Tenguyama stands tall as the symbol of Otaru. Did you know that there are five observation decks at the summit? Each one has a slightly different angle and height, and the view from each one is different. Here we will introduce all five observation decks! Find your favorite viewpoint.

You can climb Mount Tengu on foot or by car, but we recommend taking the ropeway! If you're visiting for the first time, be sure to enjoy the view from the ropeway. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can go up to the roof of the station building and there you'll find the "Rooftop Observatory."

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

Photo courtesy of Laufen K

Another great thing about Mount Tengu is that you can see the night view of Otaru, which has been certified as one of the three best night views in Hokkaido.

If you want to take a photo of the ropeway and the Otaru cityscape at the same time, the best place is the First Observation Deck on the left side of the ropeway station. In front of the observation deck, you can see the ski slope, the steepest on Mt. Tengu, with a gradient of 40 degrees.

To the right of the station building is the Tengu Sakura Observatory, whose symbol is a single cherry tree that is over 100 years old. The Tengu Terrace, a 3.6m wide and 2.0m deep wooden deck, is also located here, and is the spot where you can get the closest view of Otaru's cityscape. You can relax and enjoy the view.

If you go further from the Tengu Sakura Observatory, you will come to the "Second Observatory", marked by a gazebo. In fact, this Second Observatory has been designated as an "Otaru City Important View Point", and from here you can see the entire city of Otaru in full view, making it a place where you can enjoy a view that truly represents Otaru.

If you go through the forest from the second observation deck, you will come to the third observation deck, which is the closest to Sapporo. From the "Manten Stage" that has been installed, you will be able to see the "Tengu Rock" that looks like the face of a tengu in front of you, and the planned Hokkaido Shinkansen Otaru Station (tentative name) just below.

Photo courtesy of Laufen K

The scenery changes drastically depending on the season, with autumn leaves in autumn and snow in winter, so it might be fun to visit multiple times to see the different seasonal views. However, please note that the rooftop observation deck, the first observation deck, and the Manten Stage on the third observation deck are closed in winter.

Furthermore, on the mountaintop forest bathing course, which takes you on a walk to the summit, there is a scenic spot with a sign that reads "Observation Deck." Since it is located at a higher elevation than the other observation decks, you can enjoy a different view.

Listen to the sounds of wild birds as you make your way to the summit at an altitude of 532m. The route is 1.6km in length and takes about 20 minutes. Even small children can easily walk there, so why not try to reach the summit while you're there?

Along the way, there are tree trunks with QR codes attached, so try holding your smartphone over them. You can then learn more about the tree. You can enjoy forest bathing while learning more, and also enjoy the view...it's a win-win situation! Be sure to try it out along with a visit to the observation deck.

Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Ski Resort

■Address: 2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru City ■Contact: 0134-33-7381 See details of "Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Ski Resort" on Domingo