Ultimate Guide to Sapporo Hiking Trails 2025: Beginner-Friendly Mountain Adventures with Seasonal Views
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido, located in Japan's northernmost region. With its beautiful streetscapes featuring historic buildings and fresh seafood caught at nearby fishing ports, Sapporo attracts attention from both domestic and international visitors as a tourist destination where you can enjoy both scenic views and gourmet cuisine.
Hokkaido is also famous for being surrounded by abundant nature, and when you climb mountains, you can encounter foxes and squirrels that you won't find on Japan's main island. Of course, Sapporo also has many mountains that are easily accessible within about an hour from the city center, where you can casually enjoy hiking. Since you can overlook Sapporo's cityscape from the summits, mountains are also one of the recommended spots for Sapporo sightseeing.
This time, we will introduce carefully selected hiking spots around Sapporo where you can enjoy magnificent scenic views, making your Sapporo Hiking 2025 experience truly unforgettable.
If You Want to Enjoy Sapporo Hiking 2025, Combine It with Sento for the Perfect Experience!
Sapporo has an abundance of mountains around 500 meters in elevation that you can easily enjoy climbing. Being able to access and fully enjoy nature within about an hour from Sapporo's city center is an attractive point unique to Sapporo, a city surrounded by great nature.
Sapporo also has excellent Sento facilities. Sento are public bathhouses located in urban areas where anyone can enjoy bathing in public spaces as part of daily life. The attractive point of sento is that you can experience various types of baths that you can't experience at home, such as jet baths and medicinal baths containing herbs that are effective for chronic fatigue. I also use Sento with large bathtubs to refresh myself on days when I'm tired from lots of walking.
This time, we will introduce recommended hiking spots in Sapporo along with sento that you'll want to visit after hiking, making your Sapporo Hiking 2025 adventure complete.
4 Favorite Hiking Spots Near Sapporo Where You Can Feel Abundant Nature
Maruyama
Maruyama is a low mountain with an elevation of 225 meters located in downtown Sapporo. Since it's accessible within an hour from Sapporo's central areas like Susukino, it's also beloved as a relaxation spot for citizens. Although it's a mountain surrounded by residential areas, when you're lucky, you can encounter adorable squirrels and wild birds that live on the mountain. I always look forward to meeting squirrels when I climb Maruyama.
From the summit, you can overlook Sapporo's cityscape, and at night, it's popular as one of Sapporo's premier night view spots. There's also a zoo and park at the base, so it's recommended to enjoy leisure activities at the base during the day and climb the mountain at night to enjoy the night view.
While it's a mountain you can casually visit during Sapporo sightseeing, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit. Since some areas are not well-maintained, always wear sneakers or comfortable shoes when climbing the mountain.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Chuo-ku Maruyama
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "Subway Namboku line" to "Odori", transfer at Odori station to "Subway Tozai line" to "Maruyama koen", then 5 minutes walk from Maruyama koen station
- Phone: 011-621-0453 (Maruyama park)
- Official Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/access/
Locally Beloved Sento "Maruyama Onsen"
Source:Google Maps
"Maruyama Onsen" is a Sento located in the residential area spreading at the base of Maruyama park.
Maruyama Onsen offers four types of baths including a spaciously open main bath, medicinal baths with herbs effective for shoulder stiffness, cold baths, and saunas. My recommendation is the medicinal bath. Since it's set to a slightly lower temperature, you won't get dizzy even if you stay in for a long time. It's also perfect for relieving mountain climbing fatigue.
Sapporo's sento don't have body soap or shampoo permanently installed, so prepare by purchasing them at convenience stores beforehand.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Chuo-ku Minami-rokujo Nishi 23-5-2
- Business Hours: 15:00～20:00
- Closed: Mondays and Thursdays
- Phone: 011-563-9195
- Official Website: https://www.kita-no-sento.com/sento/102-2/
Sankakuyama
"Sankakuyama" is a low mountain located in the northwest part of Sapporo, impressive for its gentle triangular shape. With an elevation of 311 meters, it's an easy mountain to climb, and you can reach the summit in about an hour even when climbing slowly. The mountain trail is well-maintained with rest benches placed throughout, so even small children and elderly people without confidence in their physical strength can safely enjoy mountain climbing.
An observation deck is installed at the summit where you can overlook Sapporo's cityscape. Since it's located more in the suburbs than Maruyama, the attractive point of Sankakuyama is that you can overlook both nature and urban contrast together.
Although it's a mountain located behind residential areas, always wear sneakers when climbing mountains in Japan. Especially in winter, snow accumulates, so climbing with specialized shoes is recommended.
Basic Information
- Address: Sapporo city Nishi-ku Yamanote
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "Subway Namboku line" to "Odori", transfer at Odori station to "Subway Tozai line" to "Kotoni", then about 30 minutes walk from Kotoni station to the trailhead
- Phone: 011-211-2522 (Sapporo City Construction Bureau)
- Official Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/spot/facility/mount-sankaku/
Retro-Charmed Sento "Fumi no Yu"
Source:Google Maps
Fumi no Yu is a retro Sento with over 50 years of history, established in 1961. The changing room plays Japanese popular songs that were hits in the 1970s, creating an emotionally nostalgic atmosphere that you can't experience elsewhere.
Fumi no Yu's attractive point is its abundant variety of baths, including bubbly jet baths, electric baths effective for chronic back pain, medicinal baths, and saunas. The main bath is called a "radon bath," a special bathtub containing special stones that are effective for fatigue recovery and blood circulation improvement, making it effective after mountain climbing. Please try various baths to heal your mountain climbing fatigue.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Nishi-ku Yamanote Gojo 2-2-24
- Business Hours: 15:00～22:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 011-621-6846
- Official Website: https://www.kita-no-sento.com/sento/144-2/
Mt. Hakkenzan
Mt. Hakkenzan is a mountain that towers along the route to Jozankei, the closest hot spring resort area from Sapporo. The impressive eight rock peaks visible at the summit create a dinosaur-like silhouette that has become a beloved symbol marking the entrance to Jozankei.
At 498 meters, you can reach the summit from the base in about one hour. Despite being a relatively low mountain, the trail includes many sections where you must climb over rocks and use ropes for assistance, making it suitable for advanced hikers. While the route offers many thrilling moments, the view from the summit is spectacular, allowing you to fully enjoy Hokkaido's dynamic natural beauty that cannot be experienced in the city.
Climbing the peak sections at the summit involves danger, and slip-and-fall accidents are reported every year, so avoid hiking on days following rain or during snowy conditions.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Minami-ku Toyama
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "Jotetsu bus H7" and get off at "Hakkenzan Tozanguchi"
- Phone: 050-3160-5710 (Ishikari Forest Office)
- Official Website: - https://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/hokkaido/policy/system/rekumori/huukeirin/008-hatikennyama.html
Matsunoyu Ryokan: Where Jozankei's Abundant Hot Springs Flow
Source:JOZANKEI ONSEN
After climbing Hakkenzan, be sure to visit Jozankei as well. Jozankei is the closest hot spring resort to Sapporo and is beloved by Sapporo residents as a popular resort destination.
At Matsunoyu Ryokan, you can enjoy hot springs as a day trip visitor. The silky-smooth spring water quality will heal even chronic fatigue. The outdoor bath is also one of my favorite spots, where you can enjoy bathing in the forest while listening to the sounds of birds and insects.
Matsunoyu Ryokan also offers overnight accommodations. The cuisine featuring local seasonal ingredients is exquisite, so if your schedule allows, definitely consider staying overnight to enjoy both the hot springs and the cuisine!
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Minami-ku Koganeyu 24
- Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-22:00 / Weekends and holidays 10:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 011-596-2131
- Official Website: http://www.matsunoyu.co.jp/
Mt. Moiwa
Mt. Moiwa is beloved by locals as a spot where you can enjoy spectacular views of Sapporo. A ropeway and cable car system connects the base to the summit, making it popular as a scenic tourist destination. The night view from Mt. Moiwa is particularly famous, offering romantic, jewel-like scenery from the 531-meter observation deck.
Mt. Moiwa can also be climbed on foot. The mountain trails wind through natural primeval forests, allowing you to enjoy hiking in rich natural surroundings. You can also encounter animals such as foxes and squirrels, as well as insects and wild birds that inhabit the area.
There are restaurants and cafes at the summit, so I recommend a plan where you enjoy hiking up, view the night scenery, then descend via ropeway and cable car.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Chuo-ku Fushimi 5-3-7
- Access: Walk from JR Sapporo station to "Nishi Yonchome," then take "Sapporo street car" to "Ropeway iriguchi," then take shuttle bus from Ropeway iriguchi
- Phone: 011-561-8177
- Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
Fushimi Onsen
Source:Google Maps
Fushimi Onsen is a sento (public bath) located at the foot of Mt. Moiwa. Since opening in 1974, it has been beloved by local residents for over 50 years.
At Fushimi Onsen, you can experience unique baths including a bathtub where you can relax while lying on your back and bubble baths with jets. One of the bathtubs contains rocks called "Maifan stone," which are rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium and are said to be effective for beautiful skin. I recommend this sento for beauty-conscious individuals and women.
There are also various other baths including saunas and medicinal baths, so you can enjoy refreshing yourself according to your preferences.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city chuo-ku Minami Junanajo Nishi 17-3-24
- Operating Hours: 15:00-21:00
- Closed: Mondays and Fridays
- Phone: 011-561-0887
- Official Website: https://www.kita-no-sento.com/sento/112-2/
After Enjoying Hiking and Sento, Savor Exquisite Cuisine in Susukino at Night!
After enjoying your Sapporo Hiking 2025 adventure with hiking and sento experiences, why not participate in a tour to enjoy exquisite cuisine in Susukino, the entertainment district representing Sapporo, the culinary capital? Magical Trip offers the "Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour," where you explore restaurants with local guides knowledgeable about food and local culture.
This tour visits restaurants featuring fresh seafood caught in Hokkaido's nearby waters, as well as establishments where you can enjoy pairings of Hokkaido's local cuisine and alcohol served in small plates. For the final third stop, you can choose between a ramen shop or a bar where you can enjoy sweets. Since you'll visit locally popular establishments that tourists rarely visit, this tour allows you to fully enjoy culinary attractions while experiencing Sapporo's nightlife just like the locals do.
- Meeting point: Susukino Station
- Tour Area: Sapporo city (Susukino area)
- Start Time: 18:00
5 Recommended Hiking Spots Around Sapporo for Nature Lovers - Sapporo Hiking 2025 Guide
The area around Sapporo offers abundant mountains where you can easily enjoy hiking while appreciating nature, beyond the four mountains introduced earlier. For those who want to experience more of Hokkaido's natural attractions, here are five hiking spots that can be visited as day trips from Sapporo for your Sapporo Hiking 2025 adventures.
Jozankei
Jozankei is a hot spring resort town located in a nature-rich valley. It's also popular as a spot where you can enjoy activities that can only be experienced in nature, such as canoeing, rafting, and camping.
Jozankei is surrounded by mountains, and there are plenty of mountains for hiking with Jozankei as your base, including Hakkenzan mentioned earlier. There are about 8 mountains you can climb according to your level, from easily accessible 400-meter class mountains like Hakkenzan to 1400-meter class mountains like Mt. Muine. Please enjoy hiking according to your skill level.
When hiking in Jozankei, we also recommend staying at a hot spring inn where you can heal your fatigue in the hot springs and enjoy seasonal cuisine!
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Minami-ku Jozankei-onsen
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "Jotetsu bus kappa liner" (reservation required) and get off at "Jozankei Onsen"
- Phone: 011-598-2012 (Jozankei Tourism Association)
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/en/
Mt. Tengu
Mt. Tengu is a 532-meter mountain located in Otaru, the neighboring town of Sapporo. A ropeway connects to the summit, and it's also popular as a scenic spot where you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea and city. The night view from Mt. Tengu is particularly spectacular, and it's registered as one of Hokkaido's three major night views along with Mt. Moiwa mentioned earlier and Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate.
At the summit of Mt. Tengu, there's a park where you can enjoy interacting with squirrels and trail courses where you can enjoy forest bathing. With spots offering everything from hiking to leisure and dining, you can enjoy a full day of Sapporo Hiking 2025 activities.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Otaru city Mogami 2-16-15
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "JR Hakodate line" to "Otaru," then from - Otaru station take Bus "Otaruyama ropeway line"
- Phone: 0134-33-7381 (Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Ski Resort)
- Official Website: https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/
Shioya Maru Yama
Shioya Maru Yama is a 629-meter mountain located next to Mt. Tengu. It's beloved by locals as a hiking course where you can easily experience authentic mountain climbing. From the summit, you can see the cityscape of Otaru and the great nature of the mountains. The observation area on the cliff is thrilling and perfect for enjoying a natural experience.
Shioya Maru Yama can be climbed in about an hour, but if you want to enjoy more trails, you can follow the route that continues to Mt. Tengu and access the summit of Mt. Tengu as well. This is a course where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido's great nature, so if you're confident in your physical strength, prepare in advance and enjoy this authentic trail experience in your Sapporo Hiking 2025 journey!
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Otaru city Shioya
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "JR Hakodate line" to "Shioya," then about 2 hours on foot from Shioya station to the summit
- Phone: 0134-33-2510 (Otaru Tourism Association)
- Official Website: https://yamap.com/model-courses/9335
Showa-shinzan
Showa-shinzan is a rocky mountain that continues volcanic activity, still emitting smoke today. While the rugged and impressive Showa-shinzan cannot be climbed, the adjacent Mt. Usu can be accessed to the summit by ropeway. Mt. Usu is also a volcano that continues volcanic activity today, having erupted most recently in 2000.
While it has the dangerous aspect of being an active volcano, Mt. Usu teaches us about the beauty of nature. The approximately 1km trail course starting from the summit leads to an observation deck where you can overlook craters, caldera lakes, and even the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views unique to volcanoes. This is definitely a spot you should visit if you want to experience the appeal of volcanoes during your Sapporo Hiking 2025 adventure.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Usu-gun Sobetsu-cho Showa-shinzan
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "Ltd.Exp.Hokuto" to "Toya," then from Toya station take Bus "Toya-ko line" to "Showa shinzan"
- Phone: 0142-75-3113 (Mt.Usu Ropeway)
- Official Website: https://sobetsu-kanko.com/spot/showashinzan
- Mt.Usu Ropeway: https://usuzan.hokkaido.jp/en/
Shinsen-Numa
Shinsen-Numa is a wetland spreading in the mountains at an altitude of 760 meters. Despite being at a high altitude, it's a wetland where beautiful aquatic plants inhabit, and you can enjoy trails while appreciating beautiful greenery in summer and golden autumn leaves in fall.
Although Shinsen-Numa is located in the mountains, the approximately 1400-meter trekking course is well-maintained, and you can see small children taking walks. The trail course takes about 2 hours for one lap even at a leisurely pace, and with few ups and downs, it's recommended for those who aren't accustomed to mountains. Since you walk on bridges built over the wetland, you can enjoy the trail while refreshing yourself by the water - a perfect addition to your Sapporo Hiking 2025 itinerary.
Basic Information
- Address: Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Kyowa-cho Maeda
- Access: From JR Sapporo station, take "JR Hakodate line" to "Kozawa station," then about 30 minutes by taxi from Kozawa station
- Phone: 0135-73-2011 (Kyowa town Hall)
- Official Website: https://www.town.kyowa.hokkaido.jp/tourism/?content=201