In the vast expanse of Hokkaido, you can discover a variety of stunning nightscapes, each with its own unique city charm. The fantastical views woven by the city lights offer a truly luxurious and relaxing experience. This time, we'll introduce 15 of Hokkaido's best night view spots, perfect for drives, dates, and sightseeing, focusing on the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido": Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru.

When you think of night views in Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly Mt. Hakodate. It's counted as one of Japan's three great night views and is praised as the "million-dollar night view" for its beauty. From summer to autumn, you might even see the twinkling lights of squid fishing boats. In winter, you can enjoy a luxurious view of the "Hakodate Winter Fireworks" launched in the Bay Area, set against the stunning nightscape.

From the observation deck of this 107-meter tower in Hakodate, you can not only enjoy a 360-degree view of the city's nightscape but also get a full view of the entire Goryokaku, a designated Special Historic Site of Japan. In winter, the moat of Goryokaku is illuminated, creating a fantastical fortress that floats in the night view, a truly spectacular sight.

If the view from Mt. Hakodate is the front view, then the view of Mt. Hakodate from the opposite side is called the reverse night view. The view from Shirodai Farm, in particular, is so beautiful it's been dubbed the "Seven-Star Night View." Even during the day, you can enjoy wonderful natural scenery, and the winding "Shirodai Skyline" road that passes through the farm is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

The Sapporo TV Tower is a landmark symbolizing Odori Park in central Sapporo and is always bustling with tourists. From the observation deck, you can look down on Odori Park and see as far as the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. It is also registered as a Japan Night View Heritage site and is one of Sapporo's premier night view spots.

This observatory is located on the top floor of the JR Tower, a complex directly connected to Sapporo Station. The view from 160 meters above ground offers a panorama from the center of Sapporo to the far-off suburbs. In addition to a shop, there is a cafe space where you can relax and watch the city's expression change as the lights gradually turn on from dusk into night.

On the rooftop of the commercial complex "NORBESA" in central Sapporo, you'll find the eye-catching Ferris wheel "nORIA." The 45.5-meter diameter Ferris wheel completes one rotation in about 10 minutes, reaching a height of 78 meters above the ground. Each of the 32 gondolas seats four people and is equipped with heaters, ensuring a comfortable ride even in winter. It's a popular spot, attracting many tourists who come to see the Sapporo nightscape spread out below.

This lush, natural park is a place of relaxation for Sapporo citizens of all ages. The daytime view from the 137.5-meter-high observation deck is well worth seeing. At night, the fountains are lit up, and the panoramic night view in this romantic atmosphere makes it a very popular spot for couples.

When it comes to classic night view spots in Sapporo, a city selected as one of the "New Three Major Night Views of Japan," Mt. Moiwa is the place to be. A ropeway operates to the summit, where you'll find a restaurant and souvenir shops, making it a great tourist destination. The observation deck features items to enhance the romantic mood for couples, such as the "Bell of Happiness" and "Love Padlocks," making it a popular spot as a "Lover's Sanctuary."

Okurayama, known for its ski jump stadium, is also a popular night view spot. During the summer lift's nighttime operation period, you can enjoy a powerful night view from the ski jump's starting point. At the base of the jump, there are cafes, restaurants, and the Sapporo Olympic Museum, making it a recommended tourist spot for more than just the night view.

Horomi Pass is also famous for its lavender fields, and there is a paid parking lot where you can view the Sapporo city nightscape from your car. Since you can relax and enjoy the night view from the comfort of your vehicle, it's a recommended stop for a night drive. During lavender season, you can enjoy both the flowers and the night view for a truly luxurious experience.

Muroran is one of Hokkaido's leading industrial cities, known as the "City of Iron" and "City of Manufacturing," but it's also nationally famous as a spot for factory night views. From the Shiomi Park Observatory, you can get a panoramic view of the factory complex's nightscape. Muroran has many viewpoints for factory nightscapes, and the more you explore, the more varied and enjoyable the views become.

From the Sokuryozan Observatory, you can get a sweeping view of Muroran Port, the Hakucho Bridge, and the factory nightscapes. Additionally, a radio tower stands at the summit of Mt. Sokuryo, and the tower itself is lit up through donations from citizens and companies. While Mt. Sokuryo is part of the city's night view, it might be fun to try and spot it from another observation point.

This spot offers a spectacular, up-close view of the Hakucho Bridge, a landmark of Muroran and the largest suspension bridge in Eastern Japan with a total length of 1,380 meters. The beautiful illumination and dynamic structure, viewed up close, have earned it a spot in the Japan Night View Heritage list. It's also recommended to join a night cruise tour to experience its power from various angles on the sea.

The night view overlooking Otaru from Mt. Tengu is one of the famous spots counted among Hokkaido's Three Great Night Views, alongside Hakodate and Sapporo. A ropeway operates to the summit, but you can also drive to the top. There are four observatories, offering not only a view of all of Otaru but also unique nightscapes of the city surrounded by mountains and sea, including Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. Another popular night view spot in Otaru is "Kenashi Pass."

Located on a hill overlooking Wakkanai city, this park is registered as a "Japan Night View Heritage" site as the northernmost night view spot in Japan. The park features the "Kaihoku Centennial Memorial Tower," an observation tower from which you can enjoy an even higher panoramic view. You can see not only the city lights but also the lights of ships entering and leaving Wakkanai Port, creating a deeply atmospheric and charming night view.

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