What to do in Sapporo?
Many things to do! Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan, and it is popular for its ramen, beer, and of course….snow! (please check our Sapporo restaurants pages) Sapporo started to get recognized by the world ever since 1972 Winter Olympic was held there. Below are some attractions in Sapporo based on the author’s personal experience. Fees written on each place does not include transportation fee and may change. If you want to do private tour in Hokkaido, please check this link.
(Some places might be closed due to Covid-19 pandemic).
Hokkaido University
5 Chome Kita 8 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance Fee: FREE
Hokkaido University (北海道大学, Hokkaido University) is a national university that is also considered as one of top universities in Japan. Even though the access to university area is public, some departments may have limited access. The campus area is stretched 2.4 km from kita 8 to kita 24, on the north side of Sapporo Station. There are several beautiful spots to see inside the campus like Ono pond and Ginkgo Avenue. Official Website
The Clock Tower
2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance Fee: 200 yen
The Clock Tower (時計台, Tokeidai) is trademark of Sapporo. The clock itself was purchased all the way from Boston in 1881. Today it is used mainly as museum (1st floor), while 2nd floor sometimes used as conference hall. I watched a concert on the 2nd floor before. Official Website
Odori Park
7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance Fee: FREE
Odori Park (大通公園, Ōdōri Kōen) is stretched about one and half km, dividing Sapporo into North and South part. You can also see the famous TV Tower on the eastern end of the park. Pre-covid 19, every February each year Sapporo Snow Festival was always held on Odori Park. Official Website
Tanuki Koji
Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 jonishi1～7
Entrance fee: FREE
Tanuki Koji (狸小路) is a roofed shopping area located in the south part of Sapporo. If you want to shop many different Hokkaido-related souvenirs, then this place is definitely one of the best choice. There are many different restaurants and shops in this place, ranging from branded goods, drugstores, souvenirs, and also second hand items shops. Official website
Susukino
4 Chome Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: FREE
Susukino (すすきの) is the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido. There are many Bars, Karaoke and shopping area within. In Japan, there are only two districts similar to Kabukicho (Tokyo), one is Nakasu (Fukuoka), and one of them is Susukino.
Sapporo Beer Museum
9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633
Entrance Fee: FREE (550 yen for guided tour)
The Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール博物館, Sapporo Biiru Hakubutsukan) was opened in an old brewery from Meiji Period. Sapporo Beer brand is one of the oldest and the most famous beer brand in Japan. In this museum, you can see some exhibitions about the history of Japanese beer industry, as well as some brewing technique inside. Official website
Sapporo Station
4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: FREE (770 yen for T38 Observation deck)
Sapporo Station (札幌駅, Sapporo-eki) is the biggest railway station of the city. Both the city’s Subway lines and train lines going outside the city is centered here. There are also many different shopping malls inside the station. If you want to see the view of the city, you should visit T38 Observation Deck, you can see most of Sapporo City from the 38th floor of the tallest building in Hokkaido, JR Tower. Official website
Shiroi Koibito Park
2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo
Entrance Fee: FREE (600 yen for paid area)
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク) is a theme park built by a chocolate company called Ishiya. One of the product is called “Shiroi Koibito”, which is also one of the most famous souvenirs to buy if you visit Hokkaido. Entering the place is free, and there will also be many cafe and shops in the free area. But if you pay extra, you can also see the production process of the cookies, and even create your own cookie! Official website
Sapporo Factory Outlet
4 Chome-1-2 Kita 2 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: FREE
Sapporo Factory is a shopping complex that offers many different kind of entertainments like restaurants, clothing stores, cafes, souvenir shops and even movie theater! If you want to dine in a place with a great atmosphere and ambience, then this place is greatly recommended! Official website
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Fee: 1200 yen (ropeway roundtrip); 600 yen (mini cable car roundtrip)
Mount Moiwa (藻岩山, Moiwa-yama) is one of the best spot in Sapporo to have a spectacular view of the city from the top of the mountain. Inside the ropeway station, you can also purchase different kinds of memorabilia like stamps and souvenirs. If you come to Hokkaido with your significant other, it is highly recommended to also visit the observation deck! Official website
Moerenuma Park
1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo
Entrance Fee: FREE
Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園, Moerenuma Kōen) is a large park that was designed by a Japanese-American sculptor Nosamu Iguchi. There are some attractions within the park like a big fountain called Sea Fountain, there are also two small “mountains” that can be climbed all the way to the top. There are also some kids playground area inside the park. Picnic in Moerenuma Park is also recommended if you also want to see some Sakura. Official website
Jozankei Onsen
Sapporo, 3 Chome Jozankeionsenhigashi, Minami Ward
Entrance fee: FREE (Hotels fees varies)
Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉, Jōzankei Onsen) is located on the outskirt of Sapporo City, and one of the most developed Onsen town in Hokkaido. There are several different choices for hotel to stay inside this area. You can pick one with the best view (the one with view facing the river is the best in my own opinion). Official website
Hokkaido Shrine
474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-city, Hokkaido.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Hokkaido Shrine (北海道神宮、Hokkaido Jingu) is a Shinto temple complex located in southwest part of Sapporo. There are many different smaller shrines located within the complex. The one shown in the picture is the main one, in which if you are lucky, you can also see a traditional Japanese-style wedding held in the area. Official website
Hill of Buddha
2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862
Entrance fee: FREE
The Hill of Buddha is located in Makomanai Takino Cemetary which is located in the south outskirt of Sapporo. Not only the giant Buddha Statue, there are also Moai Statues that look exactly like those in Easter Island, as well as England’s Stonehenge replica! Article
