Day Trips from SapporoMt. Tengu in Otaru: Night View, Ropeway Prices and Driving to the Top
By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published 
Quick answers
- One of Hokkaido's three great night views, over Otaru and Ishikari Bay from 532 m
- Ropeway round trip: 1,800 yen in summer, 2,000 yen in winter; no service in most of November
- The road to the top is open from about mid-April to early November; both car parks are free
- About an hour by car from Sapporo
Mt. Tengu rises right behind Otaru, and from its observation deck at 532 meters you look over the whole town and the curve of Ishikari Bay. It is one of Hokkaido's three famous night views, alongside Mt. Hakodate and Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo. You can take the ropeway up from a free car park at the bottom, or, from mid-April to early November, drive all the way to the free car park at the top.
The view from Mt. Tengu
The best time is the "magic hour", as the sunset light fades and the lights of the town come on. The ropeway's official site lists the magic hour for each season: night view times.
The summit has three viewing decks, a café and a souvenir shop. By day you see the whole town laid out down to the harbor.
Inside the summit building, look out for the Hananade Tengu, a giant red tengu mask; the sign beside it says touching its long nose grants your wish.
Ropeway or car?
Ropeway: about 5 minutes, every 12 minutes. In 2026 it runs in two seasons:
| Season | Hours | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Summer: April 25 to November 3 | Up 9:00–20:48, down until 21:00 | 1,800 yen adults, 900 yen children |
| Winter: November 28 to March 28, 2027 | Up 9:00–19:48, down until 20:00 | 2,000 yen adults, 1,000 yen children |
It does not run between the two seasons, in November. Check the official site before you go.
By car: the road to the summit is usually closed from early November to mid-April. When it is open, you can drive up to the free car park at the top, which has a fine view of its own.
How to get to Mt. Tengu
From central Sapporo it is about an hour. Take the Sasson Expressway toward Otaru and Yoichi; where it splits, stay in the Otaru lanes, and exit at Otaru IC. From there, head up into the hills on the south-west side of town. The only rest stop before Otaru IC is Kanayama PA, with a convenience store and toilets. From New Chitose Airport it is about an hour and a half.
Ropeway station car park (free):
Summit car park (free, mid-April to early November):
Near Mt. Tengu
Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street are about 10 minutes away by car, so finish the day on Mt. Tengu after walking the town.
Otaru Canal: Night Lights, the Canal Cruise and Where to ParkA local's guide to Otaru Canal: when the gas lamps and warehouses are lit, the canal cruise, how to get there from Sapporo by train or car, and where to park.
Sakaimachi Street in Otaru: Sweets, Glass Shops and Where to ParkA local's guide to Sakaimachi Street in Otaru: Kitakaro, LeTAO, Kitaichi Glass and the music box museum, how to get there by car from Sapporo, and the car park that is free with a purchase.
My Otaru day-trip route ends with Mt. Tengu.
Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: A Local's Route and Where to ParkDriving to Otaru from Sapporo? A local's one-day route through Yoichi, Shukutsu, the canal and Mt. Tengu, with drive times, tolls and where to park near Otaru Canal.
FAQ about Mt. Tengu
Q1. Can you drive to the top of Mt. Tengu?
Yes, from about mid-April to early November. The road is closed in winter, so take the ropeway then.
Q2. How much is the Mt. Tengu ropeway?
In summer 2026, 1,800 yen round trip for adults and 900 yen for children; in winter, 2,000 yen and 1,000 yen.
Q3. Is parking free at Mt. Tengu?
Yes, both the ropeway station car park and the summit car park are free.
Q4. When is the best time for the night view?
The magic hour around sunset, as the town lights come on. The official site lists the time for each season.