The ropeway disappeared toward the cloud-covered summit of Mount Hakodate

The summit of Mount Hakodate was completely covered with clouds, and nothing could be seen from the base of the mountain. Only the ropeway cable extended into the clouds. Mt. Hakodate is famous for its magnificent view from the summit, but in this weather, it must have been impossible to enjoy the climb. As I gazed at the view, the ropeway appeared from the station at the foot of the mountain and smoothly ascended toward the summit, disappearing into the clouds.

Mount Hakodate is one of the three most famous nightscapes in Japan, but it was not until after World War II that people began to casually enjoy the night view of the mountain. Mount Hakodate, which now has the image of a mere tourist attraction, was a fortress of the Imperial Japanese Army until the end of World War II. Not only were civilians not allowed to enter the mountain, but photography, sketching, and publications about Mount Hakodate were also restricted. Under such information control, the only people who could enjoy the night view were the soldiers stationed in the turret at the top of the mountain.

What is interesting is that Mt. Hakodate as a whole became a military secret and was removed from topographical maps. It is somewhat bewildering that something that is supposed to be there is not listed, even though it is a map. It seems like a desecration of the map, but perhaps it can't be helped since the purpose of the map is to make it unrecognizable.

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