Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Otaru Tenguyama (Mt. Tengu) - Enjoy a Spectacular View of the Sky｜Official PR Video" (札幌から一番近い 天空の絶景を存分に楽しめる小樽天狗山 -Mt.TENGU-｜公式PR動画), was uploaded by Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway.

The video introduces various things to do on Otaru Tenguyama (Mt. Tengu), including a ropeway, beautiful views from the observation deck, a shrine and cafeteria at the top of Tenguyama, and more. There's no shortage of fun things to do on Mt. Tengu.

What is Otaru Tenguyama?

Photo：The view from Otaru Tenguyama, Hokkaido

Otaru Tenguyama, aka Mt. Tengu, is a 532.4-meter-tall mountain located in Otaru, Hokkaido. It is a symbolic mountain of Otaru and overlooks the city of Otaru and the Sea of Japan.

Otaru Tenguyama is approximately 15 minutes from the Otaru IC by car, and 17 minutes by bus from JR Otaru Station.

You can also drive to the top of Mt. Tengu, but we recommend taking the ropeway if it's your first time visiting the mountain; the 30-seat ropeway takes roughly 4 minutes to reach the top, and offers a spectacular view of Otaru Bay, Ishikari Bay, and even the Shakotan Peninsula on a clear day.

In the winter, you can enjoy skiing at a ski resort where two lifts are in operation. In the warmer months, there are zip lines, hot air balloon rides, mountain climbing/hiking, slides, and camping facilities that are popular during summer vacation. Otaru Tenguyama is an appealing tourist attraction that can be enjoyed all year round.

Otaru Tenguyama (Mt. Tengu) – Observation Deck, Shrine, and Gorgeous Night Views

Photo：Tenguu Terrace, Otaru Tenguyama, Hokkaido

Here, we'll take a look at some things to do on Otaru Tenguyama.

・Observation Deck
Otaru Tenguyama has five observation decks with different views. Tenguu Terrace, located at the Tengu Cherry Blossom Observatory, offers an unobstructed view from a wooden deck with no railing. Some visitors take pictures with their takeout drinks they ordered from the nearby TENGUU Café!
[Video] 0:19 - Tenguu Terrace

・Mt. Tengu Shrine
Mt. Tengu Shrine, located at the top of Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, is dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko. Located near the shrine is a large tengu, which is said to ward off evil and make wishes come true when its long nose is stroked.
[Video] 0:37 - Mt. Tengu Shrine

・Night Views
Otaru Tenguyama is also known for having one of the three best night views in Hokkaido. In addition to the Tenguu Terrace observation deck, the Manten Stage offers a night view of the highway and a starry sky.
[Video] 1:55 - The Night View from Otaru Tenguyama

Photo：Chipmunk Park, Otaru Tenguyama, Hokkaido

・Chipmunk Park
Chipmunk Park is a park where you can see cute chipmunks up close and feed them. (The park is open from late May to mid-October.)
[Video] 0:33 - Cute Squirrels at Chipmunk Park

Winter at Otaru Tenguyama – Skiing & Fireworks

One of the best things to do during winter at Otaru Tengu is enjoy some winter sports on the ski slopes, which offer a spectacular view of the area. Skiing while enjoying the view below is a great way to unwind and have some fun.

Otaru Yuki Hanabi (Otaru Snow Fireworks) is a fireworks display held at the ski resort in December, and is a popular annual event. The 2022 Otaru Snow Fireworks was held on December 17, but the schedule for 2023 has yet to be determined. Please check the Otaru Yuki Hanabi official website for information regarding the 2023 event.

Otaru Tenguyama – One of the Top 3 Nights Views of Hokkaido + Nearby Night Views

Photo：The night view from Mt. Hakodate, Hokkaido

Otaru Tenguyama is one of the top 3 night views of Hokkaido, along with Mt. Hakodate and Mt. Moiwa, but there are other lesser-known night view spots scattered around the area.
Some recommended night view spots are the Asahi Observatory, which can be easily accessed via a 5-minute drive from Otaru Station; the Mount Kenashi View Point, a 30-minute drive from Otaru Station; and the illumination of the Otaru Canal, a famous tourist attraction in Otaru, Hokkaido. After enjoying the night view of Mt. Tengu, consider visiting one of these other locations.

Other Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido

Besides Otaru Tenguyama, there is a myriad of things to do in Otaru.

Otaru Museum
A museum offering a variety of activities with which to learn about the history and natural scenery of Otaru, Hokkaido. The museum is made up of two facilities: the main museum and the canal museum. The museums are located just 20 minutes apart and so its recommended that you visit both as there are also discounted tickets that can be used at both facilities.

Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: General admission: 400 yen (winter 300 yen), high school students and senior citizens living in the area: 200 yen (winter 150 yen), Junior high school students and younger: free

Otaru Aquarium
Built in 1958, the Otaru Aquarium has a variety of exhibits, including penguins, dolphins, sea lions, etc. Children and adults alike can enjoy learning about the various marine life at the aquarium and even watch the impressive dolphin shows. The aquarium shop features a variety of cute stuffed animals and souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Hours: Mar. 18 - Oct.15 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm last admission)
Oct. 16 - Nov. 26 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (3:30 pm last admission)
Dec. 16 - Feb. 25 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (3:30 pm last admission)
Admission Fee: Adults: 1,800 yen, Children: 700 yen, Young children (Ages 3 and under): 350 yen

Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a 1,140-meter-long canal running through the city of Otaru. Built in 1923, the Otaru Canal was used to transport cargo from offshore. The canal is lined with 63 atmospheric street lights, and the buildings that line the canal, once used as warehouses, have been transformed into restaurants and other facilities. It's a scenic location to explore the history of Otaru.

What to Eat in Otaru?

Otaru is home to tons of delicious foods to try. Because Otaru is a port town, it has some of the freshest seafood that money can buy. You can enjoy sampling various types of sushi, seafood bowls and more.
Besides seafood, we recommend trying Otaru Ankake Yakisoba, a famous food from Otaru. The dish features fried noodles, lots of sauce, and a variety of vegetables from Otaru and is sold in restaurants all over Otaru.

Summary of Otaru Tenguyama

Otaru Tenguyama is full of attractions all year round.
After seeing all the amazing attractions in the video, don't be surprised if you're itching to visit the area this summer! In addition to the video introduced here, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway YouTube channel also offers live footage from the ropeway's cameras.
You can check out the current view from Mt. Tengu and even night views from the mountain. Otaru Tengu is located relatively close to Sapporo, so consider stopping by if you're traveling in Hokkaido!

Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Information
【Address】Tenguyama, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012
【Operation Period】April 15 - November 5
【Hours】9:00 am - 9:00 pm
【Admission Fee】Adults: 1,600 yen, Children: 800 yen, Pets: 300 yen ※Discounts available for groups of 20 or more
【Parking】Available (Free)

【TripAdvisor】Otaru Tenguyama