Okurayama Ski Jump Lift and Sapporo Olympic Museum

Every city should have a lookout as odd and wonderful as Okurayama. The ski jump built into the hills west of Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and it still stages competitions, but between events a chairlift carries visitors up alongside the landing slope to the top of the jump itself. From the observation deck you look straight down the in run, then out over the entire city to the plains beyond, and you understand immediately that ski jumpers are not a normal breed.

At the top

The deck sits beside the point where jumpers launch, and the gradient below is far steeper than television suggests. There is a small lounge and cafe at the summit, and the view is superb in clear weather at any season, with late afternoon especially good as the city lights come on. The lift pauses during official training and competition days, which are themselves worth watching if your timing is lucky.

The Sapporo Olympic Museum

At the base of the hill, the Olympic Museum covers the 1972 Games and the broader story of winter sport in Hokkaido, and its simulators are the sleeper hit: you can attempt a virtual ski jump or feel a bobsled run without any of the associated risk. It is well laid out for non Japanese speakers and pairs naturally with the lift ticket.

Getting there

Take the Tozai subway line to Maruyama Koen Station, then a bus or short taxi ride up the hill to the stadium. All up it is about half an hour from Sapporo Station, which makes Okurayama an easy half day paired with the shrine and park at Maruyama.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.