Sapporo Attractions

Sapporo, located in central Hokkaido, is the fifth most populous city in Japan and renowned for its beautiful snow scenery, skiing, rich historical and cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. The central area of Sapporo preserves a large number of ancient buildings and historical districts, which not only showcase the city’s historical evolution but also provide an excellent venue for visitors to experience Hokkaido’s traditional culture. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and lakes, Sapporo is a popular destination for hiking, skiing and hot springs. Additionally, Sapporo boasts numerous food and shopping districts, brimming with modern vitality.

Sapporo in winter

Best Winter Festival & Places to Visit in Sapporo

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the largest winter festivals in Japan and the most famous event in Sapporo, is held every February and attracts countless tourists from all over the world to admire the creative ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes, stunning light shows, and exciting snow games.

2. Niseko - Ski Resorts & Hot Springs

Niseko, located in the central part of Hokkaido, is an ideal place to experience the charm of winter Hokkaido. It has high-quality powder snow that ski enthusiasts are eager to pursue, and it was once ranked as one of the world’s 20 must-visit ski resorts by The New York Times. There are four ski resorts of different sizes and features in Niseko, including Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area, and Niseko Hanazono Resort. Additionally, Niseko Hot Springs are well-known and have been selected as one of the “100 Best Hot Springs” in Japan.

3. Sapporoteine Ski Area

Sapporoteine Ski Area is the largest ski resort in the suburbs of Sapporo, a 40-minute drive from Sapporo Station. There are 15 ski slopes suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers. In addition, you can see the snow, the city, and the sea while riding the ropeway, which is very romantic.

More ski resorts: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort, Bankei Ski Area

Top Attractions in Sapporo

1. Odori Park

Odori Park, located in the center of Sapporo, is the largest park in the city. It is a wide, tree-lined area running east to west, with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and many sculptures and fountains. The park is not only an important place for citizens to relax, but also one of the main venues for cultural exchanges and festivals in Sapporo. The Sapporo Snow Festival in February, the Yosakoi Soran Festival in June, the Sapporo Beer Festival from mid-July to mid-August, and the Sapporo Autumn Fest in September are all held in Odori Park.

2. Maruyama Park

Deer at Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park has magnolia, maple, oak and 1,700 cherry trees, as well as a primeval forest designated as a national monument, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing and leisure spot. In addition, there are more than 150 species of animals such as polar bears, red pandas, penguins, etc. in the Maruyama Zoo in the park waiting for tourists.

3. Hokkaido Jingu

Hokkaido Jingu, built in 1870, is a holy place where faith and history combine, attracting countless tourists to visit. The shrine has many buildings, including the main hall and the worship hall. The main hall enshrines the statue of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), the 122nd Emperor of Japan, and is a sacred place in the hearts of worshippers, while the worship hall is a place where monks pray devoutly. Whether you are a tourist seeking spiritual sustenance or an explorer interested in history and culture, Hokkaido Jingu will bring you an unforgettable experience.

4. Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen, located in the south of Sapporo, only about an hour’s drive from the center of Sapporo, is a quiet town surrounded by mountains, known as the “back garden” of Sapporo. It is the largest hot spring town in Hokkaido, with about 20 hot spring hotels. The hot springs water here contains a variety of minerals and is said to be very beneficial for skin diseases, cuts and burns, fatigue, and other problems. In addition, October every year is the most beautiful season in Jozankei, when the maple leaves on the riversides turn red, which is particularly beautiful.

5. Shiroi Koibito Park

“Shiroi Koibito” is a famous white chocolate dessert in Hokkaido, and the Shiroi Koibito Park is a sightseeing spot themed around it. Here, you can come to the factory production line to see the entire process of chocolate making; visit the chocolate museum to learn about the history of chocolate; and make Shiroi Koibito chocolate cookies yourself. In addition, the rose garden in the park is particularly attractive in the summer, with 200 varieties of over 1,000 roses such as English roses, making it a truly enchanting place.

6. Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower, located on the east side of Odori Park, is a landmark building in Sapporo. It stands at 147.2 meters (483 feet) tall, and visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the greenery of Odori Park, the bustling city center, the distant mountains and the bay. At night, the tower is even more charming under the light. It is recommended to visit near dusk so that you can see the different beauty of both day and night.

A girl wearing kimonos in Odori Park

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

7. Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido with a history of over 100 years. It stretches from east to west across the center of Sapporo and is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long. There are more than 200 stores in it, including specialty stores, restaurants, and cosmetics stores, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

More Attractions to Visit in Sapporo

1. Mt. Moiwa

Mt. Moiwa, located near the center of Sapporo City, is famous for being one of the three new night views in Japan. Taking the ropeway to the top of the mountain to see the entire Sapporo city night view from the observation deck will be an unforgettable experience.

2. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is located on a vast pasture in a suburb southeast of Sapporo. Standing on the Hitsujigaoka Observatory, you can see a panoramic view of Sapporo.

3. Hokkaidō Government Office

Hokkaidō Government Office, the former government building of Sapporo, is a European-style building built with red bricks. There is the Archives of Hokkaido open to tourists for free, allowing tourists to learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido.

4. Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is the only beer museum in Japan, where you can learn about the history of Japanese beer development, brewing equipment and process. After the tour, you can also taste the draft beer sent by the beer factory.

5. Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower, built in 1878, is a famous tourist attraction in Sapporo and one of the few American-style buildings preserved in Hokkaido. Visitors can learn about the history of the clock tower at the museum and gallery on the first floor.