Senboudai - Hokkaido

Located in Rumoi City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Senboudai / Senbodai (千望台) is a prominent hill overlooking the city.

Senboudai (Winter)

Senboudai details

Winter

Standing at 180 meters above sea level, Senboudai is actually a part of a set of rolling hills in the southern part of Rumoi City. It is one of the best places to view Rumoi City.

The road at 6 Chome leading to Senbodai

Check out how deep the snow is going up to Senbodai during winter 

Aside from the panoramic view of the city, visitors can also see the islands of Teuri and Yagishiri in the north and Mt. Shokanbetsu in the south. 



Heartland Cafe was covered with snow when I visited

Senbodai can be visited any time of the day and also in any season but the snow during winter presents a minor challenge to those who plan to visit. Aside from that, there are also some sightings of bears in the area so be extra careful and vigilant when visiting.

Can you spot the founder of Rumoi?


Igarashi Okutaro

On the hill, visitors will see the statue of Igarashi Okutaro who is the founding father of Rumoi. There is also a loghouse-style cafe called Heartland Cafe. It serves various kinds of sweets, yanshu meals, and beverages but it prides itself on its coffee menu. Heads up though, this cafe is closed during winter.


According to locals. The best time to visit Senboudai is in the afternoon during a clear day. This place is one of the best places to watch the sunset. After that, you might want to stay until dark and watch how the city lights transform the view of Rumoi City at night.

Panoramic view of Senbodai
Panoramic view of Senbodai


An amazing view of Rumoi City from Senboudai during winter

Time to head back down

I got to visit Senboudai last February 11, 2022, which was the National Foundation Day holiday here in Japan. It was also my 15th week here as the Rumoi ALT under the JET Programme.

Senbodai Entrance Fee

It's FREE to hike and explore Senboudai (no registration fee and environmental fee required). However, you might want to bring your own food or some money to buy food at Heartland Cafe.

Why visit Senbodai?

Rumoi City does not have a mountain to hike so Senbodai is the next best thing to an outdoor adventure. The hill is a place to go to if you want to see a panoramic view of the city and also enjoy nature. 

Getting to Senbodai 


From JR Rumoi Station, the only direct transportation up to Senbodai is by taxi. However, keep in mind that taxis are the most expensive mode of transportation here in Japan. The best option is to go up the hill on foot. You need to walk for about 3.4 kilometers to reach the top of the hill. Heads up, the path up the hill is covered with deep snow during the winter season and you might want to wear snow boots. 

Ratings

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Overall rating

Location: WMC3+RJ Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 7, 2023 at 7:48 AM

    I saw your photos in Polestar Hokkaido. I'm a big fan! Great pics!

    ReplyDelete

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