EDITORIALS
Hokkaido's Night Scenic Spots for Driving and Dating! 15 Night Scenic Spots in Hokkaido, from classic to hidden gems!
In vast Hokkaido, you can see nightscapes with various characteristics unique to each city. The fantastic night views woven by the city lights are truly a luxurious and healing experience. In this issue, we will introduce 15 of Hokkaido's night view spots that are perfect for driving, dates, and sightseeing, with a focus on Hokkaido's "three major night views" of Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru.
- This is the million-dollar night view "Mount Hakodate" (Hakodate City)
- Goryokaku Tower (Hakodate City), a star-shaped view of the earth
- Shotai Pasture (Nanae Town), Hakodate's "backstage night view" known only to those in the know
- Sapporo TV Tower" (Sapporo City), a landmark loved by citizens
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38" (Sapporo)
- nORIA" (Sapporo), a rooftop Ferris wheel with a spectacular view
- Asahiyama Kinen Park" is very popular among couples (Sapporo)
- Mt. Moiwa, a sacred place for lovers (Sapporo)
- Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium" (Sapporo)
- Horomi Pass Observation Parking Lot" (Sapporo City), where you can enjoy the night view from a special seat
- Shiomi Park Observatory (Muroran City), a panoramic view of the factory nightscape
- Survey Mountain Observatory (Muroran City)
- Shiratori Ohashi Observatory overlooking the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan (Muroran City)
- Tenguyama Observatory, one of the three best night views in Hokkaido (Otaru City)
- Wakkanai Park, Japan's northernmost night view spot (Wakkanai City)
1 "Mount Hakodate," a million-dollar nightscape (Hakodate City)
Mount Hakodate is the first nightscape in Hokkaido that comes to mind. Hakodate is one of the three most beautiful nightscapes in Japan, and is often referred to as the "million-dollar nightscape" for its beauty. From summer to autumn, the lights of squid fishing boats can be seen in concert with the lights of the city. In winter, visitors can enjoy the luxurious "Hakodate Winter Fireworks" that are shot off in the bay area, along with the night view.
Location: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate City
Hakodate Ropeway Hours:
April 20-September 30: First train departs at 10:00 and last train descends at 22:00.
October 1 - April 19: First departure 10:00 - Last departure 21:00
Click here for details and map information of Mount Hakodate Observation Deck
2 Goryokaku Tower (Goryokaku Tower), a star-shaped view shining on the earth (Hakodate City)
From the observation deck of the 107-meter tower towering over Hakodate City, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree night view of the city of Hakodate as well as the entire Goryokaku fortress, designated as a special national historic site. In winter, the moat of Goryokaku is illuminated, and the fantastic sight of the fortress floating in the nightscape is well worth seeing.
Location: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hours: 9:00-18:00
For details and map information of Goryokaku Tower, click here.
3 Hakodate's "back night view" known to those in the know "Jotai Pasture" (Nanae Town)
If the night view from Mt. Hakodate is called the "front night view," the night view from the opposite side of the mountain is called the "back night view. Even during the daytime, visitors can enjoy the wonderful natural scenery, and the "Jotai Skyline," a winding road that passes through the ranch, is also famous for its autumn foliage.
Location: 564 Kamifujyo, Nanae-cho
Business hours: Indoor viewing space, mid-May to mid-October, 10:00-16:00
Click here for details and map information of "Shirotai Pasture
4 Sapporo TV Tower, a landmark loved by citizens (Sapporo)
The Sapporo TV Tower is a landmark that symbolizes Odori Park in the center of Sapporo and is always crowded with tourists. From the observation floor, you can look down on Odori Park and see as far as the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in the distance. It is registered as a Japan Night View Heritage Site and is one of the most famous night view spots in Sapporo.
Location: Odori Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening hours: 9:00-22:00 (last admission at 21:50)
For details and map information of the Sapporo TV Tower, click here.
5 "JR Tower Observation Deck T38" (Sapporo), with the city lights all to yourself
The observation deck is located on the top floor of JR Tower, a complex directly connected to Sapporo Station. The view from 160 meters above the ground offers a panoramic view from the center of Sapporo to the suburbs. In addition to stores, there is a café space where visitors can relax and enjoy the view of the city that gradually changes to a nightscape as the lights come on in the evening.
Location: Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business hours: 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:30)
Click here for details and map information of JR Tower Observation Deck T38.
6 "nORIA" (Sapporo), a spectacular view from the rooftop Ferris wheel
The eye-catching Ferris wheel "nORIA" is located on the rooftop of Norbesa, a commercial complex in the center of Sapporo. The Ferris wheel, with a diameter of 45.5 meters, takes about 10 minutes to complete a full revolution, reaching a height of 78 meters above the ground. The 32 gondolas, each with a capacity of 4 people, are equipped with heated seats, making them comfortable even in winter. The Ferris wheel is a popular spot for tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the night view of Sapporo below.
Location: 1-1, Minami 3-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
■Opening hours:
Sunday - Thursday and holidays 11:00 - 23:00
Friday, Saturday, and the day before national holidays: 11:00 - 1:00
Click here for details and map information of Norbesa.
7 "Asahiyama Kinen Park" (Sapporo), immensely popular among couples
The daytime view from the 137.5-meter-high observatory is worth seeing. At night, the fountain is illuminated, and the night view over the romantic atmosphere is a popular spot for couples.
Location: 4 Kaigawa, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Parking: Open 6:00-22:00; Parking Lot 2 is closed in winter
Click here for details and map information of Asahiyama Memorial Park.
8 "Mt. Moiwa," a sacred place for lovers (Sapporo)
Moiwa is one of the most popular night view spots in Sapporo, which has been selected as one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan. Moiwa is also a popular sightseeing spot, with a ropeway in operation and restaurants and souvenir stores at the top of the mountain. The observatory also has items to enliven lovers such as the "Bell of Happiness" and the "Padlock of Love," making it a popular spot as a "sacred place for lovers.
Location: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening hours: Mt. Moiwa ropeway (from the station at the foot of the mountain to the station in the middle of the mountain)
Summer (April-November) 10:30-22:00
Winter (December - March): 11:00 - 22:00
Click here for details and map information of the Sapporo Moiwa Ropeway.
9 A great view "Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium" (Sapporo)
Okurayama, known as a jump stadium, is also a popular night view spot. During the summer when the lifts are open at night, visitors can enjoy a powerful night view from the start of the jump platform. There are also cafes, restaurants, and the Sapporo Olympic Museum at the foot of the ski jump, making it a great sightseeing spot in addition to the night view.
Location: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
■Opening hours:
Summer hours (April 27-October 31) 8:30-18:00
Extended night hours (July 1-September 30) 18:00-20:30
Winter hours (November 1 - April 26) 9:00 - 17:00
For more information about the Okurayama Observation Deck and map information, click here.
10 "Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot" (Sapporo) where you can enjoy the night view from a special seat.
Horomitoge is famous for its lavender blossoms, and there is a paid parking lot where you can enjoy the night view of Sapporo City below from inside your car. It is recommended as a stopover spot for a night drive, as you can relax and enjoy the night view from the comfort of your car. During the lavender season, you can enjoy both the night view and the luxury of the night view.
Location: 471-110 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Hours of operation: April 1-November 30
Lunch time: 3:00 - 17:00 (500 yen)
Night time: 17:00 - 3:00 (800 yen)
Click here for more information about "Horomi Toge" and map information.
11 Shiomi Park Observatory (Muroran City) with a panoramic night view of factories
Muroran City is one of the most famous industrial cities in Hokkaido as a "steel city" and "manufacturing city," but it is also nationally famous as a spot for night views of factories. The Shiomi Park Observatory offers a panoramic night view of the city's factories. Muroran City has many viewpoints for night views of factories, and the more you stroll around the city, the more you will be able to enjoy a rich variety of factory night views.
Location: 5-2 Higashimachi, Muroran City
Hours: 24 hours, free parking available
Click here for details and map information of Shiomi Park Observatory
12 The radio tower at the top of the mountain lights up "Survey Mountain Observatory" (Muroran City)
From the Surveying Mountain Observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic night view of Muroran Port, the Shirotori Bridge, and factories. Also, a radio tower stands at the top of Mt. Surveying, and the tower itself is illuminated by donations from citizens and companies. Although Mt. Survey is a part of the city's nightscape, it may be fun to look for "Mt. Survey" from another observation point.
Location: 1 Shimizu-cho, Muroran City
Hours: 24 hours, free parking available
Click here for details and map information of "Surveying Mt.
13 "Shiratori Ohashi Observatory" overlooking the largest suspension bridge in East Japan (Muroran City)
This is a spot where you can see Muroran City's landmark "Shiratori Ohashi Bridge," the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan with a total length of 1,380 meters, at great length. The beautiful illumination and dynamic appearance seen up close is registered as a Japan Night View Heritage Site. It is recommended to join a night cruise tour to experience the power from various angles from the sea.
Location: 3 Shukutsu-cho, Muroran City
Hours of operation: 24 hours Free parking available
For details and map information on the Shiratori Bridge, click here.
14 "Tenguyama Observatory" (Otaru City), one of the three best night views in Hokkaido
The night view from Mt. Tengu overlooking Otaru City is one of the three most famous night views in Hokkaido, along with Hakodate and Sapporo. A ropeway operates to the observatory, but you can also drive to the top of the mountain. There are four observation platforms from which you can view the entire Otaru area, as well as Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and other night views unique to Otaru, which is surrounded by mountains and the sea. Also in the same Otaru area, "Kenashi-Toge" is another popular night view spot.
Location: 2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru City
Operating hours: Ropeway operation period: April 13 (Sat.) - November 4 (Mon.), 2024
9:00 - 21:00 *Last service to the top of the mountain is at 20:48
Click here for details and map information of the Otaru Tengu Ropeway.
15 Japan's northernmost night view spot "Wakkanai Park" (Wakkanai City)
Wakkanai Park is located on a hill overlooking Wakkanai City and is registered as a "Japan Nightscape Heritage" as the northernmost nightscape spot in Japan. There is an observation tower "Kaikai Centennial Memorial Tower" in the park, which offers a panoramic view from an even higher elevation. The lights of the ships coming in and out of Wakkanai Port can be seen as well as the lights of the city, providing an emotional and tasteful night view.
Location: 1 Chuo, Wakkanai City
Hours of operation: 24 hours, free parking available
Click here for details and map information of Wakkanai Park.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.