Mt. Tengu rises as a symbol of Otaru. Did you know that there are as many as five observation decks at its summit? Each of them has a slightly different angle and height, and the impression of the view changes. In this issue, we will introduce all five observation decks! Let's find your favorite viewpoint.

Tengu can be reached on foot or by car, but we recommend the ropeway! If this is your first visit, you should definitely enjoy the view from the ropeway. After arriving at the top of the mountain, go straight up to the top of the station building to find the Rooftop Observation Deck.

It is the highest of the five observation decks and offers a panoramic view of the Shakotan Peninsula, the mountains of the Shikotanbetsu mountain range on the opposite shore, and the Sea of Japan.

Photo courtesy of laufen Katsu

Another wonderful aspect of Mt. Tengu is the night view of Otaru, which is recognized as one of the three best night views in Hokkaido.

If you want to take a picture of the operating ropeway and the Otaru cityscape at the same time, the best place to do so is the "First Observatory" on the left side of the ropeway station building. In front of the observatory, you can see the ski slope which boasts the largest 40-degree slope on Mt.

And to the right of the station building is the "Tengu Cherry Blossom Observatory," symbolized by a single cherry tree over 100 years old. The "Tengu Terrace," a wooden deck 3.6m wide and 2.0m deep, is the closest spot from which you can see the Otaru cityscape. You can relax and enjoy the view.

Further from the Tengu Cherry Blossom Viewing Platform, you will find the "Second Viewing Platform" marked by a pavilion. The 2nd Observatory is designated as an "Important Viewing Point of Otaru City" and you can see the whole Otaru city in your field of view.

From the 2nd Observatory, you will pass through the forest to the 3rd Observatory, which is the closest to Sapporo. From the installed "Manten Stage," you should be able to see "Tengu Iwa," which looks like a tengu's face in the foreground, and the Otaru Station (tentative name) of the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line to be constructed, just below.

Photo courtesy of laufen Katsu

The scenery changes with the seasons, with autumn leaves in fall and snow in winter, so it may be a good idea to visit again and again for seasonal scenery. Please note, however, that the rooftop observation deck, the first observation deck, and the full-sky stage of the third observation deck are closed during the winter.

In addition, there is a superb view point with a signboard that reads "gazebo" in the middle of the summit forest bathing course that leads to the top of the mountain. Since it is higher than each of the viewing platforms, you can enjoy a different view of the scenery.

It is a 1.6-km, 20-minute walk around the area, heading to the summit of the 532-meter-high mountain while listening to the calls of wild birds. Even small children can enjoy the walk without difficulty, so if you are going to go all the way to the top, let's aim for the summit!

On the way to the top, you will see a tree trunk with a QR code, so hold your smartphone up to it. You can learn more about the tree by holding your phone up to it. You can learn about the tree, take a forest bath, and enjoy the view...three birds with one stone! Please try this experience together with the observation deck.

Otaru Tengu Ropeway and Ski Area

Location: 2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru-shi
Contact: 0134-33-7381
View more information about Otaru Tengu Ropeway and Ski Resort on Domingo