sapporo winter tourist attractions

Japan Travel Guide – Hokkaido | Tohoku | Tokyo | Kyoto

10 Best Things to Do in Sapporo in Winter

The autumn months are over and winter has now begun in the Hokkaido region of Japan.

It’s that time of year again where you are offered to do a lot of exciting outdoor snow activities alongside celebrating Christmas and the New Year . This is also a perfect time to taste a list of delicious traditional Japanese foods. Don’t you think so?

Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is one of the coolest winter destinations in Japan. Every year, the city itself boasts of hosting world’s most popular snow festival “Sapporo Yuki Matsui” in early February.

Besides, if you want to soak up in Hokkaido’s winter spirit; feel free to head to one of the best ski resorts located nearby the city.

In Sapporo, while traveling around in the winter months, it’s also a good idea to take a break in the shops and find some unique souvenirs to buy for someone you care about.

1) Ski Resort in Sapporo

You can’t imagine how popular Hokkaido’s ski resorts are until you pay a visit to one of the most notable ones located across the region. For example, Niseko is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and other individuals who especially like to experience various sort of winter sports.

In winter, not every visitor to Hokkaido is fond of skiing, and often they ignore visiting Niseko, but wish to visit at least one ski resort located nearby Sapporo. That’s not a bad idea though.

If your travel itinerary does not include Niseko, you must be looking for some that are very easy to access to from Sapporo city. Am I right?

In Sapporo, the ski resorts such as Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, and Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park are considered the best places to enjoy an amazing winter day. Visit one of these ski landmarks in Sapporo, and fill your trip with many happy adventures.

To learn more about Sapporo’s top ski resort, I highly recommend you to read this guide here .

2) Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

This is not only the most important and highly valued winter event in Hokkaido but also in Japan. In fact, Sapporo city is best known for this winter festival which usually takes places every year in early February.

The Sapporo snow festival is an unmissable winter festival in Hokkaido, offering various sizes of snow sculptures ranging from giant to small with snow slides, ice skating rink, and live music performances.

The festival is so magical that you would definitely fall in love with. The Sapporo Snow Festival will take place in Sapporo city from February 4 to February 11 in 2024.

3) Hot springs (Onsen)

Whether you believe it or not that Japan is a country of hot springs (onsen). Indeed they can be found everywhere! When you visit Sapporo in winter, one of the must do things is visiting a hot spring resort located nearby the city.

A visit to Noboribetsu Onsen is a must thing to do in Hokkaido in winter, don’t you forget it!

Here we are talking about Sapporo, so can you tell me the name of a hot spring resort located in Sapporo or at the outskirts of the city? You can gladly pay a visit to Jozankei Onsen , which can be reached from downtown Sapporo by bus/taxi within an hour.

Jozankei, famed for its autumn beauty, has indoor and outdoor onsen bath facility including foot baths.

When the weather becomes very cold, you probably would not think twice about staying warm by considering some very useful tips and ideas. And one of the best ideas is obviously taking a warm bath at a designated onsen in Hokkaido.

In addition, together with Jozaneki Onsen, Asarigawa Hot Spring and Shikotsu hot Spring are considered the most popular hot spring resorts in Sapporo.

4) Ice Fishing in Sapporo

Do you love fishing? Ice fishing is one of the most exciting things to do in Hokkaido in winter. Therefore, it will be a great experience if you have not tried it before.

For ice fishing, you can make your way to Barato River . It takes half an hour ride by car from downtown Sapporo to reach this popular ice fishing spot and you will be provided all sorts of fishing equipment.

There will meet a guide who explains you everything you need to know prior to ice fishing.

The weather out there is cold enough to make you crazy about it, so wear warm clothes such as winter jacket, cap, gloves, muffler, sunglasses, socks, and so on.

Never expect to catch a lot of wakasagi fishes there, but a few! Time will tell how many fishes you can catch. You can spend half a day at the site. Enjoy ice fishing to the fullest and taste smelt fish tempura.

5) Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is known for its picturesque night view over Sapporo city .

At its summit, there is a designated observatory from where visitors are offered to enjoy scenic night view of the city. To get to the summit from foot of the mountain, visitors have to use the ropeway and then mini cable car.

In addition, there you find a cozy restaurant. Order your favorite dishes from the menu and enjoy the evening eating out there and viewing Sapporo’s incredible night view from the observatory.

After a day trip to Sapporo’s most popular attractions, you may consider heading toward Mt. Moiwa after the sunset. That’s the best time and obviously the best way to enjoy the whole evening in Sapporo.

6) Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden

Sapporo Beer is one of the top beer brands in Japan. If there is one thing I enjoy about Sapporo food culture, that’s surly Sapporo Beer. The taste of Sapporo Beer cannot be expressed in words. That’s what I believe. You’d better try it yourself.

Opened in 1877, Sapporo Beer Museum is a unique landmark for anyone who loves to taste variety of beers while traveling the world.

It exhibits so many interesting things that include the history of beer in Japan as well as the process of beer making.

Next to the beer museum, there you find the Sapporo Beer garden. It’s a building that comprises several restaurants. The famous Hokkaido food – Genghis Khan/ Jingisukan is served here. It’s one of the top 10 must eat foods in Hokkaido.

7) Sapporo White Illumination

Whenever you visit Sapporo, there is one place in the city that you can’t miss visiting. Guess what?! Have you figured it out already or I have to mention it here?

The main venue of the Sapporo White Illumination is held in the Odori Park, and this is the place you must visit during your stay in Sapporo.

The event provides a great Christmas and New Year Eve atmosphere with thousands of colorful illuminated lights, making the area a truly winter wonderland. The views of the illumination from the observatory of Sapporo TV tower are very mesmerizing.

Therefore, alongside talking a walk into Odori Park I highly recommend you to get to the observation platform of the tower, and enjoy the night views of the surrounding city and park.

8) Day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa

Staying in a hotel located downtown Sapporo is much better when you think of planning some day trips from the city. For many visitors to Hokkaido, Sapporo is the right place to stay in.

The reason behind this is, from Sapporo it’s easy to make some awesome day trips to Otaru, Asahikawa, Jonzakei and so on. In fact, those three places are said to be the most popular day trip destinations from the city.

Otaru and Asahikawa can be reached either by bus or train, while getting to Jozankei is possible only by bus. If you want to make the most of your time in Hokkaido, visiting Otaru and Asahikawa would be a great idea, no doubt.

Whether you return on the last train or before, make sure you enjoy and experience everything you encounter. Please note majority of tourists visit Otaru from Sapporo as part of their day trip.

It also indicates that you don’t have to stay overnight there but in Sapporo.

9) Foods and Restaurants

I always believe that there are plenty of passions to run after in Sapporo. So far in this post, you have been suggested a number of things to do in Sapporo during the winter months and of course there are other things yet to be known.

There are many travel experts around the world who share their awesome travel stories that include day trip guide, places to eat, and must eat foods, budget guide, accommodation and transportation recommendation and so on.

If you are one of them, you certainly want to explore Sapporo’s best restaurants to eat out, and the foods that you must try.

To pursue your passion, you have got to know the must-eat foods of Hokkaido and best places to eat. For a perfect breakfast I tell you to go to Nijo Fish Market .

Locals and tourists like go there in the early morning and enjoy breakfast with fresh seafood of different kinds. To try famous Genghis Khan , you must visit Sapporo Beer Garden.

In search of best soup curry restaurant in Sapporo, you should head towards Soup Curry GARAKU. Make your way to Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku (Republic) , located on the 10 th floor of the Sapporo Esta complex building. This is where you find many ramen shops to try various kinds of ramen dishes.

If these are not enough to put smile on your face, then ask me. I will share more with you.

10) Shopping in Sapporo

There are many notable places to shop in Sapporo. Most of them are good, while some are really great to explore to find some beautiful souvenirs. Tanukikoji – a shopping arcade, is the oldest shopping area in Sapporo.

I heard people saying that finding nice souvenirs at Tanukikoji shopping street is easy and fun. This is obviously the best place in Sapporo to find out cheap souvenirs.

Furthermore, you can go to Sapporo Factory, Sapporo Stellar Palace, Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, PASEO, and Sapporo Esta . Find other popular shopping areas in the city here .

Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport , you start experiencing the best that Sapporo has to offer during winter.

My favorite thing about this time of year is visiting snow festivals, onsen, eating out with friends, and walking in the snow. Thanks for reading and enjoy your holidays in Sapporo this winter!

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Enjoy winter in Sapporo! Recommended activities and sightseeing spots

Hokkaido ・Winter in Sapporo fully enjoy events and attractions featured.

Around Sapporo Winter activities that can only be enjoyed in winter, Smelt fishing experience or run through the snowy mountains Snowmobile can take a leisurely stroll snowshoe trekking I will also introduce Besides, Snowshoe hiking to enjoy the night view of Sapporo Also!

Enjoy in Sapporo winter gourmet will also appear!

table of contents

• 1 74th Sapporo Snow Festival 2024
• 2 43rd 2023 Sapporo White Illumination
• 3 Enjoy winter sports at Snowmobile Land Sapporo
• 4 Smelt fishing experience near Sapporo
• 5 Snowshoe hiking and night view at Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Misumi
• 6 Snowshoe trekking at Asahiyama Memorial Park
• 7 Enjoy winter gourmet at a hotel in Sapporo city
• 8 Enjoy winter in Sapporo to the fullest!
• 9 Editorial department recommended feature articles

74th Sapporo Snow Festival 2024

" 74th Sapporo Snow Festival 2024 ” started in 1950 (Showa 25) A big event that represents Sapporo in winter is.

About 5m of snow falls and accumulates annually Sapporo . Nearly 30,000 tons of snow are collected every year and heavy machinery is used to Various snow sculptures with Japanese castles, famous architecture from Japan and abroad, world heritage sites, sports, movies, manga and anime as motifs. to make

Below, Held in 2024 (Reiwa 6) " 74th Sapporo Snow Festival 2024 ” Venue, period, and highlights of I'd like to introduce_______

Odori venue

Susukino Venue (Susukino Ice World 2024)

Tsudome venue

43rd 2023 Sapporo White Illumination

Started in 1981 (Showa 56) Japan's first illumination . You can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by the harmony of light and snow that is typical of Sapporo.

Below, Held in 2023-2024 (Reiwa 5-6) " 43rd 2023 Sapporo White Illumination ” venue and period of I'd like to introduce_______

Ekimae-dori venue

Minamiichijo-dori venue, sapporo kita 3-jo square (akapla venue).

Sapporo Station South Exit Station Square Venue

Enjoy winter sports at snowmobile land sapporo.

" Snowmobile Land Sapporo (Wonderland Sapporo) ” is based on the concept of “luxury snow play for adults”, Japan's largest snowmobile park .

30 minutes by car from central Sapporo Because it is located in such a place, you can feel free to go on a day winter sports ・You can enjoy activities.

For those who want to feel refreshed, Snowmobile (small snowmobile with engine) A tour that allows you to ski the snowy mountains is recommended!

Set tours are ideal for those who want to enjoy food at a great price and also enjoy gourmet food. . We recommend a tour where you can snowmobile or play in the snow at a snow park (a park covered with snow) and enjoy a charcoal barbecue at a mountain hut!

Winter sports and delicious gourmet food! Of winter Sapporo Let's enjoy to the fullest!

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Snowmobile tour 60/90 minutes Enjoy the elegant world of silver!

• (5 reviews and testimonials)

About 30 minutes from Sapporo city. No driver's license required. Includes a free shuttle bus, rental wear, accident insurance, and guide fee. * Free rental wear is available for adults, but please come in warm clothes such as wearing innerwear. *We do not rent rental items for children (less than women's S size). ■ Free shuttle bus (with conditions)

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Snow park 60 minutes & snow mountain hut charcoal grilled BBQ 60 minutes All-you-can-eat! Experience winter in Sapporo empty-handed!

• (1 review and testimonial)

■2 adults or more ■About 30 minutes from Sapporo city. ■Free shuttle bus, rental wear, accident insurance, and guide fee are included. * Free rental wear is available for adults, but please come in warm clothes such as wearing innerwear. *We do not rent rental items for children (less than women's S size). ■ Snow park play

• (7 reviews)

Snowmobile Land Sapporo (Wonderland Sapporo)

• Hokkaido (central Hokkaido)
• four wheel buggy
• Snow shoes/Snow trekking
• Playing in the snow and sledding

It is a facility where you can experience the seasons in the suburbs of Sapporo. The winter snowmobile experience is an absolute hit! Please come by all means.

Smelt fishing experience near Sapporo

" I want to fully enjoy winter in Sapporo For those who say, Smelt fishing experience is.

Introduced below Smelt fishing experience teeth, Even people who don't like the cold will be fine as it is held in a tent that is fully equipped with heating and heaters!

The smelt fishing experience plan includes tool rental and you can come empty-handed, so you can feel free to participate.

Enjoy freshly fried smelt tempura on the spot, and free transportation to and from the suburbs of Sapporo. And since the contents differ depending on the plan, you can choose the experience that suits you!

[Hokkaido/Sapporo suburbs] Wakasagi fishing experience on ice at Ibarado River! Comes with smelt tempura ♪ ~Transportation from Sapporo Station included~

• (16 reviews/testimonials)

About 30 to 45 minutes by car from central Sapporo, experience smelt fishing on ice, which is currently attracting attention at the very popular spot [Ibarado River]! Transportation from Sapporo Station is included, and all tools are available for rental, so feel free to join us. Please wear warm clothing as this is an outdoor activity. The guide will make tempura of the smelt you caught on the spot, so you can enjoy it. with food

[Hokkaido / near Sapporo] Shinshinotsu Shinotsu Konan fishing spot gathering! Economy smelt fishing experience half-day tour near Sapporo (tent fishing with stove, light guide plan)

This is a smelt fishing experience tour delivered by the leading smelt fishing guide who has guided the most customers in Hokkaido. It is a luxurious plan to charter the south fishing spot, which is known as one of the best spots in Shinshinotsu Lake Shinotsu, which is one of Hokkaido's leading smelt fishing spots. The location of the smelt fishing of a famous variety program from Hokkaido and

[Hokkaido/Sapporo suburbs] Pick-up and drop-off included! Comfortable private fishing spot and hut with stove! Includes Genghis Khan and smelt tempura tasting! Half-day premium smelt fishing tour

• (14 reviews/testimonials)

Snowshoe hiking and night view at Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Misumi

A rare night hike where you can enjoy the night view of Sapporo plan.

Wear snowshoes (kanjiki: equipment for walking on snow) or snow spikes and walk in the mountains at night, Sapporo You can see the night view of

New Three Great Night Views of Japan You can overlook Sapporo, which is famous for Mt. Moiwa (Moiwayama) and Misumiyama walk to the top of the mountain. view from the mountaintop Beautiful night view of Sapporo will be a memory of a lifetime!

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] First night snowshoe hike experience in Mt. Moiwa

The night view of Sapporo is counted as one of the New Three Great Night Views of Japan. Wear snowshoes or snow spikes, climb up from the bottom, and see the night view from the top of the mountain! The night view that you can see by climbing on your own feet is more satisfying than the easy access by gondola! You will be in the forest on the way up, but a spectacular night view awaits you at the top of the mountain! night hiking and snowshoeing

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] To a great night view spot! Night Snowshoe Hike in Misumiyama

• (2 reviews and testimonials)

The night view of Sapporo is counted as one of the New Three Great Night Views of Japan. Wear snowshoes or snow spikes and go to the mountains at night for the perfect night view spot. Climbing the mountain at night with headlights on is an extraordinary feeling! It is a recommended course where you can see the night view while climbing. It is a plan that includes night view & snow hiking! night hike or snowshoe

Snowshoe trekking at Asahiyama Memorial Park

Use special equipment to walk on snow snowshoe trekking is a winter activity where you can experience winter in Sapporo. It's basically an act of walking on the snow, so it's attractive that you can easily participate regardless of age.

snowshoe trekking You can experience " Asahiyama Memorial Park was opened in 1970 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sapporo.

At an altitude of 137.5m From the observatory, you can see the Ishikari Plain, the Sea of Japan, and the city of Sapporo, making it a popular scenic spot. is.

during snowshoe trekking Encounter adorable Ezo squirrels and hear the drumming of Akagera. You can also meet rare animals such as Ezo owls and black woodpeckers!

A tour where you can get free photo data taken during the experience Check it out if you're interested.

20 minutes by car from central Sapporo Excellent access. From JR Sapporo Station or hotels in the city Free pick-up It's also a good deal that it comes with. It's easy to participate in day trips and sightseeing!

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Snow forest snowshoe trekking tour! There is a photo shooting service that is handed over by data

It is a popular snowshoe trekking tour. This is a tour where you can crunch through the snow forest, climb up and run down, and enjoy the snow. You can see the entire city of Sapporo from the observatory at the finish line, and you can take good pictures! If you are lucky, you may meet cute animals. As a family, with friends, as a couple. Enjoy a heartwarming private snow forest walk

Winter sale in progress [Central Sapporo/Transfer included] Northern forest, snowshoe trekking Asahiyama Memorial Park tour.

• (4 reviews and testimonials)

About 20 minutes by car from the center of Sapporo, there is Asahiyama Memorial Park, a representative forest of Sapporo that spreads out a virgin forest designated as a natural monument.

Enjoy winter gourmet at a hotel in Sapporo city

the taste of winter Sapporo city We will introduce a great value lunch buffet that you can enjoy at a warm hotel.

In addition to sushi, you can enjoy as much Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine as you like, using ingredients from Hokkaido. We have a wide variety of plans!

Hokkaido's exquisite winter gourmet Why don't you enjoy it in luxury?

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Lunch buffet with plenty of daily main dishes and Hokkaido ingredients (90 minutes)

• (3 reviews and testimonials)

All-you-can-eat and drink for 90 minutes with the daily main dish and the chef's proud dishes using plenty of Hokkaido ingredients! Enjoy what you like and as much as you like. We also offer “Live Kitchen”, which is popular for chef's cooking demonstrations, on a daily basis.

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] If you come to Sapporo! With nigiri sushi ♪ Lunch buffet

Hotel dining filled with the warmth of wood. Spend time with your friends in a spacious space with high ceilings. The restaurant boasts an all-you-can-eat buffet of 40 Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. The “demonstration corner” is also popular, where nigiri sushi, hot grilled dishes, and sweets made to your liking are made right in front of you. A full range of dishes that can be enjoyed by people of all ages

[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Held every day! Lunch buffet♪

We have prepared a total of 40 Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes and desserts prepared by our chef. On weekends and holidays, the popular "roast beef" also appears. Incorporating a "new lifestyle", we offer a buffet style that takes hygiene into consideration.

Enjoy winter in Sapporo to the fullest!

Sapporo in winter illumination or snow Festival There are many events such as !

Besides events, Smelt fishing experience or Snowmobile , snowshoe trekking , snow hike It is attractive that you can easily experience winter sports such as . Winter gourmet at the lunch buffet It is also possible to enjoy

With reference to the article, Winter in Sapporo Please enjoy to your heart's content!

*The contents of this article are current as of January 2024.

Editorial department recommended feature articles

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued patronage.

At our company, in order for many customers to enjoy various activities all over Japan safely and with peace of mind, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's " Basic Policy for Countermeasures against Coronavirus Infectious Diseases " and " Let's Avoid the Three Cs "・ Based on the " new lifestyle ", we recommend the following infectious disease countermeasures to the operator.

• Instructors and participants keep a sufficient distance
• Use masks as much as possible while participating
• Ventilate frequently, avoiding closed spaces
• Thorough hand washing and disinfection
• Thorough disinfection of equipment
• Health management of customers and employees, etc.

For infection prevention measures of the operating company, please refer to [Appeal points for safety] or [Notes on participating in the course ] of each operating company information at the bottom of the plan reservation page, and for details, please contact each operating company directly. Please contact us.

You can also check the following page for information on the efforts of activity companies in each region!

How to enjoy new activities in the after / with corona era

Even if you are a customer, when you continue to go out, in addition to avoiding so-called [three secrets], cough etiquette, thorough hand washing and alcohol disinfection, etc., on June 19, 2020 (Friday), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, sightseeing Please be aware of the [new travel etiquette ] announced by the Japan Tourism Agency, take actions to avoid the risk of infectious diseases, and enjoy activities and leisure activities safely.

Even now, there are tourist facilities and activity operators whose business hours and dates have changed. Please check the calendar status at the time of application and check the latest information with each operator even after the reservation is completed. Please check with each operator regarding whether or not there is a cancellation fee due to sudden closure of the facility, cancellation of the activity experience, etc.

In addition, Activity Japan also offers an "online experience" service where you can enjoy various activities!

[Online experience] New experience online anywhere

The "online experience" service is digital content that can be expected to create a new community by connecting customers with local and tourism businesses on a daily basis. Those who have difficulty going out due to circumstances, those who want to try but are uneasy about having a real experience suddenly, those who want to collect local information to plan future trips and stay plans, etc. Feel free to meet local instructors and guides online and enjoy a conversation while experiencing a simulated experience!

Please use it together.

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Sapporo Winter Itinerary: Enjoy Sapporo in Winter in 2 or 3 Days

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect Sapporo Winter Itinerary for a day full of fun in the snow? Look no further.

Here’s a Sapporo 3-day itinerary for a successful winter outing.

You can already start looking forward to your two days in Sapporo, a true Winter paradise. We share multiple options for the third day.

Depending on your hobbies, you can strap on your skis and enjoy the delightful powder snow, or you can take a day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Find out which JR Pass will save you the most for your trip to Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Sapporo 3-Day Winter Itinerary

Let’s start by exploring Sapporo’s center.

Chances are you’ll travel to Sapporo for the internationally renowned Sapporo snow festival. This festival is held annually in February in Sapporo.

If you aren’t here during the festival you can skip this first part and head to the Sapporo TV Tower .

Be Impressed by the Sapporo Snow Festival

We were completely blown away by this magnificent event that showcases a breathtaking display of snow and ice sculptures.

The impressive sculptures are spread out across 2 sites, the Susukino site focuses on ice sculptures whereas the Odori site has lifesize snow sculptures.

You’ll be greeted by a magical atmosphere at both locations.

The majestic creations that are on display range from famous landmarks and iconic characters to fantastical creatures and scenes from mythology. The level of detail and artistry of each artwork is simply extraordinary.

I think that we must have spent at least four to six hours admiring all the artwork.

The Susukino zone, where you find the ice sculptures, is illuminated at night.

It is a good idea to visit at night as the lighting really brings out the beauty of the sculptures.

The next day we went to the Odori site.

The Odori Park zone is the main attraction. It features the largest and most elaborate sculptures. Some were worked on by hundreds of people.

Many performances take place during the day and there is a winter market with food stalls serving up delicious local treats to keep you warm and energized as you explore the festival.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a truly unforgettable experience.

We were totally impressed by the incredible creativity and talent of the local and international artists that created these masterpieces.

It is a festival that both young and old will enjoy.

The Susukino site is right in the middle of the city center. There are about 60 ice sculptures on display near Susukino Metro Station.

The avenue that leads south has been made car-free during the festival.

The sculptures are spread out across 4 blocks from Minami 4 Jo-dori to Minami 6 Jo-dori.

There are numerous restaurants within walking distance which makes it ideal to stroll along the ice sculptures after dinner.

We spent about one hour looking at these sculptures. It was quite cold. If we hadn’t been so cold we probably would have taken more time to admire everything quietly.

How to Get There

The Susukino Metro Station is right at the northern end of the festival site. (use exit 3, 4, or 5)

The streetcar also stops here.

You can find the Odori site at Odori Park, at the base of the Sapporo TV Tower. This is the largest site, it stretches out over 12 blocks.

Near the TV Tower is a small Christmas Market where you find food and drinks. There are also some winter games like curling and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

The next blocks have snow sculptures in all shapes and sizes, from small to large, and even extra large.

I’m not sure if they’re set up the same way every year. Now the smaller sculptures were closer to the TV Tower and they became larger the further you went.

You need at least 3 hours to see all these beautiful snow sculptures. It took us much longer. Just walking the full length of the park up and down takes 1 hour.

If you also go up the tower, you can easily spend half a day and more

The Odori Metro Station is right at Odari Park. Use any exit to go to the festival site.

See the City From Above From the Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is the iconic landmark of the city. At 147 meters it is also one of the tallest towers in the country.

The Tower’s observation deck is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

From the tower’s lofty vantage point, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing 360-degree view of Sapporo’s sprawling cityscape.

The view is breathtaking both during the day as well as after dark. The direction that is most captivating is undoubtedly that over Odori Park.

During the summer you can see the beautiful green lung of the city from above. In winter you have the bird’s eye view of the snow festival.

If you visit the observation deck after dark you can enjoy the sparkling lights of the vibrant city.

The view from the tower is both exhilarating and serene at the same time.

Sapporo TV Tower Night Illuminations

Every evening (until about midnight) the tower is festively lit along the side of the park.

Even if you have already visited during the day, it is worth passing back at night to see these beautiful illuminations.

Tickets can be bought on-site. The fee is JPY 1,000 for adults. Children 6-15 pay JPY 500. If you want to skip the line you can buy your tickets in advance on Klook for the same price.

Check prices and availability: Sapporo TV Tower Tickets

If you want to enjoy both the day and night view you can buy a special combo ticket for JPY 1,500.

With this ticket, you can go up 2 times. Once during the day and again at night. This combo ticket can only be bought on-site.

The Odori Metro Station is right at Odari Park. Exit 27 will take you to the foot of the tower.

Relax at Odori Park

After your visit to the tower take a stroll through Odori park. The city’s green lung is a popular meeting place for the locals.

The inviting lawns and soothing fountains provide some relaxation during a busy working day.

The park sits exactly in the middle of the old city. It was originally created in 1871 as a firebreak to prevent fires from spreading throughout the entire city.

Chances are there is an event going on during your visit. In addition to the snow festival, many more events take place here during the year.

In May locals celebrate the full bloom of the Lilac trees, there’s a Jazz festival in July & August, and a German Christmas Market in November and December.

Take a picture of the Iconic Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in a historic American city.

Its architecture is similar to buildings constructed in the United States around the end of the civil war.

The building originally served as a drill hall for the local college and the clock was added a few years after its opening. To continue in the same vein the clock was shipped in from Boston.

Around that time, many Japanese cities built a similar tower, but most of them have been lost to fires.

The Sapporo clock tower was also mostly destroyed by a big fire in 1891 but was completely restored in 1898.

Being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sapporo and one of the few surviving examples of a clock tower in Japan, it was recognized as a cultural property in 1970.

Today the building houses a small museum where you can learn more about the city’s and the building’s history and the clock.

The building is beautifully lit at night.

We didn’t visit the museum so we can’t say if it’s worth it.

Tickets can be bought on-site. The fee is JPY 200 for adults.

The Sapporo Clock Tower sits just one block north of Odori Park. Address: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan

Admire the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu

We now head southwards in the direction of Nijo market where we will have lunch. We do however make a small detour to see the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu.

This shrine is a small copy of the Sapporo Shrine that can be found in Maruyama Park on the outskirts of the city.

It was built to provide the inhabitants with a sanctuary that they can easily visit even in winter.

This temple is a popular place for reflection. It has a few cherry trees that make the small garden very cheerful when they bloom in late spring.

The shrine is about a 13-minute walk from the clock tower. Adress: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 3 Chome−１０

Enjoy a Mouthwatering Lunch at Nijo Market

From the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu, it’s only a stone’s throw to Nijo Market.

For more than 100 years this has been the place where the locals come to buy their fresh fish and shellfish. The market consists of both vendors and restaurants.

As you walk past the stalls you will see the local delicacies of the sea: king crab, tuna, hokke (mackerel), sea urchin, and more.

Despite the fact that the market was founded by fishermen, and is still mainly known as a fish market, you can now also buy vegetables and fruit.

You can buy fish to take away (or have it delivered) but you can also eat in one of the many small eateries. The restaurants at the market usually do well with long queues as a result.

We passed here at different times and always encountered long lines.

Luckily, there are also restaurants around the market where it is less crowded.

Popular dishes are breakfast and lunch bowls (known as Donburi) with sea urchin, salmon eggs, and rice.

Many people also opt for the “sanshoku-don”, the 3-color bowl, which includes king crab in addition to the above ingredients.

The market is open every day from 7 AM to 6 PM although some restaurants have different opening hours.

TIP : There’s a tax-free counter at the market. If you’ve spent more than JPY 5,000 at tax-free shops in the market you can claim a tax refund at the information counter.

Guided Tour

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s on display (we certainly were) we recommend doing a food tour.

Your guide will be able to tell you more about what you see at the market and will order some tasty and fresh items for you from the stands.

Check prices and availability: Sapporo Private Food Tour

Nijo Market is a 4-minute walk from the shrine. Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 〜２丁目

Enjoy the View From Mt. Moiwa

From Mt. Moiwa, a mountain west of Sapporo, you have a beautiful view of the city.

The view stretches as far as the eye can see and the sight of Sapporo’s cityscape nestled amidst the mountains is simply breathtaking.

If you head up the mountain during the day you can enjoy the lush green forest that grows on the ridge. It makes for a very colorful painting, especially in the fall.

During winter, you can witness the exhilarating sight of skiers zigzagging down through the powdery snow in the Nikseko Moiwa ski Resort.

But the most talked about sight is reserved for after sunset. When the sun has disappeared behind the hilltops and the many lights of the city come to life.

The night view from Mt. Moiwa is recognized as one of the major night views of Japan, only preceded by that of Mt. Hakodate and Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki.

How to Get to the Top of Mt. Moiwa

There are 3 options to get to the top. The most common option is the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway.

Take The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

The journey to the top is split into two parts. First, you ride a cable car to the middle station where you have to transfer into a funicular for the last meters to the top.

Tickets for the ropeway and the cable car can be bought separately or as a package and there are one-way and return options.

Hike to the Top

Hiking lovers can also hike to the top. A number of trails lead to the observation platform.

The most popular trail starts behind the Jikeikai Hospital and is just over 2.5 kilometers long.

It’s a family-friendly trail with just over 400 meters of elevation gain. The path ascends gradually and there are no steep parts.

Ice cleats are however absolutely recommended in winter as the trail is very slippery in certain parts.

Drive to the Middle Station

A third option is to drive all the way to the middle station (Chufuku) and hike the last part to the top. (or use the funicular)The road starts at the ski resort (not the cable car base station!) but is closed in winter.

Since there is only a small parking lot with room for 80 cars at the Chufuku station, the road will also be closed as soon as the car park has reached its capacity.

How to Get to the Base Station of the Mt. Moiwa Cable Car

The easiest way to get to the base station is to take the streetcar to the Ropeway Iriguchi stop and walk westwards on Kanjo-dori Ave.

From there it is a short walk of about 10 minutes with a short steep climb at the end. The ropeway is signposted so you can’t miss it.

The ropeway also has a free shuttle bus that runs during the most popular hours. You will pass the stop on Kanjo-dori Ave.

Address: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan

We ended day one with a magical ending on the top of Mt. Moiwa.

Today we start the second day in a fairytale setting that made us feel like we played a role in the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Grab Breakfast in Tanukikoji Shopping Streets

Before we head to the chocolate factory you can make a quick stop at Tanukikoji to grab breakfast.

This shopping arcade is one of the oldest in Sapporo. In 2023 it celebrates its 150th birthday. The street spans over 7 blocks and is close to 1 kilometer long.

No matter what you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it here.

Due to the amount of snow, we often sought the comfort of this covered promenade during our last visit. You can choose from many restaurants, both local as well as international.

The promenade gives out on Nijo market so if you don’t find what you’re looking for here you can cross the street and check out some of the restaurants at the market.

Take the streetcar to the Tanuki Koji stop or the subway to Susukino and walk 3 blocks northwards from exit 1.

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth in Shiroi Koibito Park

Somebody famous once said that it is never too early for desert and who are we to argue with that?

Shiroi Koibito is a mix between a chocolate factory and a theme park although there’s no doubt that it leans much closer to the second.

Children will have a blast and Instagrammers can go in overdrive thanks to the many fairytale-like photo ops.

We visited the factory in the middle of winter and were immediately immersed in a festive Christmas atmosphere.

The entrance to the courtyard of the factory is free and seeing the dancing puppets will already put a smile on your face.

For a fee, you can also do a factory tour to see how the factory’s tasty signature cookies are produced. The tour leads you through several beautifully decorated rooms in addition to the corridors where you can overlook the fabrication process.

And finally, for aspiring bakers or pastry chefs, here’s an opportunity to participate in a workshop to bake your own cookies.

Hop on the Tozai Line at Susukino Station and stop at Miyanosawa Station. The shrine is inside Maruyama Park.

Enjoy the Serene Atmosphere of the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

The Hokkaido Jingu shrine is the main shrine for Hokkaido. It is located in a beautiful green area.

The worshipping path to the main shrine is lined with cherry trees and is a beloved Sakura spot in April and May. The park also draws large numbers of visitors in autumn for the colorful autumn foliage.

But even outside of these seasons, this beautiful and serene shrine is well worth a visit.

Except for the main shrine, there’re a number of smaller shrines spread out across the grounds. Japanese come to pray for luck in business, traffic safety, health, wealth, and more…

Head back to Miyanosawa Station and ride the Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Station. It’s a 7-minute walk from there.

See the Polar Bears at the Sapporo Zoo

We always have mixed feelings when visiting a zoo.

On the one hand, these zoos naturally contribute to the conservation of many animal species that might otherwise have been extinct for a long time.

On the other hand, we sometimes get sad when we see the animals pacing in their cages. It is always more fun to see animals in the wild, but for some species, like polar bears, that is not that obvious.

Those polar bears steal the show here in this zoo. They have a nice big space and you can both observe them from above as from an underwater tunnel below.

It was so much fun to see the bear having fun all the time with toys in the water. It brought a spontaneous smile to our faces.

There are of course many other animals you can see such as seals, elephants, snow leopards, and Japanese macaques.

The zoo is situated a little further in the park. You have to walk past the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine.

Get to the top of the Olympic Ski Jump

Sapporo hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1972 (and wants to do so again in 2030).

The ski jump has remained and the site has been expanded with an interesting interactive museum.

The museum sits at the base of the ski jump and tells the story of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games.

In addition to that visitors can see how well they would do in the games. There are several simulators where you can try your hand at ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and bobsleigh.

The view from the top of the ski ramp is breathtaking but at the same time frightening. And this is only a simulation.

You can also ascend to the top of the actual ski jump. If you thought the views of the city from the museum were great, wait till you have seen those from the observation lounge at the top of the ski jump.

And it is really only from this angle that you can really appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the ramp.

You cannot take place at the bank from where the jumpers started their descent but even without doing that I still spontaneously got respect for those jumpers who dare to take the leap.

Head to the Maruyama Bus Terminal. Take the No.14 bus (Araiyama Line) to the Okurayama Kyogijyo Iriguchi Bus Stop (approx. 10 mins).

The Sapporo Olympic Museum is approximately 10 mins walk from the bus stop.

Address: Japan, 〒064-0958 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyanomori, 1274

Walk Through the Torii Gates at Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

When you hear Fushimi Inari you might immediately think of the popular shrine in Kyoto.

The pathway with thousands of torii gates has made that shrine insta-famous.

This smaller cousin doesn’t have nearly as many torii gates but is pretty and worth a visit nevertheless.

The shrine is frequented by locals but not as popular among tourists.

It’s quiet and peaceful and you can walk through the rows of torii gates without the hordes of tourists that visit the eponymous shrine in Kyoto.

We loved the tranquility this place exuded, the only thing we heard was the sound of the crunching snow under our feet.

Take bus 14 back to Maruyama Koen and switch to bus 10 (towards Ropeway) or 11 (towards Moiwa Sanroku Station).

Get off at Fushimicho Takadai (11 stops).

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and Taste a Local Beer.

Sapporo, with the famous yellow star, is Japan’s oldest brand of beer.

It exists since 1876 and you can visit the site where it all started. The original brewing halls now house a museum that you can visit.

The self-guided tours are completely free, or you can join one of the guided walks for a fee.

As Belgians, we were a little offended to learn that the roots are situated in Germany but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the beer in the beer hall at the end of the tour.

If you want to continue enjoying the beer for a little longer you can have dinner in one of the restaurants of the brewery.

Walk towards the Ropeway Iriguchi Tram Stop and ride the tram in a clockwise direction to the Nishiyonchome stop. Walk 2 blocks north to Odori Park and turn right, you will get to the bus center at Odori Park.

Take the bus Higashi 3 Naebo Sen at the bus center near Odori Park. (in the direction of Higashi Eigyosho.) Ride the bus for 4 stops until Kita 8 Jo Higashi 8 Chome. Continue walking eastwards (in the direction of travel of the bus) until the next intersection. You will see the Sapporo Beer Museum on your right.

Address: Kita 7-jo, Higashi 9-chome 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido,065-0007

Experience Sapporo at Night

Do you fancy an evening walk? Perfect, Sapporo has countless fabulous nighttime illuminations that you can explore. It would almost be a shame to retire early without seeing these beautiful night views.

Here are our recommendations.

Head Up the Sapporo TV Tower After Dark

Thanks to the central location of the tower, you can easily pass here after your dinner.

The observation deck is usually open until 10 PM. The last entry is at 9:50 PM. The view won’t disappoint!

Stroll Along the Sapporo Clock Tower

Located just one block north of Odori park it’s easy to take a short walk past this beautifully lit building after your visit to the TV tower.

See the Nighttime Illumination of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

This neo-baroque building is another one of Sapporo’s landmarks. Built in 1888 it is a splendid example of the American influence in Japanese architecture around that time. When the building was inaugurated, it was one of the largest buildings in Japan.

It used to be the Hokkaido Government office, today it houses several art exhibitions along with a tourist information office. The well-maintained gardens are often used for festive markets and other events.

Yearly, starting in November the illuminations are taken up a notch to celebrate the festive season.

Sapporo’s Times Square: Susukino Intersection

The Susukino Intersection, atop the Susukino metro stop, is at the heart of the city’s entertainment district.

The intersection is illuminated by a colorful collection of dozens of gleaming neon billboards. It truly feels a bit like Times Square in New York. (but without the crowds)

Take the Cable Car to the Mt. Moiwa Summit Observation Deck

This view is recognized as one of the Major Night Views of Japan. From a height of 531 meters, you can see how the sparkling city stretches out below you.

We have only seen the captivating, imagination-inspiring photos of the night view as it was cloudy during our entire stay. This did not do justice to the view.

We recommend checking the weather forecast to determine the best time to go.

On the website and in the base station you can also see live images from a camera on the observation platform.

Here’s how you can get to Mt. Moiwa

Enjoy a Romantic Night View From the Noria Ferris Wheel

The icing on the cake of a romantic evening… a ride on the Noria Ferris Wheel. This Ferris wheel sits atop the Norbesa shopping center in the heart of Sapporo.

It is beautifully lit at night and it can be seen from many places in the city.

The Ferris wheel has a diameter of 45 meters. When you’re at the very top of the wheel you’re 78 meters up in the air. High enough for an amazing 360-degree view of the city.

Hit the slopes or make a Day Trip on Day 3

On your third day, you can either go skiing or make a day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa.

During the Otaru Light Snow Path festival a day trip to Otaru would definitely top the list.

Go Skiing in Sapporo

If you practice skiing it would be a shame not to put on your skis in Sapporo. There’re several terrific ski resorts within one hour or less from the city.

Sapporo Teine hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and is the largest ski resort of the pack.

Because it is at one hour a little further from the city many choose to go to other ski resorts that are closer such as Mt. Moiwa and Bankei.

At most resorts, you will find a combination of easy and difficult slopes so that everyone can have an amazing day in the powdery snow.

For beginner skiers, we wouldn’t recommend Niseko Moiwa as this resort predominantly has black and red runs.

Make a Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru is a charming town where it feels like you’re transported back in time thanks to the many preserved historic buildings. Otaru used to be a port town and is today still known for its canal district.

The canal that used to bustle with activity is nowadays lined with charming old warehouses that have been transformed into shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The whole town exudes a serene and romantic atmosphere, all the more during the light festival when thousands of lights and ice sculptures transform it into a fairytale Christmas Village.

The atmosphere of the festival is much more intimate and completely different from this in Sapporo. We enjoyed it to the fullest. It was definitely worth braving the cold.

The light festival in Otaru usually takes place around the same time as the event in Sapporo.

Otaru is a 1-hour train ride from Sapporo

See the Penguin Walk at the Asahiyama Zoo

Just as the polar bears are the stars in the Sapporo Zoo, this honor goes to the penguins in Asahikawa.

Penguins tend to walk in groups in search of food and the zookeepers try to copy this behavior with this penguin walk.

It’s sometimes also referred to as a penguin parade as the entire 500-meter stretch of the walk is lined with visitors who are trying to capture this unique event.

We found it hard to believe that the sole purpose of this event is to keep the birds fit during the winter, but we can’t deny that this wasn’t something we hadn’t ever seen before in a zoo.

Furthermore, the zoo also has some nice cages so that you can admire the animals in unique ways. The seal swims through a glass tube through the observatory and you can walk underneath the deer, the snow leopard, and the hippopotamus.

Asahikawa is a 2-hour train ride from Sapporo. The zoo is at the outskirts of the city. The bus ride from the station takes 45 minutes.

Sapporo Travel Tips

Will this be your first time in Sapporo in Winter? Here are the most important things you need to know.

How to Get to Sapporo

You can travel to Sapporo by plane or train. And of course also with your own rental car if you have one.

Many will travel to Sapporo from Tokyo so it’s good to know that this information is accurate if you want to know how to get to Sapporo from Tokyo.

We also have included travel times from Tokyo.

We flew from Tokyo to Sapporo. In our opinion, this is the most efficient option. Daily there’re many flights from various cities in Japan as well as international flights to Seoul.

If you book the flights well in advance they tend to be cheap thanks to the many low-cost carriers that serve these routes.

The route between Tokyo and Sapporo is one of the world’s most traveled air routes. The flight time from Tokyo is just under 2 hours.

How to Get From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City

Most flights to Sapporo will arrive at New Chitose Airport, an airport located 50 kilometers south of the city.

The trip from the airport to Sapporo Station, the city’s main transportation hub, takes around 40 minutes. At Sapporo Station, you can transfer to the city’s subway to get to your final destination.

Rapid airport express trains depart roughly every 15 minutes from the station underneath the domestic building.

The trip fare is 1150 JPY and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Reserved seats are 530 JPY extra and also included in the Japan Rail Pass.

The train is our first choice but there are other options as well.

2 companies have Airport Limousine Buses that travel between the airport and central Sapporo. The journey is with 1,5 hours almost twice as long and is also almost as expensive (1100 JPY) but it could be a better alternative if the bus stops right in front of your hotel.

You have the Hokuto Kotsu bus and the Hokkaido Chuo Bus . Both bus routes are very similar with stops amongst others at the ANA Crowne Plaza, the Grand Hotel, Hotel Monterey, Prince Hotel, and Hotel Royton. Click on the link of the respective bus to view all stops and the timetables.

The trip by train will take considerably longer despite that the majority of the route will be in a comfortable and fast Shinkansen. The Shinkansen stops in Hakodate where you need to continue with the Hokuto Express. Count on being on the train for more than 8 hours.

In addition, you will normally also pay more for the train trip than the flight. It all depends on when you book your flight but if you don’t do this at the very last minute the train trip will be something like 10,000 JPY more expensive. (that is with the extra fee for 1 bag for the flight)

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it

We don’t recommend driving. It’s a long drive of over 1000 kilometers. If you want to have a rental car in Sapporo it’s better to fly there and rent a car from one of the offices in the city.

Check prices and availability: Rentalcars at Sapporo Airport

How to Get Around Sapporo

In Sapporo, you have the subway, the streetcar, and the bus as means of public transport. You will likely use all 3 if you follow our itinerary.

Sapporo has 3 subway lines, the green Namboku Line, the orange Tozai Line, and the blue Toho Line. The three lines meet at Odori, at the heart of the city.

The subway is the most convenient and reliable means of transportation in winter as it is least affected by the weather.

However, as some sights are far from the subway stops, you could combine it with the bus and streetcar in order not to wear out the soles of your feet.

A single ride on the metro starts at 210JPY and can amount to 380JPY for longer distances. A pass for unlimited metro rides for one day is 830 JPY.

You need to get a ticket when you enter the metro station. At the ticket machine, you need to indicate where you’re heading and this will determine the price. You must then pass the ticket through the gates both when entering and leaving the station.

The Streetcar

The Streetcar runs in a loop in the Southwestern part of the city. From Odori in the north to Minami 22 Jonishi in the south.

For a ride on the streetcar, you pay a flat fee of 200JPY. You pay this when you exit the streetcar at the front. Ideally, you have the exact amount in coins.

There is also a change machine at the front of the tram where you can exchange notes up to 1000 JPY into coins.

When using an IC card you tap it when you exit the streetcard.

Sapporo’s City buses cover those gaps in the network where you can’t use the streetcar and the subway.

For this itinerary, you can use the buses to get to the Beer Museum and the Olympic Museum, unless you don’t mind walking a little more.

If you have an IC card you tap your card on the reader when entering and exiting the bus.

When paying cash, you take a ticket with a number when you enter the bus and you pay your fare when you exit at the front of the car.

Your fare will be indicated on a screen in front of the bus. (look for the fare next to your number).

Ideally, you have the exact amount in coins. There is also a change machine at the front of the tram where you can exchange notes up to 1000 JPY into coins.

IC cards are accepted on all streetcars, subway lines, and buses. If you have a Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card you can use it.

If you buy the Sapica Card, the local IC card, you have the additional advantage that you save a little on the fare.

Each time you pay for transport you earn 3% of the fare back in points. As soon as you have enough points (1 point = 1 JPY) to cover the fare it will be paid from your point balance and you get a free ride.

Sapica cards can be bought from ticket machines in subway stations and bus terminals. A card costs 2,000 JPY. 1,500JY can be used towards transport, and 500 JPY is a deposit.

The balance remains valid for 10 years. If you return the card at the end of your trip you can get the deposit refunded + your card balance minus a processing fee of 200 JPY.

Where to Stay in Sapporo During Winter

In Sapporo, you will find hotels and other accommodation options in all price ranges.

As it can get really cold after dark we recommend staying somewhere central so that, when you go out at night to see the illuminations or to have dinner, you don’t need to walk too far to get back to your hotel.

The ideal location is the area around the Sapporo train/metro and Odori metro stations.

If you stay here, you are close to restaurants and most sights in the center.

In addition, you can ride the subway to other nearby attractions and use the JR trains for day trips to Otaru and Asahikawa.

Here are a few hotel suggestions:

• 5-star: Sapporo Grand hotel
• 4-star: 41 Pieces Sapporo
• 3-star: Nakamurarya
• Best Ryokan in Hokkaido with private onsen
• Best Hotels in Sapporo with Onsen 

How Many Days do you Need in Sapporo in Winter?

We recommend staying at least 2 nights. However, you can stay longer and don’t get bored. We ourselves stayed 5 nights during our last trip.

Especially during the snow festival, the extra days are not a luxury if you want to take time to admire the works of art and also make a day trip to the festival in Otaru.

Skiers can also spend one or more days at the nearby ski areas.

As you can see a winter itinerary in Sapporo promises an awe-inspiring experience filled with enchanting snow festivals, thrilling winter sports, and unique sights.

In Sapporo, you can create unforgettable memories with your friends, family, and your loved ones.

When will you embrace the magic of this winter wonderland?

Visiting other places in Japan? Check out our Japan travel guide.

Winter in Sapporo

• Published on : 27/02/2020
• by : Japan Experience
• Add to favorites

Winter in Sapporo: read a guide to what to do in Sapporo over the winter including the Sapporo Snow Festival, Susukino Ice World, Sapporo Olympic Museum and Lake Shikotsu.

Upopoy National Ainu Museum

Susukino ice world, hokkaido food, okurayama ski jump stadium / sapporo olympic museum, mount moiwa, lake shikotsu.

• Hyoutou Festival

Winter Kayaking

Sample itinerary, winter in sapporo: the sapporo snow festival and much more 札幌.

Johannes Schonherr

The Sapporo Olympic Winter Games in 1972 made the Sapporo Snow Festival famous worldwide. Started by a group of high school students as a small event in 1950, by now the festival receives about 2 million visitors per year, about the same amount of people as Sapporo has inhabitants.

The festival takes place in Odori Park, right in the center of Sapporo and in easy walking distance from JR Sapporo Station.

Odori Park runs a length of about 1.5 km, stretching from the Sapporo TV Tower (erected in 1957 and designed by Tachu Naito who also designed Tokyo Tower) to one of the historical landmark structures of the city, the Sapporo Shiryokan, a large museum inside the Former Sapporo Court of Appeals building.

During the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, Odori Park will serve both as start and finishing point for the Olympic Marathon.

From early to mid-February each year, the Snow Festival plays host to a wide variety of artfully created snow sculptures.

These include large and elaborated signature pieces like, say, an anniversary of Japan's diplomatic contact with a foreign country as well as other important topics of the year. Snow stages in front of those large pieces provide performance spaces for concerts and dance shows.

This year, the Ainu history and heritage of Hokkaido receives great attention at the Sapporo Snow Festival. The Ainu, a group of tribes quite distinct from Japanese people, populated Hokkaido for thousands of years. During the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912), the period of rapid industrialization, Japan annexed Hokkaido and forced the Ainu to assimilate into Japanese society. In the process, Ainu culture went almost extinct.

Today, Ainu culture, which is very different from Japanese culture, undergoes a great revitalization. On April 24th 2020, the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park , opens at the shore of Lake Poroto, about an hour from Sapporo.

A large snow sculpture at the 2020 Sapporo Snow Festival heralded the opening of this new national center for the revival and development of Ainu culture.

Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido 059-0902

Access: Suzuran Limited Express Train from JR Sapporo Station to Shiraoi Station. The trip takes about 65 minutes. The Upopoy National Ainu Museum is a short walk from Shiraoi Station.

Admission: TBA

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park English language website: ainu-upopoy.jp/en

Between those large pieces, you find an incredible number of smaller sculptures depicting anything from Japanese manga and anime characters to sports heroes to strange fantasy creatures.

Many of those latter works have been created by volunteer citizen groups and they often display a great sense of humor.

In case you get hungry, there are plenty of food stalls within Odori Park. Many of them offer traditional Hokkaido foods like Hokkaido Beef Soup, Barbecued Beef Tongue, Sea Urchin Rice and Squid Stuffed with Rice, along more conventional festival food like barbecued beef on a stick.

Wash your meal down with a Sapporo Classic Beer, a smooth tasty beer available only in Hokkaido.

From 5 pm in the evening on, the major snow sculptures are colorfully illuminated. That's also the time for many of the live concerts and other events to start in front of the large sculptures.

Enjoy a free performance of a well-known Japanese singer or band while the snow sculpture in the background constantly changes its colors.

It's an amazing sight.

Festival time: Annually from early to mid-February

Address: Odori Park, central Sapporo

Access: Take the West Exit of JR Sapporo Station, walk down to the basement level. There starts the Sapporo Eki-mae underground walkway. Walk the underground walkway for about 10 minutes and you will arrive at Odori. Take Exit 5 and go up to ground level. There, you are right at the Sapporo Snow Festival site.

Alternatively, from JR Sapporo Station take the Namboku Subway Line to Odori Station (1 stop).

Hours: Odori Park is open 24 hours. From 5 pm to 10 pm, the snow sculptures are illuminated

Admission is free

Snow Festival English language website: www.snowfes.com/english

Sapporo Snow Festival Tour Packages

Susukino is Sapporo's most vibrant night live area. It's sometimes called the Shinjuku of Sapporo. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues abound.

Susukino is in short walking distance from Odori Park and Susukino offers its own addition to the Snow Festival: Susukino Ice World.

At the Snow Festival in Odori Park, the sculptures are made of snow. At Susukino Ice World, they are made of ice.

Ice carving artists are given free reign here, resulting in a large variety of intricate sculptures, often with a maritime bent. From sea horses, jumping fish and mermaids to creatures that may only exist in the artist's imagination.

Festival time: Annually from early to mid February (identical to the period of the Sapporo Snow Festival)

Address: Nishi 4-chome Avenue between Minami 4 Jo-dori, and Minami 7 Jo-dori ( Ekimae-dori), Sapporo

Access: In short walking distance from Odori Park. Alternatively, take the Namboku Subway Line from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station (2 stops), use Exit 1.

Hours: Open 24 hours, from 5 pm to 11 pm, the sculptures are illuminated.

Admission is free.

Susukino Ice World English Language website

The area around Odori Park and nearby Susukino offers a large array of different cuisines. Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, Italian and much more.

But this being Hokkaido, you might want to check out some real Hokkaido cooking - it offers dishes very different from the Japanese cuisine served in, say, the Tokyo area.

The perhaps most famous Hokkaido dish is Genghis Khan , barbecued mutton meat which you fry on a barbecue set built into your own table along with a variety of vegetables.

The dish is said to be based upon an old imagination of what Mongolians might eat. So, it's meat, meat and more meat. If you like meat, that's paradise.

Genghis Khan is served at many restaurants all over central Sapporo.

Soup Curry is another Hokkaido specialty. It's a hot curry soup you eat with rice. The curry soup is offered with many different ingredients, like, for example, large chunks of chicken.

The Garaku Restaurant in Susukino however has also a vegan vegetable soup curry on its menu, the Suage Restaurant , also in Susukino, a vegetarian soup curry (it includes an egg).

Hokkaido might be a place for meat, fish and seafood but alternatives for the diet-conscious are easy to find.

In recent years, a new trend developed in Susukino. After a night of copious eating and drinking, young people tend to go to stylish cafés, to enjoy a parfait and a coffee to finish off the night.

One of the most popular of those cafés is the Café Yue offering large and tasty chocolate parfaits, often shared by small groups of friends.

The Olympic Ski Jump Competition during the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Winter Games took place on Mount Okurayama on the western edge of the city.

The Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is still used for national and international competitions as well as a training ground for Japanese ski jumpers.

Right next to the ski jump ramp is a ski lift with which you can ascend to the top of the mountain. From up there, you get a great view over the city right towards Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park.

Pictures displayed show ski jumpers in mid-air. They seem to be flying right over to Odori Park. They didn't, of course, but the photos are impressive nonetheless.

If you want to get a feel of what it is like to ski down that ramp and fly through the air, head to the Sapporo Olympic Museum near the base of the ramp.

There, you can put your feet into the ski of an interactive display. The screen in front of you shows your path down that ramp and your flying. Your body moves are monitored and after your successful landing, the length of the flight you would have achieved according to your body moves is displayed on the screen.

At another interactive installation, you can get in a cross-country ski race with your friends. Three persons can head through a wintery Hokkaido landscape unfolding on screen. The moves of your feet will determine your speed. Will you win this race?

The Sapporo Olympic Museum has much more to offer than just those interactive games.

It displays the history of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Games in detail. Did you know that Sapporo was already slated to host the Olympic Winter Games in 1940? Unfortunately, at that time, World War II led to the cancellation of the planned games.

Much historical gear is on display, too. Like geta , traditional wooden sandals, equipped with metal skids for ice skating.

The museum also features a Panoramic Theater showing exciting scenes of winter sports adventures.

Address: Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Subway Line to Odori Station, change there to the Tozai Subway Line. Take the Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Subway Station. From Exit 2, make your way to the Maruyama Bus Terminal. Take the No.14 bus (Araiyama Line) to Okurayama Kyogijyo Iriguchi Bus Stop (about 10 mins). The Sapporo Olympic Museum is approximately 10 mins walk from the bus stop.

Hours: April 28 - November 4: 9 am to 6 pm November 5 - the following April 26: 9.30 am to 5 pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

No closing day.

Admission: Adults: 600 yen / Groups (15 or more people): 540 yen / Junior high school students and under: Free of charge / 65 years old and over: 450 yen

Sapporo Olympic Museum English language website: sapporo-olympicmuseum.jp

Mount Moiwa, a short taxi ride from Mount Okurayama, is also a winter sports center featuring many ski slopes. Those are however used rather by enthusiastic Sapporo residents and visitors than by Olympic sports champions.

A ropeway leads up about two thirds of the mountain. There, you change into a mini cable car to reach the top.

The night view from Mount Moiwa (531 meters) has recently been voted as one of the top three night views of Japan. From there, you can overlook the whole of Sapporo with its brightly shining lights on a clear evening.

The top of the mountain offers the Jewel Restaurant for dinners overlooking the nightly city, a planetarium as well as a café.

As unique as the view over the city might be at night, it is a gorgeous view in the daytime as well, depending on the weather, of course.

Address: Fushimi 5-chome 3-7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Subway Line to Odori Station, change there to the Tozai Subway Line. Take the Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama Koen Station (the same station as for the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium).

From Maruyama Koen Station, take the JR Hokkaido Bus (Junkan Maru 10/11) and get off at "Ropeway iriguchi" bus stop.

From there, the Ropeway station is in short walking distance.

The Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and Mt. Moiwa are not far from each other. If you visit them on the same day, take a taxi from the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium to the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Station or vice versa.

Hours: Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Summer Season: 10.30 am - 10 pm (last departure: 9.30 pm) Winter Season: 11 am - 10 pm (last departure: 9.30 pm)

Admission: Ropeway + mini cable car (round trip): Adults 1.700 yen, children 850 yen

Mount Moiwa English Language website

Lake Shikotsu, a bit more than an hour away from central Sapporo, is one of Japan's largest volcanic crater lakes and with a maximum depth of 368 meters one of the deepest.

Due to its depth, the lake almost never freezes in winter. The same goes for the Chitose River which flows out of the lake towards the Sea of Japan.

The lake is far from any industrial site, its waters are unspoiled and extremely clear. On sunny days, the lake turns into a deep blue, reflecting the clear sky.

Lake Shikotsu is also famous for its delicious salmon trout. The fish are not native to the lake but when they were brought from Lake Akan in north-eastern Hokkaido in 1895, they soon developed a liking for the lake.

Today, the fish are served in a wide variety of dishes along the lake shore.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Hyoutou Festival)

Lake Shikotsu offers its own ice festival in winter. Clear water from Lake Shikotsu is sprayed over pre-arranged structures attached with wire nets. The result is an amazing ice landscape including many artificial ice caves worth exploring.

Festival time: Annually from late January to mid-February

Address: Lake Shikotsu hot springs, Chitose city

Access from Sapporo: Take a train from JR Sapporo Station to Chitose Station, from there, take a Chuo Bus #4, get off at the Shikotsuko stop.

Hours: 9 am to 10 pm, illuminated from 4.30 pm to 10 pm

Admission: Adults (middle school and older) 300 yen, children free

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival English language website

If you want to make your visit to Lake Shikotsu really exciting, head for the Ocean Days store. Ocean Days offers kayaking tours on Lake Shikotsu and Chitose River – even in mid-winter.

They dress you up in a neoprene dry suit and take you to a kayak tour you will never forget. You get to paddling out onto the lake, you get to paddle down Chitose River. The tour guide will frequently call out underwater attractions visible through the glass bottom of the boat or by a look over board. Seaweed fields many meters below the surface, fallen trees resting on the bottom of the river, bizarrely shaped stones.

The clear waters make all that mysterious underwater world clearly visible.

Though you never feel cold on the trip thanks to the neoprene suit, it's still a very wintery exercise. The hot tea served at the headquarters of Ocean Days after you get out of the suit just comes right.

You are on a winter trip, after all, with snow piling up on a good day.

Address: Bangaichi, Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido 066-0281

Access: Access from Sapporo: Take a train from JR Sapporo Station to Chitose Station, from there, take a Chuo Bus #4, get off at the Shikotsuko stop.

For tour times and prices please see the Ocean Days website. Ocean Days English language website .

All places / activities described in this text can be enjoyed within two days.

A sample itinerary for an individual trip might be:

Day 1 : Arrival at New Chitose Airport in the morning, take bus from the airport to Lake Shikotsu, see the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, go on a kayak tour with Ocean Days at Lake Shikotsu, take bus to Chitose Station, then train to JR Sapporo Station. In Sapporo, see the illuminated Snow Festival and Susukino Ice World or go to Mt. Moiwa for the night view.

Day 2 : Visit Snow Festival and Susukino Ice World in the morning, then go to Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium / the Sapporo Olympic Museum. Perhaps visit Mt. Moiwa at that time (it's close to Okurayama) and head back for central Sapporo for the illuminated Snow Festival / Susukino Ice World.

In the evening, take train back from JR Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport.

Many variations of this itinerary are possible but please keep in mind that it takes quite some time to get to Lake Shikotsu and to enjoy the kayaking or other activities there.

Access to Sapporo

Please find detailed information on how to get to Sapporo by airplane, train, bus and ferry as well as information on public transport within Sapporo on our Sapporo travel page .

Voyagin Tours

Tokyo-based travel agency Voyagin offers English-language guided tours to the Sapporo Snow Festival. Click here for detailed information

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Things to Do in Sapporo: Amazing Ice Sculptures, Food, and Fun

Sapporo has a lot to offer. It’s the Prefectural Capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city.  Thanks to Hokkaido’s reputation as a skiing and snowboarding paradise, most people visit Sapporo just for the winter sports. This is a shame! Even during Hokkaido’s harsh winter, it’s worth spending some time exploring Sapporo.

You don’t want to miss Sapporo in winter; there’s some really cool stuff to do here (no pun intended)! Let’s start with the biggest winter attraction — The Snow Festival.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo beer museum, okurayama ski jump stadium, jozankei onsen.

Iwato Kannondo

Is Sapporo Worth Visiting in Winter?

How to get there, getting from the airport to sapporo, from tokyo by train, top destinations in hokkaido.

The Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) is Hokkaido’s biggest event. It began in 1950 when a few local students built snow sculptures in Odori Park.

It’s now a major festival. Snow and ice sculptures line Odori Park’s 1.5 km stretch through downtown Sapporo. The festival draws over two million people each year.

The Sculptures

Twelve city blocks are devoted to the sculptures. One of them is reserved for international teams to exhibit their work.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a team working on their sculpture. You’ll really appreciate the time, skill, and effort needed to make such amazing works of art.

The snow and ice exhibits are beautiful during the day… but don’t miss them at night! The illuminated sculptures are truly an amazing sight.

Even if you’ve seen ice sculptures before, you’ve probably never seen anything like this. The sculptures can get quite large – up to 15 meters (49 feet) high and 25 meters (82 feet) wide.

Many teams use cranes, scaffolding, bulldozers, and other construction equipment to build them. You can even walk around inside some of them!

Previous years have had ice sculptures with surround sound. Japanese baseball and movie stars have been made into sculptures. A famous sculpture featured characters from the newest Star Wars movie.

The festival has two other sites besides Odori Park: Susukino and Tsudome.

The Susukino site hosts an ice-carving competition. In 2017 Susukino had 60 ice-carvings on display — including two you could ride! There’s also an ice-bar serving hot drinks.

The Tsudome site has many activities for families.

They include a long tube slide, an all-ages ice-slide, snow foot golf, and the chance to roll around in the snow inside a giant bumper ball. Starting in 2018, you’ll also have the chance to sled there.

There’s also a skating rink, snow slides, snowboard and ski jump demonstrations, food booths, and ongoing entertainment.

The official Snow Festival website has all the information you need. Don’t miss the list of where you can find the year’s most popular sculptures.

Note: Flying drones in the Snow Festival areas are strictly prohibited.

Check out this video of to learn more about the Snow Festival:

February 5 – 11th 2018 (the Tsudome site opens on the 1st of February)

Night Illumination Ending Times

• Odori Park Venue:  10:00pm
• Susukino Venue:  11:00pm  (ends at 10:00pm on the final day of the festival)

Tsudome Hours

9:00am – 5:00pm

Free (though some activities have a fee)

For More Information

Yuki Matsuri Snow Festival Homepage

Insider’s Tip

For a bird’s eye view of the sculptures, head to the Sapporo TV Tower. The 90-meter observation platform gives you a great view of the Odori site.

The tower has special opening times during the snow festival.

You can buy a one-time entry ticket for 720 yen, or an 1100 yen ticket that gives you access during the day and night.

Sapporo TV Tower Homepage

After the snow festival, many people associate Sapporo beer (and also crab, miso ramen, and soup curry… Yum!). The beer museum is a fun place to visit, even for those who aren’t big beer fans.

The Sapporo Beer Museum doesn’t just give you the lowdown on beer’s history and production… you taste samples at the end of the tour! There’s also a beer garden with several restaurants, all of which have all-you-can-drink menus.

Beer was introduced to Japan in Sapporo. The museum is located in a former sugar factory built in the Meiji period.

Two Tour Options

You can choose from two options: a free tour or a paid tour.

The Free Tour

The free tour is a good chance to explore one of Hokkaido’s few heritage buildings. It’s a self-guided tour with English language pamphlets.

The Paid Tour

The second tour (in Japanese) includes a demonstration on how to pour the perfect glass of beer (500 yen). The museum exhibits focus more on the history of Sapporo beer than on how beer is made.

If You Like Craft Beer (or Beer in General)

I suggest you buy tickets for the beer samples. You can buy them at the end of your tour. At the time of my visit, it cost 600 yen for 3 beer samples and a snack.

Two More Cool Things to Know

One: The beer halls offer the chance to try another Hokkaido favorite: Genghis Khan. This is grilled lamb “Mongolian style.” It tastes a lot like the yakiniku you find elsewhere in Japan. Delicious!

Two: The Museum is open no matter how bad the weather gets… and Hokkaido is known for rough winters!

10:30am – 6:30pm (last entry 6:00pm)

Closed Mondays, over the New Year’s holiday period, and a few schedule days for special circumstances (factory maintenance, etc.)

When Monday is a public holiday, the museum closes Tuesday.

Free or 500 yen for the guided tour

Sapporo Beer Museum Homepage

If you want to take the paid tour on the weekend or during the Snow Festival, book in advance. The museum is a popular destination!

The Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium has several fun attractions. They include a museum, an observation platform, the ski jump, and the Okurayama Crystal House.

The Ski Jump

The Ski Jump earns its top billing. Built in 1931, the ski-jump was renovated in the 1970s to use in the 1972 Winter Olympics. It has been updated many times since then. In 1988 Summer Hill was built to enable jumping in summer.

When there are no events, you can take the ski lift to the Mt. Okura Observation Deck. The deck looks out over Sapporo city.

The Winter Sports Museum, established in 2000, focuses the history and rules of winter sports. The interactive exhibits simulate ski jumping, bobsledding, and figure skating. It’s a great place to take your kids.

Observatory Hours

• April 29th -November 3: 8:30am – 6:00pm
• November 4th – April 28th: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Closed April 6th – 17th

Winter Sports Museum Hours

• May – October: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• November – April: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Okurayama Viewing Point

There are 56 hot spring sources in the Jonzankei district. They produce 8600 liters of hot water a day. Factor in the location, only an hour away from Sapporo by car, and it’s no surprise Jozankei is one of Hokkaido’s most-loved onsen.

This developed onsen town lacks the charm of a smaller, more traditional onsen village. Even so, Jozankai is a must-visit for onsen fans, especially in winter.

The heating properties of the natural element rich water really sets the town apart. It also has some great scenery. Don’t miss the yunotaki, a hot-water waterfall in the middle of town.

Most of the baths in Jozankei are attached to ryokan or hotels. They open their doors to day-trippers for a fee (most around 1,000 – 1,600 yen). Hours vary from hotel to hotel, so if there’s a particular bath you want to visit, check the hours they open in advance.

Jozankei Onsen Homepage

Jozankei is home to one of Japan’s more unique temples — Iwato Kannondo. The temple was built to commemorate road workers killed building a tunnel. It sits within a 120-meter long cave that houses thirty-three statues of Kannon.

The Kappa Liner shuttle bus travels between Sapporo and Jozankei.

It runs daily. You can check the schedule here:

Jotetsu Bus Schedule

You’ve likely spent a lot of money and put in some serious effort to get to Hokkaido. No matter how eager you are to hit the ski slopes, take a bit of time to explore Sapporo. This is Hokkaido after all — the snow isn’t going anywhere!

Sapporo is connected to the rest of the world through New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido. It’s only a 40 minute train ride from Sapporo. There are many daily flights from Tokyo and other domestic locations within Japan. Several budget airlines offer cheap flights.

The key is to book early. Buy your tickets months in advance to get the cheapest rates. Either pack light or send your luggage ahead by takkyubin (delivery service).

Takkyubin Luggage Delivery Service

International travelers should take advantage of Air Do’s Welcome to Hokkaido tickets. They cost only 8,800 yen for a flight to Hokkaido. It doesn’t matter where in Japan you’re flying from.

You can learn more and book tickets here:

Air Do Homepage

Occasionally, some LCC airlines like Jetstar or even bigger companies like Japan Airlines have really cheap deals. A flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido with a LCC can range from less than 3,000 yen to 5,000yen per way.

Also, be sure to check companies like Booking.com for deals. They might be your best bet during certain times of the year.

If you’re a Japanese resident, you can still get a good deal if you book a ticket 75 days in advance.

For example, a flight between New Chitose and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is 9,790 yen. Compare this to a 15,000 – 25,290 yen ticket for the same flight reserved 28 days in advance.

Once you arrive at New Chitose, the airport connects to the city by train, bus, and taxi.

The trains leave roughly every 15 minutes, and the trip costs 1,070 yen for an unreserved seat or 1,590 yen with a reserved seat.

Take the JR Rapid Airport line for either Sapporo or Otaru or the JR Chitose line. The trains run from 6:56am until 10:53pm.

The Hokkaido Chuo Bus connects New Chitose Airport with downtown Sapporo. It’s 1,030 yen one-way.

Buses run from 8:40am until 7:25pm, and during peak hours they leave every 10-15 minutes.

Taxis aren’t cheap at roughly 16,000 yen. They take about an hour to reach Sapporo. The Transportation Information Desk at the International Terminal can tell you your options. They can also organize a sight-seeing taxi for you.

New Chitose Airport Transportation Homepage

Hokkaido is a great destination for train buffs. Trains reach the island through the Seikan Tunnel, the second longest railway tunnel in the world.

Until recently, one of Japan’s few remaining overnight trains also made the trip to Hokkaido. Unfortunately, The Twilight Express service has ended. The competition between carriers became so intense they all lost money.

The journey is still interesting. Even so, the eight hour travel time tests your patience.

From Tokyo, take the Hayabusa Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Transfer to the Hokuto Limited Express for Sapporo. The trip costs 28,380 yen.

Have You Been to Sapporo in the Winter?

What did you like about it? Did we miss anything?

Don’t forget to share this article with your ski buddies. The next time you guys go to Hokkaido, you have a new option open. Don’t miss the fun city of Sapporo on your way to the mountains.

Image Credits:

• seiksoon/123rf.com
• Suradeach Seatang/123rf.com
• Narongsak Nagadhana/123rf.com
• Sean Pavone/123rf.com
• tasch8790/123rf.com
• Laddawan Hengtabtim/123rf.com
• blanscape/123rf.com
• Piti Sirisriro/123rf.com
• Chayatorn Laorattanavech/123rf.com

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Local Recommended: 1-Day Itinerary for Enjoying Sapporo's Winter Wonderland (Hokkaido)

Sapporo is well-known as a winter wonderland, famous for events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. From iconic spots like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park to skiing at Mt. Moiwa, taking in the Sapporo night views , and indulging in hot springs , the city exudes unique winter charm. And don't forget must-try gourmet delights like Jingisukan barbecue and parfait. Read on as, travel advisor Nobuka shares a one-day plan to make the most of your winter trip to Sapporo .

Meet the Travel Pro: Nobuka's Recommendations

The charms of winter travel in sapporo and tips for enjoying it, getting from new chitose airport to sapporo, transportation options for getting around sapporo, recommended one-day plan for winter travel in sapporo, for a great evening out in sapporo: enjoy dinner with a stunning view of the lights at one of the city's top nightspots., recommended winter day trips from sapporo.

Nobuka, a seasoned Hokkaido tourism pro, has been exploring the region for over 15 years, penning over 1,000 travel articles for magazines and websites. Drawing from this extensive experience, Nobuka will share insights on how to enjoy Sapporo and valuable advice to enhance your travel experience.

How to Enjoy Winter in Sapporo

Sapporo , the largest city in Hokkaido, offers the allure of being surrounded by nature alongside its urban landscape . Sapporo receives relatively heavy snowfall during winter , and within a 15 to 30-minute drive from the city center, you'll find multiple ski resorts. From late December to mid-March, you can revel in snowy landscapes right in the heart of the city, and it's not uncommon to see snowbanks taller than a person, even in the city.

Especially noteworthy is the Sapporo Snow Festival held annually in early February, primarily at Odori Park . This extensive event features massive snow and ice sculptures renowned worldwide. Each year, the festival attracts around 2 million visitors from all over the globe during its 8-day run.

Even before or after the Snow Festival, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city, thanks to its abundant snowfall. From sledding and skiing to experiencing igloos and other snow-related fun, there's no shortage of winter recreation.

Winter Attire and Tips for Sapporo

One crucial difference between a winter trip to Sapporo and visiting in summer is the type of footwear you'll need. While Sapporo 's underground passages and some roads are heated, many areas, including roads and sidewalks, can be slippery. It's wise to wear snow-ready shoes or attach anti-slip grips to your footwear to prevent accidents. If you can't get them before your visit, you can purchase appropriate footwear or grips at stores in New Chitose Airport , Sapporo Station, or the city's underground shopping malls . Also, note that you can reach Sapporo Station from the airport without ever stepping outdoors.

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Sapporo . To get from the airport to Sapporo , you can choose from the train, bus, taxi, or rental car, but the train is recommended. It's the best choice, especially in winter when roads can be congested due to snowfall and both buses and cars may move slowly. You can reach Sapporo Station in about 40 minutes from the airport 's New Chitose Airport Station on the JR line's " Airport " train. There are around five trains per hour daily (increasing to six per hour starting March 16, 2024), so you can usually board relatively quickly. For international travelers, the ability to use the Japan Rail Pass or JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, which offers unlimited rides on JR lines, adds to the appeal of taking the train.

For touring around Sapporo city, and checking out landmarks like the Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park , Susukino, and Hokkaido Shrine , you can quickly get to these major attractions by walking or using the subway or tram. If you plan to take the subway or tram multiple times a day, cost-effective day passes are available. A single ride on the subway costs around 210 yen; on the tram, it's a flat rate of 200 yen. So, if you plan to ride three or four times a day, purchasing a day pass is more economical. Subway One-Day Pass ・Unlimited subway rides for a day ・Adults: 830 yen, children: 420 yen (cash only) ・Available at subway ticket vending machines and designated ticket sales locations Donichika Kippu (Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Pass) ・Unlimited subway rides on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and from December 29th to January 3rd ・Adults: 520 yen, children: 260 yen (cash only) ・Available at subway ticket vending machines, subway station offices, and designated ticket sales locations Streetcar One-Day Pass ・Unlimited tram rides for a day ・Adults: 500 yen, children: 250 yen (cash only) ・Available on trams, at Odori Station ticket counters, and at designated locations On the other hand, when heading to popular suburban tourist spots like Jozankei Onsen , Okurayama Observatory, and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, you'll typically take a bus. While some bus companies offer day passes, some destinations may require different bus companies, so it might be more cost-effective to pay for each ride separately. For trips to Jozankei Onsen , the Kappa Liner bus service (reservations required) is convenient. It's a tourist bus that offers comfortable seating and passes through most of the bus stops from the city center to Jozankei Onsen , making it faster and more comfortable than regular bus services.

Renting a car during winter , however, is not highly recommended. Roads in particularly snowy areas can be very slippery, and visibility is often poor, making even local residents hesitant to drive. Unless you have experience driving in snowy conditions and are comfortable with it, it's safer to rely on public transportation.

Nobuka has carefully selected recommended spots for a full day of winter travel in Sapporo that not only include the city's classic tourist attractions but also offer unique winter experiences and stunning views. To make it easier to navigate, especially for first-time visitors to Sapporo , she's chosen convenient locations and minimal transfers.

• Visit the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower (9 AM) ↓
• Take the "Kappa Liner" bus (10:33 AM) ↓
• Enjoy Jingisukan barbecue at the "Kamakura" in Toyohira Gorge Onsen (Noon) ↓
• Soak in an open-air bath at Toyohira Gorge Onsen while enjoying the snow (1 PM) ↓
• Take the "Kappa Liner" bus (2:24 PM) ↓
• Indulge in a winter-exclusive parfait at Snow Brand Parlor (3:30 PM) ↓
• Take photos and explore inside the Sapporo Clock Tower (4:30 PM) ↓
• Experience Sapporo's nightlife to the fullest (5:30 PM)

Recommended Spot & Experience #1: Explore Sapporo from Above at the Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is an iconic symbol of the Sapporo skyline, an essential tourist spot for anyone visiting the city. Its prominent presence makes it easy to locate even from a distance, so you won't have trouble finding it! The tower stands at 147.2 meters, with the observation deck situated at 90.38 meters above ground level, accessible via a one-minute elevator ride.

Central Sapporo is roughly divided into north, south, east, and west quadrants centered around the TV Tower. From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city resembling a chessboard, with roads neatly laid out in these cardinal directions. The observation deck wraps around the central part of the tower, offering a 360-degree view.

You'll be facing east when you get off the elevator on the observation deck. On the south side, you'll glimpse the bustling downtown area of Susukino just to your right. And on the west side, you'll see expansive Odori Park stretching further west. On clear days, you can even spot the sea and wind turbines in the distance towards the left on the north side.

Of course, enjoying the panoramic views is the main attraction of the observation deck, but there's more to do than just taking in the scenery!

The "Scary Window," located on the southeast side of the observation deck, features inclined windows that extend all the way down to the floor, offering a terrifying view of the cars and pedestrians below. Leaning against the glass for a few trick photos is popular with many tourists!

You can also enjoy Japanese cultural experiences and shopping on the observation deck. There's the "TV Dad Shrine ," where you can find capsule toy machines for fortune-telling omikuji.

After taking in the Sapporo cityscape from above, it's time for a 70-minute bus journey.

• When taking photos of the scenery from the observation deck, try holding your smartphone firmly against the windows. This reduces reflections and makes it easier to capture beautiful shots. However, please note that the use of tripods and live streaming is prohibited on the observation deck.

• Address 1, Odorinishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 060-0042 View Map
• Nearest Station Odori Station （Namboku Line / Tozai Line / Toho Line）
• Phone Number 011-241-1131

Recommended Spot & Experience #2: All-You-Can-Eat Jingisukan BBQ in a "Kamakura" at Hoheikyo Onsen

After the TV Tower, you'll head towards Hoheikyo Onsen , nestled deep in the mountains of the Jozankei Onsen area. You'll take the Kappa Liner (reservation required) all the way to its final stop. It's a bit of a long journey, but as you leave the city behind, you'll be treated to the sight of snow-covered mountain scenery, making the ride quite enjoyable.

Hoheikyo Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility located deep in the mountains with few buildings around. In the heart of winter , you can enjoy charcoal-grilled Jingisukan barbecue inside a huge " kamakura " snow hut! (Reservation required)

This event is held every winter , but the size and duration varies depending on the amount of snowfall and temperature. In 2024, due to relatively low snowfall until the first half of January, the kamakura was slightly smaller in size. However, it's still a unique experience definitely worth experiencing firsthand!

Jingisukan uses tender, fresh cuts of loin, marinated in a special sauce. It's delicious straight off the grill, even without dipping it in sauce. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the meat is irresistible. While it's a well-known way of eating for some, lightly toasting a piece of naan bread and wrapping the grilled meat is also recommended. Give it a try!

In 2024, the kamakura experience is available for groups of 4 to 6 people only. However, even for groups of 3 people or fewer, there's no need to worry about dining options. At the " ONSEN Dining" facility within the premises, you can also enjoy Jingisukan as well as Japanese soba noodles and Indian curry . The soba noodles are made purely from buckwheat flour, without any added wheat flour, allowing you to savor the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine . The curry is prepared by Nepalese staff, offering an authentic taste of the region. Each dish has earned a stellar reputation, to the extent that some people come just for the meal without soaking in the hot springs . For those not using the kamakura , there are convenient packages available which include round-trip taxi rides and access to the hot springs . You can pick your meal of choice on-site.

• It's freezing outside, but inside the kamakura, the charcoal stove acts as a heater, making it surprisingly warm. Opt for clothing that allows easy temperature regulation, such as a scarf, rather than high-necked clothes which might make you feel too warm.
• Reservations can only be made via phone, but the website provides information in English: (https://hoheikyo.co.jp/activity/igloo/)
• Address 608-2 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301
• Phone Number 011-598-2410

・Hours: Late January through March (weather permitting), Noon PM - 4 PM, 60 minutes per group (Last order 20 minutes prior to end time) ・Cost: Adults: 4,800 yen, Children: 4,200 yen. (*Set plan includes hot spring bathing fee; available for 4-6 persons only. Reservations required by phone (English available).) ・Closures: None during season

Recommended Spot & Experience #3: Take an open-air bath while viewing the snow at Hoheikyo Onsen

After your meal, you can unwind in the open-air hot springs while admiring the snowy scenery. Towels are available for purchase or rent, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own. Body soap and shampoo with conditioner are also provided in the bathing area.

If needed, there's also a makeup room within the facility for touch-ups. If you're short on time or feeling rushed, just tying up your hair and taking a quick dip is also recommended. These hot springs are well-known as " beauty hot springs ," leaving your skin moist and smooth enough that you might feel you don't even need moisturizer or lotion after bathing.

The hot spring water, drawn directly from the ground without any dilution or heating, is rich in natural minerals. Despite the chilly air outside, with temperatures below freezing that might make your hair feel like it could freeze, your body from the neck down will feel comfortably warm. It's such an ideal way to relax!

• Don't forget to bring 100 yen coins for the shoe lockers and changing room lockers (refunded after use).

・Hours: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM (Last entry at 9:45 PM) ・Fees: Adults (Junior high school students and older): 1,000 yen, Children (3 years old to elementary school students): 500 yen, Children under 3 years old: Free. Jingisukan meal includes entry fee. Hand towels: 220 yen, Bath towels rental: 520 yen (300 yen refundable upon return) ・Closed: Open daily

Recommended Spot & Experience #4: Indulge in Winter Limited Parfaits at Snow Brand Parlor

The approximately 70-minute Kappa Liner return ride from Hoheikyo Onsen to Sapporo is a good time to rest a bit more after bathing and offers the perfect opportunity for a sweet treat. When you get back to the city center, you'll disembark at "Kita 2-jo Nishi 3-chome" bus stop. Once you go through the Susukino district, keep an eye out on your right-hand side for landmarks like the Sapporo TV Tower and the Sapporo Clock Tower; your stop will be just after.

Snow Brand Parlor is a renowned old-fashioned café in Sapporo , offering a variety of desserts, including ice cream parfaits. One signature item is the "Snow Royal" ice cream (880 yen).

They have more than 30 types of parfaits and it's easy to get lost in deciding which one to choose. Nobuka recommends the seasonal limited edition parfait that changes every three months. Until February 2024, they're offering the "Pure White Snowman" parfait for 1,280 yen. Underneath the snowman, there's cream cheese, jelly made with water from the Daisetsuzan Mountains , and shiratama (small balls of rice flour).

The Pure White Snowman is delicious, with a smooth texture and refreshing sweetness. It's only available until the end of February 2024, but a new parfait will debut in March. Typically, in winter they offer parfaits inspired by snowmen, so if you want to try one, be sure to visit Sapporo in winter !

• They also sell souvenirs such as Camembert cheesecake and Baumkuchen, which can be stored at room temperature.
• The menu is available in English and includes photos, making it easy to order even if you don't speak Japanese.
• Address Taiyo seimei sapporo bld 1F 1-31 3 Chome Kita 2 Jo Nish, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0002
• Phone Number 011-251-7530

・Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM (Last order 6:30 PM) ・Closures: Year-end and New Year holidays

Recommended Spot & Experience #5: Taking Photos and Exploring Inside the Sapporo Clock Tower

After indulging in some sweets , head over to one of Sapporo 's top-rated landmarks , the Sapporo Clock Tower. When you exit Snow Brand Parlor, turn right, go through one traffic light, and walk a short distance until you spot it on your left. Built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), the clock tower was suggested by Dr. Clark, the first vice-principal. It was relocated about 100 meters south in 1906 due to road construction, where it has stood to this day, chiming every hour.

It's a famous spot for taking photos, but the captivating interior is also worth seeing. Since last entry is 5:00 PM, depending on when you visit, it might be better to explore inside first and then take your time for the exterior photo session.

Once you're done exploring inside, it's time for a photo session. Since Sapporo Clock Tower is surrounded by buildings and often bustling with pedestrians and tourists, getting the perfect shot might require a bit of finesse. Here are three recommended spots for capturing great photos:

Nobuka's recommended photo spot #1: Capture the Classic Shot!

This is a classic photo spot where you can take a shot looking up from the bottom left of the clock tower. It's located within the premises and faces the road, so you'll easily spot it. They've even set up smartphone stands for convenient photos.

Nobuka's recommended photo spot #2: Get a perfect shot from the front!

For the perfect shot of the entire building, Nobuka's top photo spot at the Sapporo Clock Tower is here. Surprisingly, the second-floor terrace of the building directly opposite the Sapporo Clock Tower is open to the public for photography purposes, and it's free of charge. Simply cross the street, head towards the building directly opposite the clock tower, and climb the outdoor staircase to reach it.

Nobuka's recommended photo spot #3: A wide panoramic view.

This is a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts. Located just across the road to the left rear with the clock tower in the background, a corner of the Sapporo City Hall grounds is opened to the public as the "Clock Tower Photography Spot." This location provides unique depth to capture the entire building in a photo, unlike anywhere else. While you can photograph the exterior of the Sapporo City Clock Tower at any time, late afternoon until around sunset is recommended, when the front of the building gets good sunlight. Twilight also offers a beautiful contrast between the blue sky and the illuminated building. For reference, in mid-February, the sunset in Sapporo is generally around 5:00 PM.

• Make sure to capture the magic of every hour when the clock strikes. Just before the top of the hour, start filming, and be ready as the clock strikes the hour. You're sure to get some great footage!

• Address Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido north 1 west 2, 060-0001 View Map
• Phone Number 011-231-0838

Nobuka says, "If you still want to make the most of your time in Sapporo , I recommend enjoying the night view before dinner. The sight of the city covered in pure white snow, illuminated by the orange glow of streetlights and building lights, is truly stunning. Whether it's from the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower or other viewing spots around the city, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sight!"

As Hokkaido's largest, central city, it's also influential as the gourmet capital of the region, boasting a plethora of delicious ingredients including fresh seafood , meat, and dairy products. From sushi to Sapporo -style miso ramen and soup curry , there's a wide variety of culinary delights to explore. Curious about the gastronomic wonders of Sapporo ? Check out what's available!:

Sapporo , as the central hub of Hokkaido, offers convenient access to various destinations across the region. There are plenty of places you can visit on a day trip. Here are a few easy-to-arrange day tours based in Sapporo . Family-friendly Private Tours in Sapporo These private tours in Sapporo are tailored for families with children and conducted by English-speaking guides. The itineraries are designed around family-friendly attractions, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both parents and kids. Languages available: English

Sapporo International Ski Resort + Otaru Aquarium Day Trip

Embark on an affordable day tour that combines the excitement of skiing at Sapporo International Ski Resort on the outskirts of Sapporo , with a visit to Otaru Aquarium where you can enjoy observing penguins strolling in the snow. The tour is guided by Chinese instructors and available in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

Sapporo to Otaru Private Walking Tour

Explore the neighboring town of Otaru from Sapporo with a private guided walking tour. This tour allows you to customize your itinerary based on your preferences, ensuring you have a unique, personalized travel experience. Available in Japanese and English.

Sapporo Departure, Custom Day Trip to Furano, Lake Toya, and More

Embark on a private tour with a Chinese-speaking driver who has lived in Hokkaido for many years. Choose from popular tourist destinations such as Furano and Lake Toya for a day trip from Sapporo , and customize your itinerary to explore your favorite places. Available in Japanese and Chinese.

Winter in Sapporo offers a charm unique to this snowy city, unlike any other region in Japan. It's filled with experiences that you can only enjoy in a snow-covered metropolis. From the pristine white landscapes to activities like skiing and outdoor hot springs amidst snowy scenery, there are plenty of winter -exclusive activities to indulge in and create memories that are sure to stay with you forever. For those planning a trip to Sapporo in winter , be sure to consider this itinerary and enjoy! (*The information in this article is accurate as of February 2024. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)

Written by:

Nobuka Kawashima

A travel creator who has traveled all over Hokkaido in search of spectacular scenery and local gourmet food, Nobuka moved to Hokkaido from Tokyo in 2009. Since then, she has continued to photograph and write articles on Hokkaido travel and food for LIVE JAPAN and other tourism websites and travel magazines. She is a certified Hokkaido Tourism Master, a title given to Hokkaido tourism experts by the Hokkaido Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and also holds certifications as a Domestic Travel Service Supervisor and Chief Itinerary Manager. As a transgender person herself, she runs a support group to create an environment that makes travel easier for LGBTQ people, and also gives lectures and talks at universities and companies. Website: https://no-1-travel.com/profile/. X/Twitter: @nobuka109. Instagram: @nobuka.kawashima. YouTube: @nobuka8096.

• Area Sapporo / Chitose
• Category Winter Forests & Mountains

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The Sapporo Snow Festival

Odori Park is a beautiful wide kilometre-long expanse of green space that dissects a section of the city between Sapporo Station and the area of Susukino. In December in the run up to Christmas Odori Park is illuminated at night by festive lights .

If you visit Sapporo in December don’t miss the  Bavarian Christmas market that takes place here every year, a nod to Munich, one of Sapporo’s twin cities.

Held in Sapporo since 2002, the Christmas market takes place between late November and the end of December in Odori Park every year.

Stalls sell a wide range of traditional Christmas trinkets and ornaments, as well as typically German Christmas fayre, such as bratwurst with sauerkraut and hot mulled wine .

See the City From the Top of the Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is Sapporo’s oldest building and is the symbol of the city . 

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a beautiful and elegant white wooden building, originally built as an agricultural college in 1878. The clock was added in 1881, bought from Boston, adding a touch of New England elegance to the tower’s already impressive appearance.

Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1970, today the Sapporo Clock Tower is home to a small museum that documents the history of the city.

• Sapporo Clock Tower
• 8.45am-5.10pm daily

Admire the Hokkaido Government Building

Even grander still is the Former Hokkaido Government Building , the dome topped red brick building that resembles a mansion in the middle of the city.

Built in 1888, the building is a glorious example of Neo-Baroque architecture rarely seen in Japan.

Both the Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Building are slightly at odds with the sleek modern office towers and shopping malls that now surround them. Both now house small exhibitions that contain information about the history of each building.

• Former Hokkaido Government Building
• 8.45am-6.00pm daily

Take in City Views From the Sapporo JR Tower

From the viewing platform on the 38th floor of the JR Tower –   the tallest building in Sapporo by some distance – is where to go to find the best view of Sapporo from within the city.

From 160 metres above ground level the entire city unfurls as far as the eye can see beneath a blanket of snow. 

The city’s grid system, which seems oddly out of place in Japan, rolls out in parallel lines in every direction. 

The dramatic peaks of the snow capped mountain ranges to the south-west seem close enough to touch as the sun burst through the clouds.

There’s also an excellent café on the same floor which is a wonderful place to while away some time and stare at the magnificent view with a coffee and slice of cake.

» You can buy tickets for the observation deck at the top of JR Tower in advance here .

• 10.00am-11.00pm daily
• ¥720 for adults, from ¥300-500 for children under 18 (again price depends on age)

Go Shopping in Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Tanukikoji shopping arcade and Susukino at night

Running almost parallel to Odori Park a few streets to the south is the covered shopping street called Tanukikoji . 

This one kilometre stretch of shops has a little bit of everything, including antique shops, Japanese megastore Don Quijote and even pet shops selling tiny dogs (that cost a small fortune). 

Tanukikoji also has a number of very good souvenir shops specialising in excellent delicacies from Hokkaido , as well as a wide range of excellent vintage clothing stores. There are also plenty of hotels, a tourist information centre and a myriad of places to eat.

Hit the Town in Susukino

The two sides of Sapporo: the torii gate at the entrance to the Hokkaido Shrine and a nightclub in Susukino

Packed with a myriad of pachenko parlours and night clubs,  Susukino is where Sapporo unwinds and is the beating heart of the city.

Susukino is to Sapporo what Shinjuku is to Tokyo , or Dotonbori to Osaka , albeit on a smaller scale. Susukino is crammed with bars and restaurants and in this part of town it is very easy to eat very well.

The most popular restaurants in Susukino are easy to spot – just look for a long queue of people snaking out on to the street on a cold winter’s night, waiting patiently for a table to become free. That’s the sign that the food inside is seriously good.

Visit the Hokkaido Shrine

Though there are far fewer temples in Sapporo than in other cities in Japan there are still a few impressive examples to be found here. 

The grandest is the Hokkaido Shrine to the west of central Sapporo in Maruyama Park, which dates from 1871. 

Hokkaido Shrine  is built from a beautiful dark wood, with a large sweeping roof adorned with glistening gold detailing which shines bright against winter’s snowy surroundings. 

Around each May the temple is a popular place when the thousands of cherry blossom and plum blossom trees that surround it burst into colour.

During winter the whole park and the Shrine are covered in several feet of snow, resulting in a beautiful serene winter scene. 

From Maruyama Park a huge dark wooden torii gate marks the way to the Shrine. A path leads past smaller shrines, through tall pine trees and around to the front of Hokkaido Shrine.

• Nearest subway station: Maruyama Koen on the Tozai Line.

Take a Break From the City in Nakajima Park

Just south of Susukino is the beautiful Nakajima Park . A green oasis just a few minutes from the heart of the city, Nakajima Park is a wonderful place to wander.

There is plenty to explore within Nakajima Park. As well as a large picturesque lake there are three Shinto shrines towards the southern end of the park which are amongst the oldest in Sapporo.

At the northern end of the park is Hoheikan , another fantastic example of Hokkaido’s historic Western-inspired architecture. Originally a hotel, Hoheikan was built in 1881 and relocated to Nakajima Park in 1958.

Officially designated as an  Important Cultural Property , the grand interior of Hohekian is faithfully laid out as it would have been when it first opened, decorated with plush carpets , gleaming chandeliers and period furniture .

• Nakajimakoen Station
• Hoheikan: ¥300
• Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm daily - closed every second Tuesday

Head to the Top of Mount Moiwa

Easily one of the very best things to do in Sapporo in winter is to head for the summit of Mount Moiwa . 

Reached by a combination of the Mount Moiwa Ropeway and then a short funicular ride , on clear days the view of the city is simply astonishing. 

In winter be sure to pick a clear day to go to Mount Moiwa – if you’re unlucky enough to reach the top when the clouds descend there is virtually nothing to see of Sapporo.

However, when the weather is clear, the view of the entire city and the mountains that surround Sapporo is phenomenal. As with the view from the JR Tower, it is incredible just how close the city feels from the top of the mountain. 

It’s worth aiming to reach the top of Mount Moiwa shortly before nightfall , as the view as Sapporo lights up is truly spectacular.

• April-November 10.30am-10.00pm | December-March 11.00am-10.00pm - closed Mondays.
• Round trip: ¥1700 for adults, ¥850 for children.

Head Down the Slopes at Bankei Ski Area

Hokkaido is famous for its ski resorts that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every winter.

The amount of snowfall during the winter in Sapporo makes Hokkaido one of the most popular skiing locations in Japan . Yet you don’t even need to leave Sapporo to get out on the slopes. 

Bankei Ski Area is less than a 20 minute taxi ride from the centre of Sapporo, or an easy bus ride from Maruyama-koen station.

Open from early December to April each year, there are 17 ski slopes at Bankei , plus the largest half pipe in Japan for snowboarders. Open until 10.00pm at night, all ski equipment can be hired on site. 

If you’re a complete beginner ski and snowboard lessons are held each day with several lessons conducted by English speaking instructors.

• Bankei Ski Area
• 9.00am - 10.00pm daily
• Prices vary depending on the number of people, ski passes, hire costs etc. See Bankei's website for further details

Explore the Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido covered in snow in Sapporo in winter

To the east of the city is the fascinating  Historical Village of Hokkaido . 

Here, dozens of historically significant buildings of various architectural styles from all over Hokkaido have been relocated and reassembled brick by brick and placed together in this hugely impressive outdoor museum. 

Historic office buildings, shops, homes, a school, a gymnasium and a whole host more have been perfectly preserved and laid to form a small town, divided into different sections and eras.

Together they paint a wonderful portrait of life in Hokkaido from the 19th century onward. In winter the old buildings look beautiful amongst the deep snow. 

To get to the Hokkaido Historical Museum take the number 22 bus from Shin Sapporo Station which stops right outside the museum’s entrance.

• Historical Village of Hokkaido
• May-September 9.00am-5.30pm | October-April 9.00am-4.30pm - closed Mondays.

See World-Class Art at the Sapporo Art Museum and Sculpture Garden

One of Sapporo’s most popular tourist attractions is the Sapporo Beer Museum .

The museum is  dedicated to Hokkaido’s most famous beer , which has been brewed since the 1870s, and is housed inside beautiful red brick former brewery around a kilometre to the east of Sapporo JR Station.

Also here is the Sapporo Beer Garden , a beer hall that specialises in classic dishes from Hokkaido. The main draw is jingisukan , also known as Genghis Khan lamb barbecue , a wintery dish popular in Sapporo of thin strips of lamb and a variety of vegetables cooked over a skillet at your table.

There are several restaurants at the Sapporo Beer Museum , most notably the Genghis Khan Hall, next door to the main museum.

There are two huge dining areas within the Genghis Khan Hall – the Trommel Hall on the 1st floor or the Kessel Hall on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Both are extremely popular and you may need to book in advance to guarantee a table.

» You can book tickets for dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden in advance here .

• Sapporo Beer Garden
• 11:30 am - 9:00pm

Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market

Seafood and sushi are a speciality of Hokkaido all year round. The very best in the city can be found at Nijo Market , Sapporo’s daily fish market, just a few blocks to the south of the TV Tower. 

Around the outside of the market are stalls selling all varieties of freshly caught fish, salmon roe and bright red crab all packed in ice. Look for a narrow doorway between the shops which leads into the inner sanctum of the market . 

Inside are a handful of restaurants that prepare some of the f reshest sushi and sashimi in the city . Donburi and sushi dishes made from locally caught sea urchin, herring and salmon roe are extremely popular.

Crab is also abundant here, with huge hairy and king crabs on sale at a host of seafood restaurants throughout the city.

Head to the cozy and characterful  Donburi Chaya  for the freshest and most mouthwatering sushi, sashimi and donburi you’ll find in Sapporo.

• Nijo Narket
• Market hours - 7:00 am - 6:00pm / restaurants hours will vary

Heavenly Ramen at Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Ramen is king in Sapporo , the perfect dish to protect against the harsh winters. There are hundreds of ramen restaurants to choose from in Sapporo, each with their own variation of the dish.

The very best ramen in the city can be found at  Ganso Ramen Yokocho ( map here .) This narrow alley in Susukino is packed with a plethora of long established and tiny ramen restaurants that each serve their own take on the classic Hokkaido staple.

Alternatively head up to the 10 th  floor of the Esta Tower next to Sapporo Station for the  Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku  (literally ‘Sapporo Ramen Republic’).

Here several of the city’s best ramen restaurants, including Ajisai  and  Yoshiyama Shouten , have set up smaller outlets that sit side by side, each with their own signature ramen dish.

• Ganso Ramen Yokocho
• Hour vary by restaurant - most typically open from around midday to at least midnight

Sapporo's Best Soup Curry

Alongside ramen and Genghis Khan barbecues, soup curry  is also synonymous with Hokkaido. 

Made using ingredients from Hokkaido, each section of the meal is customisable, from the choice of soup, the main ingredients, the level of spiciness and the amount of rice.

Just as potent as ramen when it comes to fighting off the cold, filling up with soup curry is a must during the long winter in Sapporo.

The best soup curry restaurants in Suskino are Suage  and  Garaku , where you can often expect to find long queues waiting for a free table. Curry Savoy near Sapporo station is also well worth investigating.

• 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
• 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Curry Savoy
• 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Soft Serve Ice-Cream - a Hokkaido Speciality

Hokkaido produces the vast majority of Japan’s dairy products and Hokkaido’s cheeses and milk are both incredibly flavourful. Hokkaido is also famous for its silky smooth soft serve ice-cream and many varieties of rich and fluffy cheesecake.

The best soft serve ice-cream can be found at Sapporo Niikuraya in Tanukikoji, best enjoyed in one of the cafe’s vintage booths on the 1st floor.

For a boozier ice-cream experience try  Milk Mura , where soft serve ice-cream can be paired with a multitude of spirits.

• Sapporo Niikuraya
• 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
• 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm / closed Mondays

How to Get Around Sapporo

Sapporo is an incredibly easy city to navigate. The straight lines of the city’s grid system make walking around the centre of the city a doddle. 

Public Transport

There are three subway lines that operate in Sapporo, as well as one tram line that operates in a loop from the centre to the south west of the city. There’s also a number of bus routes for places a little further outside the city centre.

Much more information on transport in Sapporo  can be found here .

Pick Up a Sapica Card

If you’re staying for a few days then it is a good idea to buy a  Sapica card . Sapica cards can be bought directly from ticket machines in any subway station. The Sapica card is a prepaid card with a stored credit that you use to swipe in and out of subway stations. 

The Sapica card can also be used on buses and trams. On buses, tap the card on the reader at the rear door when you get on and again on the reader next to the driver at the front of the bus when you get off. On trams, swipe the card on the reader at the front next to the driver when you get off at the end of your journey.

If you run low on credit you can top up the Sapica card easily at the same machines that you buy them from inside any subway station.

The Best Guidebooks for Sapporo

There are very few guidebooks specific to Sapporo or Hokkaido. Instead the island tends to be covered in a chapter or two in books covering all of Japan, of which those by  Lonely Planet  and  Rough Guides  are the two best available.

Explore Even More of Japan

• Discover the onsens of Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s Hell Valley
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Sapporo, the Capital of the North

A metropolis surrounded by incredible nature, Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Lush with greenery in summer and a haven of powder snow in winter, the city is always brimming with new discoveries. From adventures in the great outdoors to myriad culinary delights, shopping, and unique cultural and artistic experiences befitting of a major urban center, every visit to this northern capital is an unforgettable experience.

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Things to do.

Sapporo is Japan’s fifth biggest city, and the largest north of Tokyo. Enjoy exquisite cuisine created from the blessings of nature, plentiful shopping, and myriad artistic and cultural experiences together with the vibrant nightlife of one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts. The great outdoors also lies within easy reach, and there is no shortage of incredible views and thrilling outdoor activities.

Sapporo has a population of about two million people and receives some five meters of powder snow each winter, making it one of very few large cities in the world to enjoy such abundant snowfall. The mountains that serve as the backdrop to the Sapporo skyline lie right on the city’s doorstep and you can be at one of Sapporo’s six powder slopes in less than an hour, with enough variety to satisfy even the most avid rider. For après-ski, all you have to do is head to the heart of the city to experience the real thrill of an urban ski destination, with dining, shopping, nightlife, and world-famous events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Sapporo is a metropolis in the midst of nature. Home to forests designated as natural monuments of Japan, it is also dotted with parks where you can feel rejuvenated as you gaze upon the beauty of the flowers and trees throughout the seasons. The forests and lakes of the area’s national parks are also just a couple of hours away. Feel energized in the great outdoors as you enjoy activities from hiking to canoeing. Surrounded by lush nature as far as the eye can see, you may never want to leave.

ART & CULTURE

Much like the city itself, Sapporo’s vibrant art scene is a seamless fusion of the urban and the natural, with sculptures and other works by renowned artists from Japan and beyond intermingled with the city’s lush greenery. Sapporo also has a distinctive history within Japan as a city that has pioneered the adoption of Western technologies since the latter half of the 19th century and features a distinctive townscape with a harmonious blend of Western- and Japanese-style architecture.

Surrounded by three ocean currents, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of incredible seafood. The vast expanses of the island are also a thriving hotbed of dairy farming and other agriculture, ideal for growing the very best local produce. As the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the culinary center where all of these fresh ingredients come together. Indulge your taste buds with a fascinating lineup of seafood, world-class dining, and soul food beloved by locals, including miso ramen and the local lamb barbecue dish Genghis Kan.

HOT SPRINGS

While most Japanese hot springs are located some distance out of town, Sapporo boasts a stunning hot spring resort within its city limits. About an hour drive from downtown, Jozankei Onsen lies among the abundant nature of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Soaking in a natural hot spring while taking in the beauty of the valley is a journey in relaxation for body and mind. Beyond hot springs, visitors to Jozankei can also try canoeing and a range of other outdoor activities.

Discover the real Sapporo through the stories of local people and visitors from near and far.

Itineraries

Sapporo is a city with many different faces. Few cities blend urban streetscapes with abundant nature quite as seamlessly as this city does. Here are some ideas to enjoy Sapporo your way.

RECOMMENDED

Every visit in Sapporo is unique, and the wonders of the city transform with the seasons. Find out how to make the most of the moment with these recommendations.

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Sapporo. New Chitose Airport, the city’s main airport, is connected to Japan’s major transport hubs and also offers direct international flights. Sapporo lies at the heart of Hokkaido and provides easy access to other major destinations across the island. Abundant transport ranging from railways to buses, subway lines, trams, and taxis gives you the freedom to plan your trip your way.

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The 10 best things to do and see in Sapporo, the Capital of the North

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and is the largest city in Japan north of Tokyo.  While it is perhaps most well-known internationally for the beer and the Snow Festival, there is so much more to explore in the vibrant and picturesque Northern Capital.

The history of the city is slightly different from the rest of country, as it was only developed as part of the Japan in the Meiji Period (the mid-late 19th century).  From predominately agricultural beginnings, Sapporo has transformed into a major metropolis of around two million people and is one of the most popular domestic travel destinations for Japanese tourists. It is also home to the indigenous Ainu people who have their own distinct culture, language and traditions. In fact, the name Sapporo originally comes from Ainu language, meaning “Big, Dry River”.

Despite having a large urban centre, Sapporo is blessed with abundant nature – the city centre is surrounded by towering mountains and over 60 percent of the area is covered in lush green forest. It is also famously one of the snowiest cities in the world, with over 5 metres of annual snowfall, and is home to several major ski resorts.

While there are endless things to do and see in Sapporo, we have compiled together the top ten things that we think every visitor coming to the city has to experience.

1. Drink a limited-edition brew at the Sapporo Beer Museum

When many people think of Sapporo, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous beer!

Built in 1876, The Sapporo Beer Brewery was the first brewery in Japan - it was chosen as the cooler climate was good for beer production. In the museum, you can learn about the history and unique culture of beer production in Japan, as well the influence that German breweries had on development of the industry. After the tour, you can sit down in the Beer Garden and enjoy the following flight of beers: The Sapporo Classic, only available in Hokkaido, the standard Black Label, as well as Kaitakushi-Beer, a beer brewed to imitate the flavours of the original. If you are looking for a bite to eat, head next door to Beer Hall to indulge in Genghis Khan, Sapporo’s famous grilled lamb dish. It goes perfectly with a pint of lager too!

2. Be blown away by the awe-inspiring Hill of the Buddha

Standing at a staggering 13.5 meters in height, and surrounded by a womb-like stone encasing, the Hill of the Buddha is a stunning site that will take your breath away with its ethereal beauty. 

In keeping with the architect Takao Ando’s creative philosophy of “what remains hidden from view sparks the creativity”, only the top of the statue is visible from the outside. To enter the statue’s inner sanctum, you first pass over a water garden, representing the sacred boundary between the ordinary and extraordinary, and go through a long tunnel before coming face to face with the majestic Buddha statue.

While it is worth a visit throughout the year, the best time to see this artwork is July when 150,000 lavender flowers bloom on the surrounding casing, enveloping the statue in a carpet of magnificent purple. 

It is located in Makomanai Takino Cemetery, about one hour outside of central Sapporo by public transport.

3. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Mt Moiwa  Observation Deck

Sapporo is surrounded by mountains, which means you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from many of these peaks. We recommend catching a cable car to the top of Mt Moiwa where you can see the city lay out below you from a height of 531 meters. If you are looking for a romantic evening meal, there is a restaurant serving locally sourced French cuisine at the summit. It hasn’t been rated one of Japan`s best Three New Night Views for nothing!

4. Take a bike ride around Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park was designed by world renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, with the vision to create a park that works as one cohesive sculpture. Built on top of a landfill site, and taking over 20 years to complete, it was finally opened in 2005. Including a massive glass pyramid, fountains, man-made hills as well as artistic play equipment, it is safe to say that Noguchi’s original vision came into fruition. To get the most out of the 188-hectare park, it is best to hire a bike to explore all of the different sections of the expansive landscape. With over 1600 cherry blossom trees coming into bloom in late April/early May, the park is the perfect place to take part in the hanami season. In the winter months, Moerenuma transforms into a snow wonderland where you can enjoy snow shoeing, sledging, as well cross-country skiing.

5. Indulge in a fresh seafood bowl at one of Sapporo’s fish markets

Hokkaido is famous in Japan for its large variety of delicious seafood. Whether you are looking for fatty tuna, massive crabs or creamy scallops and mouthwatering sea urchin, the island is truly seafood lover’s dream.  

As the capital of the Hokkaido, Sapporo is home to two major seafood markets: Nijo Fish Market and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market.

With a history of over 125 years and located close to the city center, Nijo Fish Market is a popular spot for visitors to grab a fresh seafood breakfast bowl and get lost among the stalls of locally caught seafood.

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, on the other hand, is the city’s biggest market that sells seafood, fruit and vegetables to most of the supermarkets and restaurants in Sapporo. If you wake up early, you can even go and see the fish auctions live and learn about how food distribution works in the city. There are many seafood restaurants in the area, where you can go and start your morning with a feast of the day’s freshest catches.

6. Explore a festival in Odori Park

Odori Park is in many ways the centerpiece of Sapporo. It runs for 1.5km through the middle of the city and has beautiful gardens filled with flower displays and sculptures.  At the top of the park, stands the majestic Sapporo TV Tower , which you can climb up to get a panoramic view right from the heart of the city.

The park also hosts Sapporo’s famous festivals. The Sapporo Snow Festival , one of the world’s largest snow sculpture festivals, transforms the park into a sea of awe-inspiring snow creations – some of the largest run over 15 metres tall! Also, in celebration of the city’s beer roots, there is a massive Sapporo Beer Garden in the summer months, as well as the Autumn Fest, a festival of Hokkaido food, in September. The start of winter brings the Munich Christmas Market, as well as the White Illumination, lighting up the evenings in an explosion of colour and light. There are also other festivals running throughout the year, so it is good to check to see what’s on before you come. Or just come to Odori Park, and you might stumble across something amazing!

7. Climb Mt Maruyama  and pay a visit to Hokkaido Shrine

Maruyama is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Sapporo, and it is no surprise considering the area has both Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine. 

As the name suggests, Maruyama Park (yama means mountain in Japanese) is home to a mountain called Mt Maruyama. At 225 meters tall, it is accessible to even the most casual hikers, and a walk through a world of unspoilt forest to the peak will take no more than 30-40min. Sitting in close proximity to the city centre, the stunning view from the summit makes all the exercise worth it, as you can sit back and see the sprawling urban metropolis lie out below you.

Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1869, making it the oldest and largest shrine in Hokkaido. It was first constructed by an order of the Emperor Meiji, to enshrine Shinto deities, in order to protect the development of Hokkaido. Today, the shrine attracts thousands of visitors from around Japan and overseas every year to pay their respects, and to marvel at its staggering beauty. It is especially popular in the springtime, where 1100 cherry blossom trees bloom in the surrounding area, creating beautiful ethereal pink hue.

8. See where the night takes you in the famous nightlife district of Susukino

Packed with hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs, Susukino is the 3rd biggest nightlife destination in Japan. Small hideaway bars fill tall ten-story buildings, neon lights of restaurant signs light up the night sky, and the delicious aroma of late-night eateries fills the air.

The area is also home to Sapporo Ramen Alley, the birthplace of Miso Ramen , a narrow laneway filled with 17 different shops, all with their carefully crafted take on the famous noodle dish.

After a big night out in Japan, it is custom to have hot ramen, however, Sapporo has developed a unique late night food culture of ice cream parfaits . Using high-quality Hokkaido dairy, each café’s elaborate ice-cream creations are decorated with everything from fresh fruit to chocolate sculptures and liquor. There are some café’s that are open all the way until 4am – making the perfect spot for anyone looking for a midnight sweet treat!

9. Relax in a hot spring at Jozankei onsen town

Jozankei is Sapporo’s hot spring town, only an hour by bus from the city centre. There are over 20 different onsen hotels to choose from, so whether you are looking for budget or luxury, modern or traditional – there is something for every travel style. Many hotel onsens are available for day access too - so you can easily do a day trip from the city center. Located right in the heart of Shikotsuko-Toya National Park, there are lots of exciting nature activities to do as well. In the balmy summers, you can enjoy activities  like SUP and rafting on the Toyohira River or climb one of the many mountains in the area. The winter brings lots of beautiful powder snow, so you can try snow shoeing and Snow viewing rafting, or even go skiing at Kokusai Ski Resort, located only 30 minutes away!

10. Have the ultimate Japow experience at a Sapporo Ski Resort

Blessed with abundant deep powder snow, Sapporo is home to six different ski resorts all within 1 hour from the centre of the city. From the advanced adrenaline-chasing athletes to those trying it out for the very first time, there is something for every level of skier and snowboarder. Many of the ski resorts also offer other snow activities like tubing, snow shoeing, sledging and snow mobiling, so everyone can enjoy a fun snow day-out!

To get the most out Sapporo as a Snow Resort City, we recommend staying in the centre or the hot spring town of Jozankei and checking out a different ski resort each day. After spending a long day enjoying the snow, head back to the city for the perfect Apres-Ski experience in one of the hundreds of bars and restaurants!

Check out the Visit Sapporo official website below for more must-visit spots, itinerary ideas   and stories about people that make Sapporo the city it is !

https://visit.sapporo.travel/

Instagram: @visit.sapporo

Facebook: @Visit Sapporo

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sapporo

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The largest city on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, Sapporo offers many great reasons to visit. The city is a popular place to visit for events such as the famous Sapporo Snow Festival . One of Japan's largest winter events, this fun festival attracts more than two million visitors every winter (the city's year-round tally of visitors now surpasses 14 million).

In addition, the city regularly hosts important international sporting events, as well as major political gatherings, such as G8 Summits. Sapporo also plays a role as a major cultural destination and is home to some of Japan's best-known culinary dishes, theatrical and musical events, as well as points of interest and attractions such as museums and lovely parks that are well worth including on your Japanese itinerary.

Find the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Sapporo.

See also: Where to Stay in Sapporo

1. Odori Park

2. hokkaidō shrine, 3. mount moiwa ropeway, 4. jozankei onsen hot spring, 5. maruyama park, 6. shikotsu-tōya national park, 7. moerenuma park, 8. sapporo tv tower, 9. former hokkaidō government office, 10. sapporo clock tower, 11. sapporo science center, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to sapporo, where to stay in sapporo for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in sapporo, sapporo, japan - climate chart.

Highlights : Art sculptures, fountains, gardens, and easy access to Sapporo's many museums and galleries

Odori Park (Ōdōri Kōen) is an oasis of green in Sapporo's downtown core that slices through the city. It stands in stark contrast to the high-rises and offices around it, and serves as the best place from which to begin exploring this dynamic destination.

Not unlike the many broad avenues typical of European cities like Paris — its name in fact translates literally as "large street," which it once was — this delightfully wide one-and-a-half-kilometer-long stretch of park features a broad open space with gardens, fountains, and art sculptures. It also connects many of the city's most interesting attractions and things to do, such as the Sapporo TV Tower and various museums and galleries, as well as shopping and entertainment districts.

Odori Park also serves as an important venue for cultural events, including the spring Sapporo Lilac Festival and the always-popular Sapporo Snow Festival . It's also close to the underground shopping area and business district of Sapporo.

Address: 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042

Highlight : An important Shinto shrine that hosts the Sapporo Festival every June

Built in 1871, the Hokkaidō Shrine (Hokkaidō Jingū) is one of the country's most important (and visited) Shinto religious sites. Located adjacent to Maruyama Park , the shrine became even more popular after it was dedicated to the soul of much revered Emperor Meiji in 1964.

The site is massive, and in addition to the huge temple building, it consists of a large garden replete with cherry blossoms, a big draw when they are in bloom each spring.

Another favorite time to visit is New Year's, when special celebrations and festivities are conducted, or during the annual Sapporo Festival every June, when long parades of traditionally dressed revelers visit the Hokkaidō Shrine and pay homage to their ancestors and the spirits of the country's most revered religious leaders.

Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959

Highlights : Fantastic views over the city from an observation deck, as well as an on-site restaurant and planetarium

Towering high above Sapporo, the 531-meter-tall Mount Moiwa (Moiwa-yama) is the most visited of the many hills surrounding the city due largely to the ease with which its summit can be reached. While a popular destination for walkers, by far the most-frequented option is to take the aerial tramway.

Mount Moiwa Ropeway (Moiwayama Rōpuwe) travels most of the way up the mountain before visitors transfer to a cable car that takes only minutes to reach the summit's Upper Station. Here, you'll not only be treated to great views over the city from the station's observation deck, you can also stop at its on-site restaurant or enjoy a show at its planetarium. It's an especially pleasant journey to make at night when the city far below is lit up.

Come winter, the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort lures snow sports enthusiasts from far and wide for its many fine slopes, all of them easily accessible from Sapporo's city center.

Another hill of interest is Hitsuji-ga-oka (the hill of sheep) located to the southeast of Sapporo and also offering beautiful views over the city.

Address: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942

Highlights : Mineral waters with alleged healing powers that have drawn visitors since the 19th century.

Less than an hour's drive from Sapporo is the spectacular Jozankei Onsen Hot Springs . A trip here is a great summer or winter excursion that is well worth the time, especially if it can be combined with a stopover at one of the area's many fine spa hotels.

Tucked away in a scenic valley with mountains adding to the spectacular scenery, the mineral waters of these famous hot springs have attracted many visitors from Sapporo and beyond (up to two and a half million per year) since 1866. The big draw? The curative and restorative qualities of its sodium chloride-rich waters.

All told, Jozankei Onsen boasts some 56 hot springs pouring out an estimated 8,600 liters of water per minute at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius, much of it now easily accessed thanks to the many spas and resorts that have sprung up here.

Afterward, a fun thing to do is explore the area's many scenic walking trails, taking in such beautiful spots as the Shiraito-no-taki Waterfall , the Nishikibashi Bridge, and the crag of Futami-Iwa .

Address: Minami Ward, Sapporo, 061-230

Highlights : Spring and autumn bring bursts of color, whether from the cherry blossoms or the reds and golds of the autumn leaves.

On the west side of Sapporo is Maruyama Park (Maruyama kōen), a multipurpose natural area popular with visitors year-round. In spring, the park's 226-meter-high hill comes alive with the stunningly beautiful blooms of its more than 1,700 wild cherry trees.

In autumn, it's the turn of the many maple trees to show off as their leaves change into a cavalcade of reds and golds. The area is also popular among bird-watchers, who flock here from all corners of Japan.

Winter, too, is not without its own beauty. When heavy snowfalls carpet the park, it's turned into a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. At this time of year, the focal point here is the nearby Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium . Built for the 1972 Winter Olympics, it's still regularly used to host ski competitions.

Other points of interest include the Ōkurayama Crystal House with its shopping and restaurant, and the Winter Sports Museum , an interesting museum about the Winter Olympics and related sports. The park also boasts a small zoo, the Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo , home to a variety of native and exotic animals.

Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071

Highlight : The 1,893-meter-tall Yotei volcano, with a four-hour hike to the summit craters

The Shikotsu-Tōya National Park (Shikotsu Tōya Kokuritsu Kōen) near Sapporo contains in its three separate parts a wide range of beautiful volcanic landscapes, along with many crater lakes and hot springs. The largest section of the National Park lies at the very gates of Sapporo, making it an ideal day trip just an hour's bus ride away.

A highlight is the 1,893-meter-tall Yotei , an extinct volcano that towers above the town of Kutchan. The town, in fact, serves as a good base for those wanting to make the four-hour climb to the three summit craters known as the Father, Mother, and Little Cauldrons.

Also worth seeing is the Nakayama Pass and crystal-clear Lake Toya , a circular lake so warm, it can't freeze over even in the severest of winters. The lake also boasts a popular health resort, Toyako-onsen. Another highlight is Showa-Shinzan , a still-active volcano, which came into being only in 1945.

Highlight : A massive glass pyramid that houses an art gallery, a restaurant, a shop, and workshops

In the Higashi-ku suburb of Sapporo, the open spaces and sculptures of Moerenuma Park (Moerenuma Kōen) make for a fun diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Opened in 2005 and 17 years in the making, this inspiring municipal park covers a vast area that is chock-a-block full of sculptures big and small. Many of them also double as playground equipment large enough (and perhaps even meant for) adult visitors.

Visit in spring, and you'll see the splendor of the Forest of Cherry Trees , its 3,000 specimens providing an incredible palette of color. The most notable landmark is a huge glass pyramid known locally as Hidamari . This attractive structure houses an art gallery along with a scale model of the park, workshops, a restaurant, and a shop.

Other highlights include the large stainless steel triangle known as the Tetra Mound and, dominating the site, the massive 62-meter-high Mount Moere with its views over Sapporo. Try to plan your visit to coincide with one of the park's regular musical or theatrical events. In winter, activities include sledding and cross-country skiing.

Address: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Hokkaido 007-0011

Highlight : An observation deck with sweeping views over the entire city of Sapporo.

Built in 1957, the 147-meter-tall Sapporo TV Tower (Sapporo Terebi-tō) remains one of the city's most visited landmarks. Easily accessible from Odori Park , the tower offers superb views over Sapporo from its observation deck, as well as from its restaurant.

In addition to on-site stores, the tower also houses an interesting exhibit on the ground floor relating to the structure's history, along with access to a large underground shopping precinct. A highlight of the tower's exterior are the large digital clocks installed in 1961.

At night, it's certainly pleasant enjoying a meal at one of the many traditional food outlets close by as you admire the tower's illuminations.

Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042

Highlight : Impressive grounds that include splendid gardens and a pond

One of Sapporo's most obviously western-influenced landmarks, the splendid Former Hokkaidō Government Office was built in 1873 to house the offices of the predecessor government that once watched over the island's affairs.

Later extensively restored after a devastating fire, it now offers exhibition space and serves as a tourist center for the city and is well worth a visit for both its interior décor and its bright red-brick exterior.

Impressive in size, the structure includes some two-and-a-half million bricks sourced locally and houses a collection of important paintings and other artworks, along with furniture and displays dealing with the building's important place in the history of the region.

Afterward, be sure to visit the splendid gardens and pond, especially when in use as a venue for musical and theatrical events.

Address: 6 Chome Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8588

Highlight : A still-functioning historic clock, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the region

Another of Sapporo's surviving western-influenced structures is the city's famous Clock Tower (Sapporo Tokeidai). Built of wood and closely resembling the kind of colonial-style building common to many US small towns - a fact owed in part to the Americans involved in the planning of the city - the Clock Tower is a must-see on any visit to Sapporo.

In addition to the still-functioning and chiming clock, other highlights include an interesting museum detailing the history of the region with a particular focus on farming. The facility is also used frequently for musical and theatrical productions, as well as community events and workshops.

Address: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001

Highlights : A virtual universe, weather displays, and a planetarium with a 4D depiction of the stars and planets

A great place to visit for those traveling with children is the Sapporo Science Center. This modern facility includes more than 200 displays and exhibits, many of them hands-on and interactive, covering the natural and man-made worlds.

Highlights include a virtual universe, displays related to weather, and a huge globe with the northern hemisphere projected onto it. A must-do is to visit the refurbished planetarium, which walks you through a fascinating 4D depiction of the stars and planets surrounding us.

Also worth a visit is the nearby Sunpiazza Aquarium , which offers an up-close look at local saltwater fish, as well as displays of seals, penguins, and a fun touch pool.

Address: 5 Chome-2-20 Atsubetsuchuo 1 Jo, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0051

• Shoulder Season in Sapporo : If you're able to visit outside the peak summer months, you should certainly consider a shoulder-season visit to beautiful Sapporo. The top things to do during a winter visit to Sapporo include enjoying the Christmas and New Year celebrations and festivals. The always popular Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsui), held in February, is the big one and includes spectacular ice sculptures and plenty of fun activities. Must-do experiences for those with an adventurous spirit include ice fishing and skiing
• Enjoy Local Culture : Sapporo has done a fine job of preserving its rich history and culture, with a variety of immersive experiences available to ensure visitors leave having had a taste of the "real" city. Highlights include staying in traditional-style Japanese inns, which serve excellent authentic food; dressing up as Geishas; and enjoying the country's famous tea ceremonies.
• Explore Hokkaido : Sapporo is a great base from which to explore the many wonderful sights of Hokkaido, Japan's most northerly island. A good place to start your adventure is the picturesque coastal city of Otaru , an easy 30-minute train ride away. You'll be rewarded with fine architecture, great traditional arts and crafts, and authentic regional cuisine (try to find a spot overlooking the city's canal). Another good place to venture out to is the Historic Village of Hokkaido , an attraction reminiscent of the "frontier" days of the mid-18th century.

We recommend these highly rated hotels in Sapporo close to the top city sites:

• JR Tower Nikko Sapporo : This luxury high-rise is set in a great location and offers professional service, organic coffee, and a spa with indoor whirlpools and a sauna.
• UNWIND SAPPORO : Offering mid-range pricing, welcome drinks, a cozy feel, and a rooftop terrace, this great hotel also features a good complimentary breakfast.
• Ibis Styles Sapporo: Featuring affordable rates and relatively large rooms, this good budget hotel features multilingual staff and a free breakfast.
• Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park: This budget-friendly hotel is set in a modern highrise and offers a sashimi buffet breakfast and laundry facilities.

Sapporo sits on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and is blessed with four distinct seasons. It's certainly the snowiest of Japan's islands and thus is a big destination for ski travel. But every season in Sapporo has something beautiful to offer.

Peak season in Sapporo is December, January, February, and March, when the ski season is in full swing. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held during this time of year, too, which is a week-long event showcasing elaborate ice sculptures. Temperatures are certainly cold, though, so pack accordingly. Temperatures drop in December to 2 degrees Celsius. The average high in January is -1 degrees Celsius. Sapporo's average temperature in February is 0 degrees Celsius, and the average high in March is 4 degrees Celsius.

Outside of ski season, the other best time to visit Sapporo is April for Hanami. Hanami is the time of year in Japan when visitors come to look at the flowers in full bloom, particularly the cherry and plum blossoms. Sapporo's peak cherry blossom season is at the end of April, and the average high is 11 degrees Celsius.

Sapporo in October and November are also good times to visit thanks to the changing of the leaves. The fall foliage in Sapporo is breathtaking, with reds, golds, oranges, and yellows. The average high in October in Sapporo is 16 degrees Celsius. In November, the average high in Sapporo is 8 degrees Celsius.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

On the Way : Given its location in the extreme north of Japan, travelers are provided with a unique opportunity to split their journey up and experience other great cities along the way. A good choice is Tokyo, the country's capital and the hub for many connecting flights to Sapporo (it's an easy 1.5-hour journey). Must-sees here include the Imperial Palace , the superb National Museum of Nature and Science , and, of course, Mount Fuji , to name but a few.

Japan Vacation Ideas : There's no shortage of wonderful places to visit and must-see points of interest in Japan (you'd do well to plan more than a single trip here). A few favorites include the magnificently preserved historic cities of Kyoto and Nagoya , with their many fine temples and shrines; Hiroshima , famous for its peace parks and memorials; and the many attractions of Osaka , a delightful place to explore for its historic castle and modern museums and galleries.

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Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 25 Best Things to Do in Sapporo (Japan)

25 Best Things to Do in Sapporo (Japan)

One of the main highlights of a visit to the island of Hokkaido is the chance to visit its capital city which is the mighty Sapporo. This part of the island is known for being one of the most exciting cities in this part of Japan and you can come here and enjoy both the modern and more traditional side of Japanese life.

The city is known for its winter themes attractions such as a winter festival as well as some stunning ski resorts on the outskirts of Sapporo. You can also try some of the delicious food that Hokkaido is so well known for including juicy hairy crabs, and this is of course the home of the iconic Sapporo Beer.

Despite the fact that the city has a population of around 2 million people, you will also be able to enjoy your own space in the many parks dotted across Sapporo and you can also get out into the surrounding countryside and enjoy mountain vistas which are studded with quaint traditional Japanese temples.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Sapporo …

1. Tour the Ishiya Chocolate Factory

If you want to do something a little sweet on your trip to Sapporo then you may want to visit the Ishiya Chocolate Factory.

You can take a tour of the facility and find out how they make the chocolate here, and their signature treat is the white chocolate known as ‘shiroi koibito’ which is a specialty of Hokkaido.

You can also dine in the onsite restaurant and enjoy a cake buffet as well as check out a robot show and a toy museum.

If you are travelling with younger visitors then this is definitely one of the top attractions in the city that is not to be missed.

2. Attend Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival is the main social event in the city and is known for its amazing ice sculpture competition.

The festival takes place every year at Odori Koen and starts at the beginning of February.

Visiting ice sculptors come from all over the world and you can also find attractions for children such as ice castles and igloos.

If possible come at night when the ice sculptures are illuminated with different colored lights, but keep in mind that it can also get rather crowded.

3. Walk around Asahiyama Park

Asahiyama Park is one of the prettiest of its kind in the city and is covered in a gorgeous flower garden which is a riot of color throughout the year.

The park is popular with amorous young couples, and the best time to come here is in the springtime when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms.

If you are here in the autumn then you can also take in the burnt orange fall colors and this makes a nice spot to get away from it all and find a corner of calm in Sapporo.

4. Catch a game at Sapporo Dome

Sapporo Dome was the host of the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and now it serves as the home ground of a range of baseball teams such as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.

You may not immediately think of baseball when you think of Japan, but you will even find traditional snacks like hot dogs here and you can catch a number of games throughout the season.

If you are a baseball fan or just fancy seeing something a little different in Hokkaido then this is an excellent choice.

5. Check out the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Art lovers should make sure not to miss the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art which sits in the middle of a pretty park with rambling lawns.

The museum is dedicated to showcasing modern works of art which were made primarily by Japanese artists but you will also find some Western works on display as well.

They also have rotating galleries of visiting artists so make sure you swing by and check out what’s on when you are in town.

6. Buy some chocolate

Sapporo is well known on the domestic tourist scene and many locals choose to buy chocolate as a souvenir of their trip.

The signature treat in Sapporo is known as shiroi koibito which means ‘White Lovers’ and, as the name suggests, this is a kind of white chocolate which is smeared inside a wafer.

You can buy the chocolate all over Sapporo for a sweet taste of the city long after you leave.

7. Check out the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is known for being one of the most iconic buildings in Sapporo and it dates from 188 when it was built in honor of what is now Hokkaido University.

There is also an explanation here of how the Clock Tower came into existence.

This is a very popular spot in Sapporo so make sure you leave some time here to take pictures as it can get rather crowded.

8. Visit Odori Park

Odori Park is the most famous green space in Sapporo and this is also one of the best loved spots in the city.

The park unfurls over some 15 blocks and you will find that it makes an excellent place to come and enjoy an afternoon stroll.

Odori Park is covered in trees, flowers and fountains and if you come here in the autumn you can also enjoy the gorgeous copper fall colors.

9. Check out the views at Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings not just in Sapporo but also the whole of Japan.

The tower is a rather surprising attraction in Sapporo as it is modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

You can travel up to the observation deck here which is located at a height of some 90 meters and take in the gorgeous views over Sapporo, so this makes a good choice if you are new in town and looking to get an overview of the cityscape.

10. Tour the Sapporo Beer Museum

One of the main attractions in Sapporo is the Sapporo Beer Museum which showcases one of the city’s most famous beverages.

The museum is owned by the wider Sapporo Brewing Company and you can take a guided tour of the facility and learn how the beer is made and how it got its start.

There are galleries to fill you in on the history of the beer and you can also end by sampling a range of different blends.

11. Explore Hokkaido Pioneer Village

Located just outside the center of Sapporo is the Hokkaido Pioneer Village which is the place to come if you want to know the history of industrialization in this part of Japan.

There is an old model of a railway station here and many of the buildings on show date from the beginning of the 20th century.

There are also lush gardens here which make a great place to wander in the late afternoon and you will also find a number of dainty shrines on show.

12. Climb Moiwayama

Moiwayama is also known as Moiwa Mountain in English and this is one of the most magnificent mountains in the area.

It sits just outside of Sapporo and you can come here and take a cable car to the top so that you can enjoy the spectacular views back over the city.

Many people also choose to come here at night as the lights twinkling across Sapporo are truly magical.

13. Check out Nijo Ichiba

Nijo Ichiba is often billed as the fish market equivalent of the famous Tsukiji in Tokyo.

This is the place to come to check out a huge range of fish and seafood which is brought to the market fresh every day.

To make sure you get the best of the day’s catch you need to come here as early as possible and you can also find some delicious sushi restaurants dotted close to the market which sell amazingly fresh sushi and sashimi sourced straight from the market which is also much cheaper than many other spots in the city.

14. Explore Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is one of the prettiest gardens of its kind in the city and you will find a range of different attractions here.

There are several scenic rock gardens as well as a lilac garden and you can also check out a greenhouse.

There are other smaller gardens dotted around which are organized according to different themes and there is also a museum which will fill you in on some of the history of Hokkaido.

If possible try and get here in the spring time when everything is in full bloom.

15. Visit Hokkaido Museum

If you want to know more about the history of Sapporo and wider Hokkaido, then head to the Hokkaido Museum.

Here you can tour a number of galleries that will take you back in time and you can even check out woolly mammoths that have been preserved.

The museum also tells the story of the industrial period in Hokkaido along with some ancient steam engines and you can also check out the more modern side of the city with an explanation of its contemporary history.

Many museums in the area struggle with English signage but Hokkaido Museum has a range of interesting and engaging English explanations so that you will be able to get the full story of the history of this region.

16. Walk around Moerenuma Park

Anyone looking for a green space in the city should head to Moerenuma Park which unfolds over a number of acres and is a top spot if you want to relax and unwind.

The park is known for its lush lawns and is gorgeous attractions which are also rather unexpected at times.

One of these is a large glass pyramid which towers over five storeys and there is also a mountain here which you can climb and look out over Sapporo.

The park also provides free bicycles for visitors which is one of the best ways to take in the sights here.

17. Try the local food

The signature foodstuff in Sapporo is the hairy crab which is also called kegani.

The crab is fresh and delicious, although you need to note that it is not cheap! There are a number of famous crab restaurants all over town and you will be able to tell when you have found one as they usually have a large model of a plastic crab hanging over the door.

Ramen is also a famous here and comes with a miso paste stock for a salty kick.

You can also try the famous Sapporo soup curry which is basically a soup that comes with a curry sauce and this is one city that is known for its foodie scene in Hokkaido so whatever you choose you will not go hungry on a visit here.

18. Go skiing

Sapporo is known for its winter sports and if you want to go skiing then you need to head to Mount Teine which is the most famous ski mountain in the region.

This was also the spot where the Winter Olympics took place in 1972 and this is an excellent place for all kinds of skiers as there are some beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.

You can also try other snowy activities here such as snowboarding and tobogganing.

19. Sample the ice cream

Hokkaido has a famous dairy industry and this means that you will find plenty of ice cream in the city.

Adults looking for a more exciting kind of soft serve however are also in luck, as Sapporo has a range of ice cream parlors of a different style.

One of the best places to sample Sapporo’s signature ice cream is at Milk Mura where you will be served a mug of delicious ice cream which is presented to you along with a chaser of liquor.

You also get an ice cream refill here for free and can choose up to three different shots of liquor to go with this milky treat.

20. Visit Jozankei

If you want to get out of the center of Sapporo then consider a trip to Jozankei for the day which is around an hour away.

Here you will find a scenic satellite town which is known for its onsen and hot springs so this makes the ideal spot if you want to get escape the city and relax and unwind, and you can also check out the parks here.

These become a riot of color in the autumn and there are a few other spots of interest such as Houhaikyou Dam which also offers you some pretty vistas across the wider countryside.

If you are looking for a day trip when you are staying in Sapporo then this is hard to beat.

21. Stroll around Kaitaku-mura

Kaitaku-mura is the name for a neighborhood that is known for its gorgeous historical buildings and models that take you back to the Sapporo of old.

It is located in Nopporo Shinrin-koen and you can check out some amazing architecture from the 19th century here.

Some of the homes were built in the Victorian style while others are opulent merchants’ home that would have been constructed as a result of the riches of the herring industry.

One of the best things about touring this area is that many of the buildings are open to the public so you check out the interiors as well.

22. Have some fruit

Hokkaido is known for its dairy industry and also its delicious fruits and vegetables.

Sapporo is no slouch in this area and you can check out the local markets where you will find amazing produce such as strawberries and juicy melons.

Also make sure to look out for kuwanomi which are the local mulberries that come from Souen and are usually extremely sweet.

They are often made into a toothsome sticky jam which makes a great souvenir of a trip to Sapporo.

23. Tour Hokkaido Ainu Center

If you want to learn more about the Ainu who are the indigenous ethnic group from Hokkaido, then you need to head to the Hokkaido Ainu Center.

This is a small facility that belongs to the Hokkaido Ainu Association but they have a range of interesting galleries here that tell the story of their history.

You will also find artifacts on display such as textiles and jewelry.

24. Admire the Okura-yama Ski Jump Stadium

The Ski Jump Stadium is another famous spot in Sapporo and is known for its slope which was built onto the side of Okura-yama or Okura Mountain during the Winter Olympics in 1972. You can climb to the top of the jump which is located at a height of over 133 meters and you can also try a simulator in the museum here which will show you what it would be like to actually ski down this amazing incline.

25. Visit the 100th Anniversary Memorial Park

The 100th Anniversary Memorial Park is located close to the Hokkaido Pioneer Village so it makes sense to visit both of these at the same time.

The main reason why people visit the park is to try out the large tower that stands here and you can climb to the top and then look out over the rest of Sapporo.

This is also a good place to come if you want to check out some of the natural scenery here as the park is encircled by some of the prettiest mountains in the region.

25 Best Things to Do in Sapporo (Japan):

• Tour the Ishiya Chocolate Factory
• Attend Sapporo Snow Festival
• Walk around Asahiyama Park
• Catch a game at Sapporo Dome
• Check out the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
• Buy some chocolate
• Check out the Clock Tower
• Visit Odori Park
• Check out the views at Sapporo TV Tower
• Tour the Sapporo Beer Museum
• Explore Hokkaido Pioneer Village
• Climb Moiwayama
• Check out Nijo Ichiba
• Explore Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
• Visit Hokkaido Museum
• Walk around Moerenuma Park
• Try the local food
• Sample the ice cream
• Visit Jozankei
• Stroll around Kaitaku-mura
• Have some fruit
• Tour Hokkaido Ainu Center
• Admire the Okura-yama Ski Jump Stadium
• Visit the 100th Anniversary Memorial Park

Sapporo (�D�y, "important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city . Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people.

In the beginning of the Meiji Period , when the development of Hokkaido started on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists.

Sapporo became world-famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen , beer , and the annual snow festival held in February.

Top attractions in Sapporo

Sapporo Snow Festival ••

Moerenuma Park •

Historic Village •

Mount Moiwa

Sapporo Beer Museum

Shiroi Koibito Park

Teine Ski Resort

Curb Market

Botanic Garden

Okurayama Ski Jump

Sapporo Factory

Jozankei Onsen

Nijo Market

Sapporo Station

Clock Tower

Sapporo Kokusai

Niseko •

Noboribetsu •

Otaru •

Lake Toya •

Lake Shikotsu •

Sapporo by interest

Getting there and around

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Sapporo city, welcome to sapporo, hotels around sapporo, sapporo hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Sapporo

Experiences around Sapporo

18 AWESOME Things to Do in Sapporo, Japan (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 25, 2024

From viewing the biggest zoo in the country to enjoying a pint of freshly brewed beer at the Beer Museum, here’s our list of the absolute best things to do in Sapporo, Japan.

Japan is a top destination for tourists, with many attractions in Hiroshima, Kyoto, and of course, the beautiful island of Hokkaido.

The capital of Hokkaido , Sapporo, is a bustling commercial hub with so much to offer for tourists like shopping spots, sightseeing, festivals and events, and great Hokkaido delicacies.

Table of Contents

Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck

Sapporo beer museum, sapporo clock tower, mount moiwa, tanukikoji shopping arcade, sapporo art park, go skiing in sapporo teine ski resort, former hokkaido government office, sapporo city maruyama zoo, sapporo satoland, moerenuma park, hokkaido shrine, indulge in local hokkaido cuisine, tour the ishiya chocolate factory, hokkaido university botanical garden, attend the sapporo snow festival, tell us your thoughts on what to do in sapporo, our guide to the best things to do in sapporo.

While making your plans to visit the best things to do in Sapporo, remember to include Japan’s greatest winter festival – Sapporo Snow Festival – that is held annually every winter, so don’t forget to pack your winter clothes.

Along with this amazing event, here are 18 awesome things you can do in Sapporo:

Built in 1956, the Sapporo TV Tower is smack dab in the heart of Sapporo city, towards the end of Odori Park that divides the city into North and South.

With its height of 90 meters, it offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the city and a great vantage point to watch the festivities going on in Odori Park, such as the Snow Festival.

On a clear day, the observation deck will offer great views spanning wider than the city toward the Sea of Japan and makes for amazing photos of winter decorations in the Park and the city lights at night.

The Sapporo TV Tower is connected to an underground shopping town – Aurora – filled with great shops and merchandise where you can shop to your heart’s content. How cool is that!

Reservations can be made to access the Tower after closing.

It may not look like it at first, but Odori Park is one of the best parks in Japan, with a lot of activities to do for the day.

Odori Park spreads over a space of 15 blocks and is also the location of the biggest winter event, the Snow Festival, held every year.

It is referred to as a park but it is more of a street located in the middle of the business district.

Along with it, you will find locals and tourists relaxing and taking strolls in the park, taking a break from the bustle of the city.

The TV Tower is located at the other end of the park.

You’ll find magnificent flower gardens, extensive selections of trees, fountains, and sculptures here.

You can experience the seasons change through the colors of the plants and trees.

The park is among the magical places to visit in Sapporo in autumn since that’s when it transitions into orangish and brown fall shade creating a spectacular environment only imagined in the fantasy world.

While you are on your quest to discover the best Sapporo attractions, you can go for a break and get a taste of freshly brewed draft beer directly from the factory.

The local brewers showcase their skills with super smooth and enriched beer that goes perfectly with the local cuisine.

Here you will get a two-hour tour through the Sapporo beer museum and distillery; learning the history of beer making in Japan, such as the most popular brand named after the city, Sapporo.

The museum is also home to the Sapporo Beer Garden, a host of restaurants and beer halls with great food; you can eat to soak up the Sapporo beer you drink (there are barbecued lamb, grilled vegetables, and local cuisines like the Genghis Khan).

The Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden is a must-see for every beer aficionado.

This landmark is one of the more famous Sapporo tourist attractions.

The clock tower is a great symbol of Sapporo. Constructed in 1878, the clock tower represents the history and culture of the city, especially during colonial times.

The first floor serves as a museum with great displays of the history of the building, and a display hall on the second floor.

There is also a spacious ceremony hall and an exhibition room.

The clock tower has a bell that chimes every hour to indicate the time and has a great architecture whose history you can learn about during your visit.

You cannot leave Sapporo without experiencing the fabulous panoramic views of the city, the Mashike Mountains, and Ishikari Bay from Mount Moiwa.

The views from the top of the mountain are believed to be one of the best night views in Japan, alongside those from Nagasaki and Kobe.

To get to the top of the mountain, you can hike your way up if you are a nature buff, or you can take a cable car across the ropeway from the bottom and take a second one up to the top of the mountain.

The view up there will be fantastic, and you can be sure to get perfect photos to remind you of your trip to Japan.

It is definitely one of the top things to do and a crucial part of Sapporo sightseeing experience.

READ MORE: Click here to get the best up-to-date information, tips, itineraries and guides for travelling in Japan.

It is impossible to visit another country and not do some shopping, whether for souvenirs, clothes, or artefacts.

Apart from photos, how else will you be able to show your friends at home the fantastic things to do in Sapporo? 

The shopping arcade is approximately 1 km long with almost 200 shops where you can shop to your satisfaction, in any season of the year since it is roofed.

There are plenty of new and old shops, souvenir stores, bars, and great eateries and restaurants with all varieties of Japanese food to get you your fill of Japanese cuisine.

For a night out in the city center, you can pop into one of the bars, get your karaoke on in the most authentic of ways, and guarantee a night of laughter and serenading.

Visiting this shopping arcade is worth putting on the list of things to do in Sapporo, at least before you leave.

If you are looking to indulge in Sapporo’s nightlife, Susukino is a must-visit!

This is definitely the neighborhood you want to be in, especially if it is your first time in Japan.

It has some of the best restaurants, pachinko, cinemas, bars, and karaoke to give you a fun and awesome night to dance, sing, and eat your stress away.

If you came on the trip with your kids, leave them in the hotel with a babysitter and enjoy a night out, especially with a classic Sapporo ramen dinner and karaoke bars to get your fun going.

Susukino is considered to be one of Japan’s top entertainment districts that offer flashing neon lights, good food, good company, a lively and vibrant environment, shopping arcades, games, clubhouses, casinos, and so much more.

Museum lovers might be wondering what to see in Sapporo but you will pleasantly surprised by Sapporo Art park.

This is the ideal place for art lovers combined with the great outdoors: there are about 73 large art pieces by great artists scattered all around the park, basically making it an outdoor art gallery.

The gardens in the park are also exquisite, as most parks in Japan are, a combination that makes for a great stroll to view the extraordinary sculptures and enjoy the peace and calm.

There is also a museum and various other beautiful buildings on the compound. It is a great place to unwind and spend the day – great company would come in handy too.

Find more details on website !

Sapporo is well known for the winter sports, with Mount Teine being the venue for the 1972 winter Olympic Games and the Olympic torch still standing in the resort.

The resort offers a variety of ski trails to suit the levels of skiing for everyone, from beginners to advanced levels.

It can be accessed by train or bus, and there are plenty of hotels around the area that offer adequate accommodation, so that is one less thing to worry about.

Head on out to Sapporo and make skiing one of the things you get to do during the winter. This is one of Japan’s best ski resorts!

If you don’t know how to ski, book an 1-hour long ride on a snowmobile !

Also known as the Red Brick Government Building, this office is a charming place to visit and learn about the history of Sapporo and see the beautiful fall colors in Hokkaido.

It is a great historical building that is well-loved and revered by the locals.

It houses the government offices of Hokkaido.

The building has an American style architecture designed with glass made in the Meiji era, to protect it from the cold.

Learning is also one of the many things to do in Sapporo.

If you love exploring the history of places, drop by this office sometime during your stay and listen to the volunteers explaining the museum and history of the locality and what makes the building so esteemed.

Maruyama Zoo is proceeded by a staunch reputation as the largest zoo in the country.

It has a wide variety of animals, and you can have a lot of fun, especially with your children.

It is home to over 170 varieties of mammals, birds, and reptiles: there are kangaroos, deer, monkeys and apes, timber wolves, and so many other creatures that you are exciting to see.

The major selling point for this zoo is the polar bear enclosure.

Who wouldn’t want to see one anyway?

It is said to be rather small, but that only means that it is rarely crowded, especially on weekdays.

This agriculturally themed amusement park opened in 1995.

It was made famous by the Sapporo Snow Festival: one of the phases take place here because of its vast snow slides.

Within the amusement park, there are restaurants and shops, where visitors can indulge in fresh vegetables and fruits grown around.

Events can also be held at meeting rooms and the Satoland Interchange hall.

During summer and the fall, flowers in the gardens bloom spectacularly, and visitors can take carriage rides around the grounds, while children have fun riding bikes around.

Moerenuma Park is located just outside of Sapporo and is surrounded by marsh and covered in beautiful green spaces.

There are several human-made features designed just for Moerenuma Park, such as the glass pyramid building called Hidamari that features a gallery dedicated to the work of the park’s designer Noguchi.

Mount Moere was built just for Moerenuma Park to offer great views of the surrounding areas. The Sea Fountain is a major attraction for the daily shows – it shoots water 25 meters into the air.

An artificial sunbathing area called Moere Beach is accessible to the public in the summer. There is also a great playground for the youthful to play in and have fun, so it is a place for the whole family.

Built in 1869, this Shrine exists as a dedication to Shinto deities who are believed to have offered guidance and strength to the pioneers as they cleared through the forest that surrounds it.

It also served as a location where people would meet.

It continues to serve as such for the locals, especially on New Year’s Day, the start of spring, and during traditional ceremonies like exorcism and weddings.

The shrine is rich with nature. Every year, tourists are drawn to it especially in the spring to see the cherry blossom in its spectacular beauty.

If you have scheduled your trip to Japan in June, you should definitely list Hokkaido Shrine as the things to see in Sapporo.

The three-day Sapporo festival of the shrine will mesmerise you.

A procession of people carrying with them flutes, drums, and symbols representative of the four deities of the shrine go through the streets to signify a new season is beginning.

One of the best parts about traveling to another country is getting a chance to enjoy the local cuisine in the local area made by locals.

Hokkaido, and thus Sapporo, are best known for great seafood production and unique local delicacies like sapporo ramen, dairy products, soup curry, and mutton barbecue.

All of these delicacies are served with a great selection of fresh vegetables and savory rice.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but some of the most recommended ones include Soup Curry & Dining Suage, Daruma Honten, Sapporo Beer Garden, and Gotsubo.

Break a few diet rules and eat your heart out in any of these restaurants and you will love it.

Most of the establishments open in the early evening hours around 5:00 PM until around 3:00 AM. The prices of food depend on the establishment, but the range of a dining budget in these places would be between 2,000 and 3,000 yen.

If you have a sweet tooth, or just want to spoil yourself while on vacation in Sapporo, then you must take a tour of the Ishiya Chocolate Factory.

Take a tour of the facility to find out how the signature treat of white chocolate (also referred to as Shiroi Koibito) is made, or even spoil yourself with some, but to a reasonable degree of course.

There is an onsite restaurant within the factory where you can indulge in a cake buffet (yes, a dream come true!) and enjoy a robot show and a toy museum within the same premises.

You may also get an opportunity to observe the process of chocolate making in the factory, as well as a hands-on workshop to create your own cookies.

It is a delight to bring your youngsters here, though you may have your hands full with sugar-induced energy.

One of the best landmarks in the city is the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden.

Established in 1886, this large green space is full of landscaped gardens, colorful flowers, and gorgeous trees.

In autumn, enjoy the vibrant fall colors as the leaves change. In summer, spread out on the lush green grass for a picnic.

The gardens cover a total of 13.3 hectares and are centrally located in the city center, just 10 minutes walking distance from Sapporo Station.

If you are still undecided on what to do in Sapporo, this popular event should help you make up your mind. 

Sapporo Snow Festival is a distinctive winter event held once a year in February; it lasts seven days and features amazing snow sculptures and lights.

Every year, the turnout gets larger as the event draws people from all over the world to either compete in the contest or watch and enjoy the festivities.

It began as a display of six snow statues made by high school students in Odori Park and has grown to possess some of the most fun things to do in Sapporo in winter.

It is staged in three sites: Odori Park, where famous large snow sculptures are exhibited – some as high as 15 meters – is lit at 10:00 PM every night throughout the festival.

At the second site, Sukusino, approximately 100 sculptures are exhibited and lit daily throughout the festival at 11:00 PM. Both Odori and Sukusino are sites of attractions in Sapporo that are centrally located in the heart of the city.

The third one, Tsu Dome Site, less centrally located, is family-oriented with snow slides, rafting, and more sculptures.

There are food stands and an events stage inside the dome, which is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the festival.

If you want to have a clear view of the Snow Festival, you should head on to the TV Tower’s observation deck, where the closing hours are extended from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM throughout the duration of the festival.

There is an endless list of things to do in Sapporo. The city has countless attractions that any tourist will be delighted to enjoy.

If it is not enjoying the Snow Festival and skiing in winter, you can watch the flowers bloom in autumn and the fall.

If it is not learning the rich historical culture in the museums of Sapporo, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with white chocolate, or play with your kids at the amusement parks.

The local foods and cuisines are amazing and you will be spoilt with choices to decide what souvenirs to take home.

Sapporo is the best vacation spot to give you the much needed break you long for.

Have anything to add to our list? Leave a comment below and let us know!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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How many nights do you suggest in Sapporo?

The Mt Moiwa ropeway is 2100 yen at the moment.

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Accommodation

• Tourist Attractions

Helpful Advice

• Around Sapporo Station
• Around Odori
• Around Susukino
• Around Nakajima Park
• Shiroishi-ku
• Atsubetsu-ku
• Toyohira-ku
• Ainu Culture
• Large Events
• Western Restaurant
• Seafood Izakaya
• Soba / Udon
• Yakinuku (Korean BBQ)
• List of Articles

Helpful Hints for Enjoying Sapporo in Winter -Goods-

Winter in Sapporo is full of outdoor activities starting with the “Sapporo Snow Festival” and various other events and snow activities.

Here are some winter protection goods that will help you enjoy your tour during Sapporo’s cold winter

It’s easy to slip and fall on frozen winter roads. Take slow, small steps when walking on such surfaces. Enjoy an accident-free tour of Sapporo.

Nonskid Soles

Cleats that can be strapped on over your shoes or nonslip grips that can be attached to the soles of your shoes are available for about 1,000.

Available at: Shoe stores, convenience stores, drug stores, etc.

Slip Prevention Sand

Roads in the heart of Sapporo are interspersed with “sand boxes” containing sand for slip prevention. The sand is available for use by all pedestrians and we recommend its use for safely walking across frozen road surfaces.

Check this information website! →

Disposable Heating Pad

Great for keeping your hands and feet warm. A pack of 10 can be purchased for about 300, they are available in large or small sizes and consist of pads that can be attached to your clothes or worn in your shoes.

Available at: Convenience stores, drug stores, 100 shops, etc.

Hot drinks can be purchased from vending machines and convenience stores 24 hours a day. Hot drinks are great for warming your body parts and fingertips as well. The red/orange labels indicate the hot drinks in vending machines. In convenience stores, hot drinks are stored in special display cases. Look for the drinks with the orange caps.

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• #Hot Spring
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• #Sapporo TV Tower
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• #Jingisukan