Otaru Tenguyama — Attraction in Otaru

Worth visiting on a clear day as the views are incredible. We came by bus, and with the cable car leaving regularly, every 12 minutes, we almost got straight on. It was a Saturday in September so not hugely busy and there was plenty of space to see the view going up. It only takes 5-10 minutes to be at the top of the mountain, enjoying the view. There is a short walk to another view, and from there, you can head into the woods for a 1.3km walk that takes you past the highest point of the mountain and back round to the main area. There is a chipmunk enclosure that is free to enter, although you can buy some food to feed them if you like. There is also a grass toboggan run, zip wire, and museum. We went up in the afternoon and stayed until sunset, and the views were stunning. The bus back to town goes every half hour so you need to time your trip back down in the cable car. However, we got out with a minute to spare for the bus and ran with about 10 other people and we all successfully...

The ski area is small, but well worth your time. Some courses have a steep pitch (up to 40+ degrees) which is a refreshing break from the usual Japanese low angle riding. You can feel the history here, with a terrific (and free) ski museum at the top of the tram. The upper station also has a delicious and affordable restaurant, (venison or lamb curry for $12!), a shrine, and views on par with the best in Japan. Get creative with your lines and you can ski fresh pow days after it snows. And there’s night skiing! I skied 6 hrs and got fresh lines every lap. Incredible experience right on the edge of Otaru city....

Previously there was a tourist bus from otaru canal terminal going here but now the local bus may be used to go to the foot of the mountain. There is a 5 min ropeway train going up the peak. Its around 1400 yen for roundtrip. Its nicer to go around sunset if you want to catch the city lights. We went a bit earlier but had to wait for a while because there is not much to do there.

The view was nice. They have an outdoor space you can sit and relax for a while. There is also a viewing deck.

There’s a zipline also but I didn’t try it anymore. Its...