Sapporo Nightlife: Otaru Canal, Secret Observatory, and Asahiyama Memorial Park (Bus Transfer)

Unsure what to do at night in Hokkaido? Are autumn evenings in Hokkaido bleak? Join the locals on the Funba Sapporo Night Bus and enjoy a nighttime barbecue with a selection of Sapporo's nighttime attractions. Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a short, relaxing evening getaway.

Otaru Canal | Hokkaido Night Sightseeing Bus Tour
The Otaru Canal is located in Otaru, Hokkaido. Along the canal, a row of red brick warehouses once served as the distribution center for all Hokkaido's goods. At the time, Otaru was the financial and economic center of Hokkaido. Especially during the gold rush, it was the gathering and departure point for everyone's dreams, giving rise to countless stories of pioneering and dreams, earning it the nickname "Wall Street of the North." The nostalgic streets, brimming with exotic charm, and the cluster of stone warehouses along the canal, illuminated by traditional gas streetlights, create a nightscape imbued with the romance of a bygone era. It's as if you've stepped back into the glory of Otaru a century ago. You'll exclaim, "Wow! This is the glorious Japan of period dramas!"

Mount Maomu Observatory | Hokkaido Night Sightseeing Bus Tour
Mount Maomu got its name from the indigenous Ainu people, who noted the lack of trees there. However, precisely because of its lack of trees, dense forests obscure the view. From its height, one can enjoy sweeping views of Otaru City and the port area. At night, a boundless sea of stars can be seen above, and in the afternoon, a sea of clouds and steam can sometimes be seen swirling. Viewing Otaru from Mount Maomu is like a hermit observing a bustling city.

Asahiyama Memorial Park | Hokkaido Night Sightseeing Bus Tour
Although it shares its name with the Asahiyama Zoo, Asahiyama Memorial Park is not located in the far north of Hokkaido, but near Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo. Constructed in 1970 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sapporo's founding, it will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, also marking Sapporo's 150th anniversary.

Besides its vast green space, Asahiyama Memorial Park is also a popular spot for Sapporo residents to enjoy the night view. The bird's-eye view of Sapporo at night from the 137.5-meter-high observation deck is truly spectacular, even offering a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan. The combination of the illuminated fountain and the Sapporo cityscape across the way creates a truly magical scene.

From the 137.5-meter-high observation deck, you can see the Ishikari Plains, the Sea of Japan, and Sapporo city. The contrast between the illuminated fountain and the Sapporo cityscape across the way is particularly captivating.