How long does it take to reach the summit of Tenguyama?

The ropeway takes 10 minutes to reach the summit. Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours total at the mountain, including time at the observation deck and facilities.

Can I visit Tenguyama during winter, and what activities are available?

Tenguyama operates year-round. Winter activities include ski slopes for beginners and intermediates, a snow park, and equipment rentals at the summit. The ropeway runs throughout winter except during severe weather.

What is the best time of year to visit Tenguyama for views?

September to November offers the clearest visibility for viewing Otaru city, Ishikari Bay, and the Shakotan Peninsula. Early mornings provide better conditions. Winter has dramatic snow landscapes but more frequent cloud cover.

Are there dining options at Tenguyama?

A restaurant at the summit serves Hokkaido regional cuisine including seafood and seasonal dishes. A café offers lighter meals and beverages. A gift shop sells local souvenirs and Otaru specialty products.

What can I see from the Tenguyama observation deck?

The observation deck provides 360-degree views of Otaru city, Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, the Shakotan Peninsula peaks. The deck is accessible year-round, though visibility depends on weather conditions.

Tenguyama

4.5 (285)Mountain PeakNatural FeatureEstablishment

Tenguyama is a mountain located in Otaru, Hokkaido, rising to 532 meters above sea level. The name translates to "Tengu Mountain," referring to the long-nosed goblin creatures from Japanese folklore that are said to inhabit mountainous regions. The site has been a popular destination since the early 20th century when a ski jump was constructed here in 1931, making it one of Japan's oldest winter sports facilities.

The mountain offers panoramic views across Otaru city, the surrounding Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, the distant peaks of the Shakotan Peninsula. During winter months, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered vista particularly favored by photographers. The observation deck provides 360-degree views and is accessible year-round, though visibility varies with weather conditions. A small shrine dedicated to tengu mythology sits near the summit, where visitors often leave offerings or purchase protective amulets.

Reaching the summit takes approximately 10 minutes via the Tenguyama Ropeway, which departs from the base station near Otaru's city center. The ropeway operates continuously throughout the year except during severe weather or maintenance periods. At the summit, visitors will find a restaurant serving local Hokkaido cuisine, a gift shop, and the Tengu Museum displaying masks and artifacts related to tengu legends. The Slide Park summer attraction features a 400-meter slide descending through forested terrain. Winter visitors can access the ski slopes and snow park facilities.

The ropeway base station is located roughly 3 kilometers from JR Otaru Station, accessible by bus number 9 bound for Tenguyama, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Taxis from the station cost around ¥1,500-2,000. The ropeway fare is ¥2,400 for adults (roundtrip) and ¥1,200 for children aged 6-12. Ski lift passes are sold separately during winter season. No admission fee applies to the observation areas once visitors arrive by ropeway, though the slide and other activities require additional payment.

What other travelers are saying about Tenguyama

We visited Tenguyama during the day, and it was not crowded, which made the visit very pleasant. The view was clear at times, and when it was clear, the scenery over Otaru was beautiful. I loved the place, and making our first yuki-daruma here made the experience even more memorable.

Manishaマニサ

Jan 12, 2026

Despite the chilly -5°C we experienced on April 21st during our day trip from Sapporo to Otaru, this outing proved to be a highlight of our time in Sapporo. While the heavy cloud cover unfortunately obscured many of the panoramic views from the mountaintop, the overall experience was still remarkably memorable for us. However, the ¥1600 entrance fee felt somewhat steep considering that nearly half of the advertised attractions at the summit were inaccessible due to the weather conditions.

Beautiful and scenic view from the mountaintop, packed with many amenities for families. There was the chipmunk garden, where there are free-roaming chipmunks, you can also pay 200 yen to feed them. The chipmunks were really cute and adorable. There was also a 1-hour trail that you could go on. The view was really majestic, and there were scenic photo spots and also places to sit back and admire the view. I would not recommend going on the 1-hour trail when it gets too hazy. Overall, a very magnificent and enjoyable experience that I would recommend to those visiting Hokkaido!

Exceptionally gorgeous view over looking Otaru and Yoiichi. The drive up was narrow but drive slowly and carefully and you'll reach there. On a clear day, the ocean view is amazing.

We were able to see snow when we visited tenguyama. The falling of the snow made the scenery even better and gorgeous. As compared to Mount Moiwa, the cable car is smaller in size and the tower or building in the summit is a bit smaller too. The cafe was packed with tourist. Thus, we did not have the chance to taste the meal. However there is a mini museum showcase tengu located at the same tower. Need to take a public bus in order to reach the foot the mountain and after that take the cable car to the summit. Nice view of Otaru.

Tenguyama

The area

What other travelers are saying about Tenguyama

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