Otaru, Japan: Ropeway to Mt. Tengu

 

Take the ropeway going to Mt. Tengu.

There are a lot of cable cars or gondola to choose from in Sapporo or Niseko.  But the reason I want to ride the ropeway to Tenguyama is because of Netflix shows First Love (Harumichi and Yae) and Beyond Goodbye.  It's a combination of being interested in the place after watching First Love and then being doubtful if the place is safe after watching Beyond Goodbye (those who watched would know why).

Anyhow, I made my way to the top and went back alive in one piece, so I'm thankful for this journey.

How to get there?  I took a bus from Otaru central area. There's a ticket machine or ticket counter where you can buy the ropeway tickets.  Then, took the ropeway to the top.  Follow their accounts in social media because they would announce if the service is cancelled due to heavy snow or strong winds. 

The experience was stunning.  It was snowing during the ride and there are some skiers going down the trail.

Bring and wear crampons or cleats for your safety.  There were guests who had been sliding at the lower station due to icy snow on the ground.

Do not get too excited and be aware of the warning sticks and danger zone signs near the edge or cliff.

Walk slowly and watch for deep holes.  Stay where there is a walking area.

The place had high or deep snow when I visited in March.  And it was evident below, as the torii gate can only be seen half-way of it's original height.

I skipped the cafe, it’s too crowded and no more seats are available on the window-view.  But I bought postcards as souvenirs.

When you make your way back to the city, ensure to remove the crampons or cleats when taking buses.

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do?

Day	Places to See	Food and Restaurants	Accommodation
1	Otaru Canal	Bikkuri Donkey	Hotel Dormy Inn Premium
2	Otaru Canal Sakaimachi Street Otaru Music Box Museum 出抜き小路 火の見櫓  Observation Deck Japan Post Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Asari Station	Kitaichi Hall LeTAO Main Store Robataya Turukichi	same
3	Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Guardian Angels Cathedral Sapporo TV Tower Susukino Undeground market between Susukino,  Odori and Sapporo stations	Baristart Coffee	Hotel Forza Sapporo
4	Moai statue in Makomanai Takino Hill of Buddha Royce Town Factory	Lamp Light Books café	same
5	Bibai Snow Land JR Tower Observatory T38	Morihico Coffee T'café	same
6	Hokkaido University Museum Domestic and International areas	Tokuichi Tully's Coffee