Mt. Moiwa (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mt. Moiwa?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Children enjoy the cable cars, mascot shop, short forest path and coin telescopes, yet night cold, crowding and the lack of playgrounds or staff supervision lower convenience.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Access: Barrier-free ropeway cabins and paved paths fit most strollers.
- Free Preschool Rides: Up to two children under 6 ride free with each paying adult.
Challenges:
- Cold Summit Winds: Temperatures drop quickly after sunset; pack jackets or blankets for kids.
- Weekend Crowds: Queues build around sunset; plan an earlier visit to avoid long waits.
What is Mt. Moiwa?
- A 531-meter shrine-lined mountain near downtown Sapporo, cloaked in old-growth forest and vibrant seasonal foliage
- A two-stage ropeway featuring glass-walled cable cars and the world’s first Morris mini cable car ascending through primeval woods
- A summit topped by a modern observatory deck providing 360° panoramic, day-and-night views over Sapporo, the Ishikari Plain, and the Sea of Japan
What is so special about Mt. Moiwa for with kids?
- Cable-car ride up to 531 m with free preschool fares
- Gentle 600 m forest walk with benches and nature signs
- Coin telescopes to spot Sapporo landmarks
- Plush toys and local snacks in kid-focused shop
- Simple takeout snacks at summit for little hands
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the ropeway, nature path, telescopes and a snack break without rushing little ones.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mt. Moiwa
Ride the Ropeway and Morris Cable Car:
Take a glass-walled ropeway and transfer to the Morris mini cable car up to 531 m.
Tip: Purchase round-trip tickets early; two children under 6 ride free per adult.
Stroll the Nature Education Path:
Walk a paved, 600 m forest trail with benches and kid-friendly signs.
Tip: Use the benches to rest and point out colorful leaves or snow scenes.
Zoom with Deck Telescopes:
Use coin-operated scopes on the observation deck to spot landmarks.
Tip: Bring ¥100 coins and let each child take turns viewing Sapporo TV Tower.
Hunt for Kid-Friendly Souvenirs:
Browse plush toys, stationery and local snacks at Moimoi’s Shop.
Tip: Set a small budget and encourage each child to pick one souvenir.
Grab Takeout Snacks at THE JEWELS:
Choose sandwiches, desserts and hot drinks from the takeout counter.
Tip: Order simple items like mini sandwiches for easy handling by young kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mt. Moiwa
- Visit Before Sunset: Head up 45 minutes before dusk to enjoy daylight views and skip peak lines.
- Bring Reusable Cups: Refill hot drinks at the summit to save on takeout cup fees and wait times.
Reviews of Mt. Moiwa
Jeff McD
It's ok. I give this attraction 3 stars because you never really know if you would have the thick fogs blocking the scenery. We got unlucky when we went up and because our itinerary was tight, couldn't afford to use the coupon on another night. It was icy cold at the top and nothing to see but we made our own fun.
Anne Lysa
Moiwayama Mountain offers an incredible view over Sapporo, especially around sunset. To get to the top, head to the cable car entrance, buy your ticket, and take the first cable car followed by another small train-like lift. The whole journey doesn’t take too long, and the view at the top is absolutely worth it. It gets quite chilly up there, even in summer, so bring an extra layer. There’s also a...
S.H. M
Visiting Mt. Moiwa was one of the highlights of my trip to Sapporo. If you are in the city, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary — especially in the evening! To reach the top, you need to take the ropeway (cable car), which costs 700 yen one-way (round trip is available too). The ride itself is smooth and enjoyable, offering great views as you ascend the mountain. Once you arrive at t...
Steven Cheng
One of the popular and famous mountain in the city of Sapporo. There are two set of cables that you can take to the tops of the mountain if you take both of them. But you can also only take the first one to the halfway point, the view of the city still good, but the top of the mountain is much better specially at night! But the night time temperature is very cool and maybe windy also even in the...
Amanda Dr B Brisebois
Horrible experience! Beautiful day so went to see the sunset up here around 5:30 pm. Got to the top around 6:45-7:00 (yes it took that long!). By the time we got to the top it was dark (beautiful view) but also very cold. The line to get back down went up 2-3 stairways and outside in the freezing cold. Probably around a 2-3 hour wait. We panicked. We finally figured there was a road to the middle ...
When is the best time to visit Mt. Moiwa (Sapporo, Japan)?
In autumn (late Oct) the maple leaves glow red along the path. In winter, snow blankets the slopes—dress kids in layers and waterproof boots. In spring, watch fresh green shoots from May. Summer offers a cool breeze and daytime views.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ropeway tickets (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 5,250 |
| Deck telescope uses (4×¥100) | JPY 400 |
| Takeout snacks | JPY 1,000 |
| Kid souvenirs | JPY 2,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 8,650 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Mt. Moiwa
Address: Mt. Moiwa, Moiwayama, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0041, Japan
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