Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, a northern island in Japan. It is well-known for its beer, winter sports, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival with huge ice and snow sculptures. The Sapporo Beer Museum shares the city’s brewing history and offers tastings. You can still see ski jumps and slopes from the 1972 Winter Olympics, and nearby Niseko is a top ski resort. In the middle of the city, Odori Park hosts fun events all year, including the snow festival and a summer beer event. The Sapporo TV Tower gives great city views, and the old wooden Clock Tower shows local history. Art lovers enjoy the Miyanomori Art Museum, which has work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Sapporo is also a gateway to Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with lakes, volcanoes, and hot springs in Noboribetsu.
places to visit in Sapporo
Odori Park
Odori Park is a long, central park in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
The name “Odori” means “big street” in Japanese.
It runs from east to west, splitting the city into north and south.
The park is lined with flowers, fountains, and trees.
It is a popular place for walking and relaxing.
Many local events and festivals happen here year-round.
In winter, it becomes the main venue for the Snow Festival.
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic wooden building.
It was built in 1878 and is now a famous tourist spot.
The clock still works and chimes every hour.
It’s one of Sapporo’s oldest and most loved landmarks.
The tower is found in the center of the city.
Visitors can see museum displays inside the building.
It’s often included in city tours for locals and tourists.
Hokkaidō Shrine
Hokkaidō Shrine is a Shinto place of worship in Sapporo.
It was built in 1869 in Maruyama Park.
The shrine honors Emperor Meiji and three other spirits.
It also commemorates early Hokkaido explorers.
The site is peaceful, surrounded by trees and nature.
Many people visit during festivals, especially New Year.
It’s a key cultural and historical spot in the city.
Hōheikyō Hot Spring
Hōheikyō Hot Spring is an outdoor bath surrounded by nature.
The bath offers a relaxing soak with mountain views.
There are three different hot spring pools to enjoy.
It’s a great spot to unwind after exploring Sapporo.
Next to the bathhouse is a popular Indian restaurant.
The location is especially beautiful in autumn and winter.
Visitors love its peaceful setting and natural scenery.
Mount Moiwa Ropeway
The Mount Moiwa Ropeway is a cable car ride in Sapporo.
It takes you up Mount Moiwa for stunning views.
At the top, there is an observation deck and restaurant.
You can see the entire city from the summit.
The ride is popular at night for the city lights.
It’s a favorite spot for couples and tourists alike.
Mount Moiwa is also known for its romantic views.
Hokkaido Museum
The Hokkaido Museum is located in a large natural park.
It shows the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido.
You can learn about the Ainu people and early settlers.
The museum has interactive and modern displays.
Multilingual audio guides help visitors from around the world.
There are both permanent and seasonal exhibitions.
It’s a great place to learn about the island’s past.
Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is a tall landmark in Odori Park.
It was built in 1957 and stands 147 meters tall.
The tower has an observation deck at 90 meters high.
From there, you can see all of central Sapporo.
The tower lights up beautifully at night.
It also has shops and a souvenir store inside.
It’s a top tourist spot, especially during festivals.
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is in the mountains of Sapporo.
It was used in the 1972 Winter Olympics.
You can visit the ski jump and even ride a lift up.
There’s a viewing platform at the top of the jump.
It offers amazing views of the city and hills.
The stadium also has a ski museum next door.
It’s open year-round and fun for sports fans.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a scenic lookout in Sapporo.
It’s famous for the statue of Dr. William S. Clark.
He’s known for inspiring the phrase “Boys, be ambitious.”
The area looks over the city and has sheep grazing nearby.
In winter, it becomes a snow activity spot.
You can also find a small museum and gift shop.
It’s a peaceful place to enjoy Hokkaido’s charm.
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park is a large green park in Sapporo city.
It features a lake, streams, and walking paths.
There’s also a concert hall and literature museum.
The park has cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall.
An old tea house and traditional building add to its beauty.
People come here for picnics, jogging, or boating.
It’s a quiet escape close to the city center.
Best time to visit Sapporo
Sapporo has cold and snowy winters, typical of a subarctic climate.
If you visit in winter, wear warm clothes, strong snow boots, and bring a good camera.
The snowy scenery in Hokkaido is truly beautiful and worth seeing.
In spring, cherry blossoms start to bloom in late April.
They usually reach full bloom in May across the region.
One popular spot to enjoy them is Matsumae Park.
The park has around 10,000 cherry trees, making it stunning during sakura season.
