The vast land of Hokkaido offers not only spectacular natural scenery during the day, but also breathtaking night views at night. This article introduces seven carefully selected night view spots in major areas of Hokkaido that are ideal as date spots! Each spot is sure to create a romantic and special night! Be sure to visit them for a memorable trip!
Sapporo Area
Mt. Moiwa（藻岩山）
Mt. Moiwa is a 531-meter-high mountain located in Minami-ku, Sapporo. It is close to the city center, making it a relatively easy spot to visit despite its great natural beauty. Moiwa is surrounded by rich nature. The primeval forest that covers the mountain is designated as a national natural treasure, and the beauty of the four seasons is expressed in different ways depending on the season. The mountain is especially crowded with more climbers than usual in spring when wildflowers grow and in fall when the leaves turn red.
The night view from the observatory at the top of Mt. Moiwa is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of Japan’s new top three night views. Moiwa is a sight worth seeing at least once, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Sapporo.
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)
Sapporo TV Tower, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sapporo, is another night view spot. In contrast to Mt. Moiwa, you can enjoy a panoramic night view in the middle of Sapporo. In winter, you can enjoy the night view decorated with illuminations such as “Sapporo White Illumination” and “Sapporo Snow Festival”. While enjoying the events, why not climb up the TV tower and enjoy the night view from a height of about 90 meters?
Asahiyama Memorial Park (旭山記念公園)
Asahiyama Memorial Park is a large park created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sapporo. The observatory is located at an elevation of 137.5 meters above sea level, and is popular as a spot with a spectacular view of Sapporo due to its excellent vantage point. It is especially famous for its night view, which attracts many tourists at night. There are several playgrounds in the park, including playground equipment and open space, making it a perfect place to enjoy the park with children.
Asahikawa Area
Arashiyama Observation Deck (嵐山展望台)
Arashiyama Observation Deck is located approximately 5 km west of the center of Asahikawa City, at an elevation of 253 meters. It is named for its resemblance to Arashiyama, a famous sightseeing spot in Kyoto. Arashiyama’s greatest attraction is its abundance of nature, and the park is a precious place where a pristine forest remains, even though it is located in the suburbs of a city.
On the other hand, it has been developed as a park, with hiking trails and the Arashiyama Park Center established so that people can easily enjoy a stroll. The observatory at the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the entire Asahikawa city, and is a popular spot for night views and fireworks viewing.
Hakodate Area
Mt. Hakodate（函館山）
Known as the “Million Dollar Nightscape” and one of Japan’s top three nightscapes, the glittering night view from Mount Hakodate is one of the most spectacular in the country. Hakodate is one of Japan’s top three nightscapes. The all-weather observatory at the summit can be reached by a large ropeway with a capacity of 125 passengers, which takes only 3 minutes to reach. The night view from the observatory at the top of Mt. Hakodate, which is crowded with tourists regardless of the season, has earned a worldwide reputation for its romantic, jewel-like nightscape.
The secret to why the night view from Mount Hakodate is so beautiful lies in its topography. The secret is that the view from the top of the mountain is flanked by two oceans: the Port of Hakodate on the left and the Tsugaru Strait on the right, making the lights of the city stand out much more prominently. Other features include lighting up churches and Western-style buildings and using soft colors for streetlights.
Otaru Area
Otaru Canal (小樽運河)
The Otaru Canal was established in 1923 and is one of Otaru’s representative tourist attractions. At that time, many boats came and went, and it developed as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido. The Otaru Canal, which has a long history, is 1,140m long and 20m wide (the North Canal in the northern part is 40m wide), and remains in its original form. The stone warehouses and 63 gas lamps along the canal create a retro atmosphere of the time.
Stone warehouses have been turned into restaurants and souvenir shops and become popular tourist spots lit by gas lamps in the evening. Various local delicacies and popular music box stores line the stone-paved walking path. The Otaru Canal Cruise, which allows visitors to sightsee the Otaru Canal from a boat, is also popular. After enjoying walking along the retro streets, you can take in the scenery from the boat. The night cruise, which departs after sunset, is recommended as it offers a different romantic atmosphere and night view from the day cruise!
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway (小樽天狗山ロープウェイ)
Otaru Tenguyama is a symbolic mountain of Otaru with an elevation of 532.4 meters. The ropeway runs from the foot of the mountain to the top, 735 meters long, in about 4 minutes. On a clear day, the ropeway offers a panoramic view of not only the city of Otaru but also the Sea of Japan, and the Shakotan Peninsula. The night view from the ropeway is so beautiful that it is counted as one of the “Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido,” and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery as if it were sprinkled with jewels.
At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the view of Otaru, including the observatory at the top, which is listed as one star in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan,” and the restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while viewing the beautiful scenery.
It is also popular as a ski resort with a view of the harbor and is visited by many skiers. Enjoy the nostalgic night view of Otaru while swaying in the gondola.
