Excursions

Mt Moiwa
Fondly known as Sapporo’s ‘backyard ski resort’ Mt Moiwa offers 11 different courses for all grades of skiers from beginners to advanced. Most are well lit to enable visitors and locals alike to enjoy the fun of night skiing, taking in the breathtaking view of the city as they fly down the sparkling slopes under the stars.

Telephone: (0)11 581 0914

Transport: 10 minutes drive from the Makomanai Subway Station

Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 9pm (mid-December to late March) and until 5pm in winter

Admission: Mt.Moiwa Ropeway: ¥1,100 (return). Chairlift: ¥100 (one way)

Noboribetsu
The famous hot-spring resort of Noboribetsu Onsen is situated inside the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The spa is one of many found in Hokkaido, but being closest to Sapporo is very popular. Hot mineral springs gush out about 10,000 tons of water a day, said to have healing properties for a range of disorders. The resort is also known for its 2,000 cherry trees that make a stunning sight in spring. A five-minute walk further uphill is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), with steaming, sulphurous vents and streams of hot water bubbling out of vividly coloured rocks. Bearing left up the valley you come to a lookout over O¯yu-numa (Boiling Water Swamp), where water bubbles violently on the pond’s sickly coloured surface. The entire area is crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails.

Transport: Train or bus from Sappora Station

Moiwa-yama Ropeway
When the weather is clear, the panoramic views from the summit of Moiwa-yama are breathtaking, especially at night. A ropeway (cable car) and chairlift whisk you to the top in eight minutes. Operating hours vary throughout the year. The ropeway is an eight-minute walk uphill from the Moiwa-yama Ropeway-iriguchi tram stop. Discount coupons are available on the tram - be sure the driver stamps yours.Sho¯wa Shin-zan

In 1943, after a series of earthquakes, Sho¯wa Shin-zan first emerged as an upstart bump in some vegetable fields southeast of To¯ya-ko Onsen and then continued to surge upwards for two more years to reach its present height (407m). At the time, the Japanese government was keen to hush it up as it was thought the event might be misinterpreted as a bad omen and hamper the progress of WWII. Local authorities were urged to douse the volcanic flames so that enemy aircrews couldn't use them for orientation. Sho¯wa Shin-zan is still an awesome sight, hissing, issuing steam and keeping the locals guessing about its next move.