and younger): 150 yen
※ No discounts available for the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road toll fee.
◆ Discounts for Individuals with Disabilities & Caregivers
【Moiwa Mountain Ropeway + Mini Cable Car Set Fare】
■ Round-trip: Adults 900 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 450 yen
■ One-way: Adults 450 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 230 yen
【Moiwa Mountain Ropeway Only Fare】
■ Round-trip: Adults 600 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 300 yen
■ One-way: Adults 300 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 150 yen
【Mini Cable Car Only Fare】
■ Round-trip: Adults 300 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 150 yen
■ One-way: Adults 150 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 80 yen
5. How to get to the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway (streetcar & free shuttle bus)
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.05884,141.351814&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=16704218828021157609
To reach Moiwa Mountain from Sapporo, visitors can take a streetcar and free shuttle bus or use the subway and a bus. The streetcar is the most convenient option when using the free shuttle bus.
The streetcar runs through Sapporo City, with the boarding stop "Nishi 4-chome Streetcar Stop" located near Odori Park. The drop-off stop "Ropeway Iriguchi Streetcar Stop" is conveniently located near the free shuttle bus boarding area.
"Nishi 4-chome Streetcar Stop" → Take the streetcar for about 20 minutes → Get off at "Ropeway Iriguchi Streetcar Stop" → Walk a short distance → Board the free shuttle bus → Ride for about 2 minutes → Arrive at "Ropeway Sanroku Station"
6. Access by car and parking information for the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway
Visitors can drive to Moiwa Mountain via the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road. This road connects the southern part of Sapporo City (Kitanosawa area) to the Chufuku Parking Lot on Moiwa Mountain. The road stretches about 3.5 km through a lush primeval forest, making for a scenic drive. Renting a car is also a good option.
The parking lot at the Chufuku Station (end of the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road) has about 80 spaces. However, it can get crowded, so using the streetcar or free shuttle bus is also recommended.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.015803,141.325121&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=%E8%97%BB%E5%B2%A9%E5%B1%B1%E8%A6%B3%E5%85%89%E8%87%AA%E5%8B%95%E8%BB%8A%E9%81%93%20%E5%8C%97%E6%B5%B7%E9%81%93%E6%9C%AD%E5%B9%8C%E5%B8%82%E5%8D%97%E5%8C%BA
◆ Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road Toll Fees
■ Private Passenger Cars: Round-trip 1,200 yen / Multi-use Ticket (5 rides): 3,600 yen
■ Motorcycles (over 125cc): Round-trip 600 yen / Multi-use Ticket (5 rides): 1,800 yen
■ Microbuses: Round-trip 2,400 yen / Multi-use Ticket (5 rides): 7,200 yen
■ Large Buses & Trucks: Round-trip 3,600 yen / Multi-use Ticket (5 rides): 10,800 yen
◆ Parking Lot at the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road Endpoint (Chufuku Station)
■ Chufuku Station: Approximately 80 spaces
※ The parking lot is located at the Chufuku Station of the Moiwa Mountain Tourist Road. Visitors need to take the mini cable car to reach the summit observation deck.