Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in this city for 40 years, I want to introduce you to a slightly special place today. It’s the “Okurayama Observation Deck.” Ever heard of it?
Honestly, even some Sapporo locals might say they’ve “never been” (haha). But seriously, that’s a real shame! Especially for you folks who’ve come all the way from overseas, I really think it’s a place worth experiencing. Access isn’t too bad either, so it’s definitely worth considering adding to your Sapporo sightseeing plans.
The Absolute Highlight: The Chairlift is a Shocking Experience!
When you think of Okurayama, the ski jump hill probably comes to mind, right? Japan is incredibly strong in ski jumping, with many athletes winning Olympic medals and becoming world champions.
And the most interesting experience here is the chairlift that goes right up alongside that very jump slope!
You slowly ascend right next to the steep incline the athletes ski down (you can even see the starting point called the “Kante!”), and I bet you’ll be amazed by the scale, thinking, “Whoa, they jump down this steep place?!”
From the chairlift, you also get a panoramic view of Sapporo city. The mix of lush green mountains and the urban cityscape creates a pretty grand view you don’t often see elsewhere. It’s the kind of impact you can only get by seeing it live – photos and videos just don’t do it justice.
Spectacular Views from the Top & Little Pleasures (Night Views Too!)
Once you get off the chairlift, there’s an observation lounge offering a sweeping view of Sapporo’s cityscape. If the weather’s clear, you can see far-off mountains, and it feels fantastic! From up here, you can really appreciate how Sapporo is laid out like a grid.
On the floor below the observatory, there’s a shop selling things like Hokkaido’s famous soft-serve ice cream. Enjoying ice cream while gazing at the view might be extra special, don’t you think? Anyway, looking out over the city from here on a clear day is a genuinely refreshing experience.
Oh, and one more thing: during the summer season (roughly late April to October), they have evening hours, and the lift runs until about 8:30 PM. So, enjoying the Sapporo night view from here is also highly recommended! The city lights sparkle, creating a romantic atmosphere quite different from the daytime. Might be nice for a date, perhaps?
[Honest Local Take #1] A Little Heads-Up About Summer Bugs?
Okay, let me give you a bit of honest truth here. Since it’s up on a mountain, especially in summer, some days can have quite a few bugs. Horseflies, gnats, things like that… It’s really luck of the draw, but if you’re not a fan of bugs, maybe avoid visiting in peak summer, or bring some insect repellent just in case.
Real talk from a local: I’m not great with bugs myself, so hitting a buggy day can be a bit rough for me (lol). But there are definitely comfortable days with hardly any bugs, so you just have to hope for the best!
The Restaurant at the Base is Intriguing Too
At the base of the lift乗り場 (lift boarding area), there’s a restaurant called “Nouvelle Pousse Okurayama.” It seems they serve Hokkaido specialties like Genghis Khan (Japanese grilled mutton dish).
Actually, I haven’t been there yet… (haha). But I bet the view from there must be wonderful too, so if your timing aligns for lunch or dinner, stopping by could be a good option. The terrace seating looks particularly nice. I’d like to check it out sometime myself.
There’s a Museum at the Base Too (How are the Simulators?)
Near the lift area, you’ll also find the “Sapporo Olympic Museum.” It has exhibits related to the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, but the main attraction seems to be the winter sports simulators. Apparently, there are about six types, like ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and bobsledding.
But, sorry! I haven’t been inside this one either… To be honest, I’m a little skeptical about how fun the simulators really are. (If anyone reading this loves the simulators, I truly apologize!).
However, if you’re interested in Olympic history or want to give the simulators a try, it might be worth checking out. They also have a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs, so take a look if you feel like it!
- Official Website: Sapporo Olympic Museum (English Page)
Access and Fees
The Okurayama Observation Deck is about a 30-40 minute trip from central Sapporo (like Odori Park area), transferring from the subway to a bus. Not as far as you might think, right?
The typical route is to take the Tozai Subway Line to “Maruyama Koen Station,” then transfer at the bus terminal to the JR Hokkaido Bus “Kuramaru-go (Maru 14)” and get off at “Okurayama Jump Kỹogi-jō (Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium).”
The round-trip lift fee should be ¥1000 for adults and ¥500 for elementary school students and younger. Operating hours change with the season, and you’ll need to confirm the evening hours period, so checking beforehand is recommended.
- Fee (Lift Round Trip): Adult ¥1000, Child (Elementary & under) ¥500 (Approx.)
- Access: Take Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama Koen Sta., transfer to JR Hokkaido Bus [Maru 14] Okurayama Line at Bus Terminal, get off at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium stop.
- Official Website (Access/Fees/Hours): Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium – Access/Hours/Fees (English Page Available)
This information is as of the time this article was written, so things like fees, hours, bus routes, and the availability/timing of night operations might change. Please be sure to check the latest information yourself on the official website or other sources before you go.
[Honest Local Take #2] How Crowded Does It Get? (Watch Out for the Cold in Winter Too!)
Regarding crowds, it tends to get a bit busy on weekends, public holidays, Golden Week, and during the summer vacation period. Especially on nice weather days or during the evening hours when you can see the night view, both the observation deck and the lift are often lively.
If possible, aiming for a weekday morning might allow you to enjoy the scenery more relaxedly. Also, be aware that it gets extremely crowded on days when ski jumping competitions are held in winter.
And, speaking of winter, it might seem obvious, but since this is high up on a mountain, it gets incredibly, seriously cold! It’s often windy too, and the chill factor is different from down in the city. Make absolutely sure you’re prepared for the cold with a proper warm down jacket, hat, gloves, non-slip winter boots, etc. Don’t underestimate it and go lightly dressed, or you’ll be too cold to even enjoy the view. Please be really careful about this!
[Honest Local Take #3] So, How Does It Rate for Sapporo Sightseeing?
After all this talk, the ultimate question is: is the Okurayama Observation Deck actually recommended for Sapporo sightseeing?
My honest local opinion is: “It’s absolutely worth visiting at least once!” Yes, as I mentioned, some locals haven’t been, but that’s truly a waste! The view from that lift and the sheer scale of the ski jump are unique experiences you can’t easily find elsewhere. Plus, you can enjoy both daytime and nighttime views.
Especially if you like sports or enjoy views from high places, I think this spot will definitely resonate with you. The scenery blending Sapporo’s cityscape and nature is sure to become a great memory.
Summary
So, what do you think? Feeling a little tempted to visit Okurayama Observation Deck? It doesn’t have flashy attractions, but it’s a deeply satisfying spot where you can feel the city of Sapporo, its nature, and the power of sports. Both day and night offer their own distinct charms.
Just be mindful of bug measures (in summer) and cold protection (in winter) depending on the season (haha), and definitely try to aim for a clear day. I hope your trip to Sapporo becomes a fantastic memory!
