Sapporo: Mt. Maruyama Hike & Okurayama Ski Jump

Exploring Sapporo beyond its city streets offers a refreshing way to experience the area’s natural beauty and winter sports heritage. This tour combines a scenic hike on Mt. Maruyama with a visit to the iconic Okurayama Ski Jump and its museum, offering a well-rounded glimpse of Hokkaido’s outdoor offerings.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the guided nature walk introduces you to Sapporo’s flora and fauna, with the chance to spot squirrels, deer, and woodpeckers. Second, the fascinating history of the 1972 Winter Olympics at the Olympic Museum adds a cultural layer. Third, the panoramic views from the ski jump observation deck are genuinely breathtaking, providing photo-worthy moments.

A key consideration is the physical nature of the hike—it’s relatively short but involves rocky sections and, in winter, requires crampons or spikes. So, it’s best suited for those comfortable with light outdoor activity. This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy moderate hikes combined with cultural sites and spectacular viewpoints.

Key Points

• Guided experience: Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides ensuring insightful commentary.
• Season flexibility: The tour is suitable all year, with different sights and landscapes depending on the season.
• Family-friendly: Fun for all ages, especially with the Olympic Museum’s interactive exhibits.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, museum entry, and chairlift rides, making it a convenient package.
• Beautiful vistas: Offers expansive views of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and surrounding mountains.
• Time-efficient: Combines outdoor activities and cultural stops within a full-day itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meet-up Details

The tour kicks off at Sapporo Station, a central hub that’s easy to reach. The meeting point is in front of Myomu, the Circular White Stone Structure, right at the South Exit. The guide is easy to spot thanks to a tour tag, and punctuality is encouraged since the tour begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. This early start helps avoid crowds and gives you better light for photos.

The Mt. Maruyama Hike

The first adventure is a 2.5 km hike up Mt. Maruyama, which reaches an elevation of 225 meters. The path is dotted with 88 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, adding a spiritual touch to the walk. The trail winds through an old-growth forest, where you’ll encounter a variety of trees, small animals, and birds, making it an appealing outing for nature lovers.

While this hike is doable year-round, the season shapes the scenery. In late spring or summer, cherry blossoms bloom, and the forest is lush. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage, creating a tapestry of reds and golds. In winter, snow transforms the trail into a quiet, white landscape, though it demands extra gear like crampons for safe footing.

Reviewer insights suggest that the hike is “short but rewarding,” with beautiful views of Sapporo nestled among the trees. The summit offers glimpses of downtown Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and distant mountain ranges, especially when foliage is sparse.

Post-Hike Rest and Lunch

After descending from Mt. Maruyama around noon, the group typically stops for a lunch break, giving everyone time to refresh and swap stories about the morning’s adventure. Although lunch isn’t included, the group may find local eateries nearby, or you might choose to bring a light snack for the trail.

More Great Tours Nearby

Okurayama Ski Jump & Olympic Museum

The second part of the tour takes you to the Okurayama Ski Jump, one of the most famous ski jumps from the 1972 Winter Olympics—the first Winter Games held in Asia. The site itself is still active, with a hill size of 137 meters and a k-point of 123 meters, making it a legitimate competition venue.

The Olympic Museum attached to the ski jump provides an engaging overview of Japan’s winter sports achievements. It features interactive exhibits, historic memorabilia, and even simulations of ski jumping and speed skating. This makes it an excellent stop for families and anyone interested in sports history.

Chairlift Ride and Panoramic Views

The highlight here is the chairlift ride to the observation deck at the top of Okurayama. The 5-7 minute ride offers panoramic views of Sapporo city, the surrounding mountains, and Ishikari Bay. From the deck, you’ll get a skier’s-eye view of the hill and a chance to appreciate the scale of the ski jump.

Guests often comment that “the views are stunning,” with many taking lengthy photos from this vantage point. There’s also a cafe at the top where you can relax and enjoy fresh coffee or a snack while soaking in the scenery.

Returning to Sapporo

After an hour at the observation deck, the group takes the chairlift back down to the base, then makes their way to the bus for the return journey. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point at Sapporo Station.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the tour are transportation fees from Sapporo Station to all destinations and back, admission to the Olympic Museum, and the ski jump chairlift tickets. This all-inclusive approach simplifies planning and offers good value, especially considering the entrance fees and transportation costs are covered.

What’s not included are meals, additional transportation outside the scheduled route, personal expenses, and hiking gear. Guests need to bring their own comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing suitable for the season, bottled water, and a light snack.

Guide Insights and Tips

The guides, such as the friendly and knowledgeable team from Machinovate Japan Ltd., provide helpful commentary on the sites and safety tips—especially important in winter when icy patches can appear. As one reviewer noted, “The guides really know their stuff and make the experience both fun and educational.” They also help keep the group moving efficiently, ensuring you see everything without feeling rushed.

Weather and Season Considerations

Since the tour runs year-round, weather can vary greatly. Summer offers lush greenery and warmth, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland. Spring and autumn bring their own charm with blooming flowers and vibrant foliage, respectively. Keep in mind that in winter, additional gear like crampons might be necessary for certain rocky sections, so dress appropriately.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour stands out for its blend of nature, culture, and sport. It’s especially appealing to travelers who want a more active day that combines light hiking with sightseeing and historical learning. The value is solid, considering the transportation, museum entry, and chairlift rides are included in the price.

The focus on guides with local knowledge makes a difference, turning a simple walk or visit into an engaging and informative experience. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an authentic way to see Sapporo’s surrounding mountains, this tour offers a well-paced, memorable day out.

If you enjoy moderate outdoor activities combined with cultural insights, this experience should be at the top of your list. Just remember to wear season-appropriate clothing and bring essentials like water and snacks, especially if visiting in winter.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. at Sapporo Station in front of Myomu, so arriving a little early is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially with the Olympic Museum’s interactive exhibits. However, children should be comfortable with a short hike and moving around outdoor sites.

How long does the entire tour last?
The itinerary is designed for a full day, with the hike starting in the morning and concluding back at Sapporo Station around early afternoon or late afternoon, depending on pace and weather.

What should I wear for the hike?
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Dress in layers appropriate for the season—think moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and waterproof outer layers in winter.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but guests should be physically able to handle the 2.5 km hike and the outdoor conditions.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options nearby or you can bring a snack to enjoy during the hike.

Can I participate in winter?
Absolutely. The tour runs all year, but winter hikes require crampons or spikes, and dressing warmly is critical.

How crowded is the tour?
Starting early helps avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like the ski jump observation deck. The group size is typically manageable, allowing for a personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the experience, especially for the hike. The tour provider recommends checking conditions beforehand and dressing appropriately. Sometimes, the museum visit is a good backup if outdoor conditions are unsuitable.

Overall, this guided tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor activity, cultural insight, and breathtaking views, making it a smart choice for travelers eager to see Sapporo from a different angle. With friendly guides, inclusions that streamline logistics, and scenery that changes with the seasons, it’s a memorable way to explore Hokkaido’s natural and sporting highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: