Mt. Moiwa (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Mt. Moiwa?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The ropeway, summit deck and five hiking trails give solos scenery, exercise and easy transit; barrier-free toilets and vending machines keep a half-day visit smooth and independent.
Positives:
- Solo Friendly Routes: Wide, paved paths and ropeway transfers make navigation simple for one person.
- Photography Opportunities: Quiet summit deck and cable cars offer uninterrupted views for your shots.
Challenges:
- Cold Evenings: Temperatures can fall below freezing at sunset; pack warm layers.
- Night Trail Closures: Nature Path and hiking trails close after dusk; plan return by ropeway.
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 solo trip?
- Easy ascent via ropeway and Morris Car for solo travelers
- Peaceful forest walk on the Nature Education Path
- 360° summit views perfect for photography
- Optional trails for fitness and wildlife spotting
- Spectacular night panorama of Sapporo city lights
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A 2-3 hour visit covers ascent, summit exploration, and descent without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Mt. Moiwa
Ride the Ropeway and Morris Car:
Take the glass-walled ropeway to Chufuku Station, then transfer to the Morris mini cable car to reach the 531 m summit.
Tip: Buy tickets at the base station early to avoid lines at sunset.
Walk the Nature Education Path:
Enjoy a 600 m paved walk through old-growth forest from Chufuku to the summit.
Tip: Use this flat route for a gentle, daytime ascent; benches are available for rest.
Explore Summit Observation Deck:
Stand on the 360° deck for city, Ishikari Plain and mountain views.
Tip: Bring a small tripod and wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
Hike Down on Summit Trails:
Choose one of five marked trails (2.4–4.5 km) for exercise and wildlife spotting.
Tip: Wear trail shoes and carry a bear bell in warmer months.
Capture Night Panorama:
Return after dusk to see Sapporo’s city lights under a blanket of snow.
Tip: Bundle up; temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mt. Moiwa
- Online Ticket Purchase: Buy ropeway tickets in advance on the official site to skip lines.
- Off-Peak Timing: Visit midweek mornings for fewer crowds on rides and deck.
- Weather Check: Confirm clear skies on forecasts for optimal summit visibility.
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, maple leaves glow red along the Nature Path. Winter drapes the mountain in snow—trails close after dark so stick to ropeway rides. Spring brings bright wildflowers under the forest canopy. Summer offers cooler air and lush greenery.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ropeway + Morris Car ticket | JPY 2,100 |
| Snack or drink at THE JEWELS | JPY 800 |
| Observation deck telescope | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,000 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Mt. Moiwa (Sapporo)?
About Mt. Moiwa
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities