Senbodai Revisited 2022

The first time I visited Senbodai / Senboudai was last February 11, 2022, which was my 102nd day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) under the JET Programme. My first visit was memorable as it was during the middle of winter when there were heavy snowfalls. That's why the snow in some parts of Senbodai was as deep as my waist. You can read more about that trip 👉HERE👈.

Senbodai (千望台)

Senbodai details 

(Summer)

For those who would like to know more about Senbodai (千望台), please read on and discover more about the highest peak of Rumoi City.

Senbodai - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture

Senbodai, also known as Senboudai, is a hill in Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture. It's famous for its wide views during the day and at night. The hill stands at 180 meters above the sea and is surrounded by gently rolling hills, creating a peaceful contrast to city life. On clear days, you can see Teuri and Yagishiri Islands to the north. Additionally, Senbodai offers a stunning spot to watch the beautiful sunset, painting the world in colorful shades as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Senbodai jump-off point

You can either walk or drive to the peak of Senbodai 

During my February visit, the whiteness of the surroundings was a sight to behold. However, the lone establishment which was a wooden log cafe called Heartland Cafe was closed and there was nothing to do on Senbodai but to admire the view and say hello to the statue of Igarashi Okutaro.

Rumoi City as seen from Senbodai

A tourist guide map is installed at Senbodai

Igarashi Okutaro Statue

Igarashi Okutaro - Father of Rumoi Port

Senbodai Buddha

I revisited Senbodai last June 12, 2022. which was my 223rd day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This time, I came with my wife and daughter. It was a beautiful clear sunny day when we visited. What's more amazing was that the HeartLand Cafe was
already open. We got to try their soft cream and the parfait which was eye candy. 

Team Nicerio visits HeartLand Cafe

HeartLand Cafe parfait

The menu of HeartLand Cafe is pasted on an Anpanman storybook

During this visit, the whiteness of the surroundings was already replaced with the lush green leaves of the trees teeming with life. We stayed in Senbodai for about 3 hours. We wanted to watch the sunset and the night view of the city but we figured that it would be dangerous to walk back down as it would be very dark along the trail. 

Team Nicerio revisits Senbodai

Overall, I'm looking forward to seeing Senbodai this autumn as it will surely have a different beauty.

Senboudai 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.

Senboudai Operating Hours

Senbodai is open 24/7, however, it is highly recommended that you visit in the morning until late evening for safety reasons. The road up to Senbodai is covered with snow during the winter months hence you can reach the top only on foot. 

HeartLand Cafe is open from 10 AM - 5 PM. It is closed during the winter months. 

Why visit Senboudai?

Rumoi City does not have a mountain to hike so Senboudai is the next best thing for 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 Senboudai 

From JR Rumoi Station, the only direct transportation up to Senboudai 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

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating