If you're visiting Otaru, I really recommend planning a trip to Mt. Tengu!
Take Bus No. 9 from bus stop No. 4 at Otaru Station, ride it all the way to the last stop, and then take the ropeway up the mountain.
There weren't too many visitors before noon, so there was almost no wait for the ropeway. As it climbed, we watched the scenery through the windows. Once we reached the summit, we had sweeping views of downtown Otaru, the harbor, and the endless sea. The scenery was really beautiful!
Mt. Tengu also has plenty of fun attractions in summer. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can visit the chipmunk park. Admission is free, and you can buy food to feed them for JPY 300.
The speed at which the chipmunks devour sunflower seeds is honestly ridiculous. As soon as you have the food in your hand, it's gone in an instant, giving you no chance to feed them slowly. Watching them eat up close is unbelievably cute and so soothing!
If you visit Otaru, Mt. Tengu is definitely worth adding to your itinerary〜
You can enjoy the ocean views, ride the ropeway, and feed the chipmunks during the day. The whole outing is relaxing and fun!
Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
-
Takayama Inari Shrine
Takayama Inari is the major shrine in Aomori with blessings of good harvest, safety in the voyage and business prosperity. The founding is unclear, but a wealthy family ruling this area in Kamakura through Muromachi Periods is said to have built this shrine.
Takayama Inari Shrine is famous for its spectacular Senbon Torii. Although it’s relatively inconvenient to get to, if you’re not driving, you’ll need to take a bus and then walk for about 40 minutes, or take a taxi for about 5 minutes. But it’s definitely worth making a special trip! The vermilion torii gates stretch on and on, creating a dreamlike scene, and during cherry blossom season, they’re incredibly beautiful. Even if you visit outside the flowering season, it’s still impressive, and there are relatively few international tourists, so you can leisurely enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery.
-
-
Cape Tappi (Tappizaki)
A scenic cape at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, jutting into the Tsugaru Strait and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay on three sides, it gets strong sea winds and is also known as the “Cape of Wind.” At the tip stands the Tappizaki Lighthouse, a symbol of the Tsugaru Strait, and on clear days you can see as far as Hokkaido’s Matsumae Peninsula and Mt. Hakodate across the strait.
Cape Tappi is at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, and from the cape, you can gaze out over the vast Tsugaru Strait. This time, I took the JR and Resort Asunaro trains from Aomori Station and arrived in about two hours. The scenery kept changing along the way, and the clear weather made the journey even better! At Kanita Station, I was also lucky enough to see the Train Suite Shiki-shima returning from Hokkaido. This unexpected little surprise made the trip even more memorable.
-
-
Cape Kamui
Located within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this cape stretches out from the northwestern part of the Shakotan Peninsula into the Sea of Japan. It's approximately 770 meters from the parking lot to the tip of the cape, with a scenic 20-minute walk along a trail that has some ups and downs. The natural beauty of the surrounding area and the clear, azure waters known as "Shakotan Blue" make the journey truly breathtaking. At the tip of the cape, you can find the Kamui Rock and the Cape Kamui Lighthouse, offering a 300-degree rounded horizon view.
Finally made it to Cape Kamui, a place I've always wanted to visit! The cape is surrounded by the crystal-clear azure sea known as “Shakotan Blue,” and the scenery was truly breathtaking. That day, the sky was blue with white clouds and plenty of sunshine, so every photo looked like a postcard. Although there were quite a few visitors around noon, the trail was gentle and easy to walk, though the sea breeze was extremely strong. There are also mysterious legends along the way, making the trip even more interesting. Seeing this deep blue sea with my own eyes was truly worth it!
-
