Mt. Okura Observatory

The Mt. Okura Observatory, perched above Sapporo, traces its origins to the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, where it served as the venue for 90-meter ski jump competitions. Today, the observatory continues to host ski jump events in winter, while a ski lift transports visitors year-round to the Viewing Point Lounge, situated 1,007 feet (307 meters) above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can take in panoramic views of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain. Additionally, the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum on-site offers insights into the history of winter sports in Japan, complete with interactive simulators that allow visitors to experience the thrill of a ski jump or the precision of a figure skating spin.