Sapporo

Discover Sapporo, a city known for its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, world-class cuisine, and stunning seasonal attractions.

A Breathtaking City of Winter Wonderland

Sapporo (札幌) is the capital city of northern island Hokkaido, and is the 5th largest city in Japan. It is famous for Sapporo Snow Festival and each year the event attracts over 2 million people locally and overseas.

The beautiful night view of Sapporo is also famous world wide, and it has been chosen as the Latest 3 Greatest Night Views in Japan.

Hokkaido is famous for fresh dairy products and fresh seafood. The food and drinks in this city are so delicious that it makes visitors want to come back again.

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Top Attractions

Odori Park

Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the central Sapporo. It measures about 1.5km and it is the iconic area of Sapporo. During the urban planning of Sapporo, it was originally designated as the main street but it eventually became a park (Odori means main street and thus this name).

In early February, the park becomes the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

The tower was built in 1957 and measures 147.2 metre high (483 ft). Accessible via an elevator inside the tower, the observation deck at a height of 90.38 metres lets you enjoy the 360 degrees view of Sapporo.

After sunset, the TV Tower glows under floodlights and LED lighting. On national holidays and memorial dates, special illuminations are used to mark those special dates.

The tower is located on the ground of Odori Park. There are sourvenir shops and restaurants on the basement and first level of the tower.

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower is an iconic wooden structure located near Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower. The clock tower building was built in 1878 as a theatrical hall of the Sapporo Agricultural School. In 1881 a clock purchased from Boston was installed.

Although it’s called a tower, it’s a fairly small building. You can go inside to view the museum-like displays which exhibits about the building’s history and Sapporo city.

Sapporo Shiroishi Park

Shiroishi Park

Shiroishi Park is a spacious green oasis in Sapporo, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy nature. The park features large open fields, walking paths, and a variety of seasonal flowers, making it a favorite spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.

It is especially popular during cherry blossom season when the park’s sakura trees create a picturesque setting. Shiroishi Park is easily accessible by public transportation from central Sapporo.

Ishiya Chocolate Factory

Ishiya Chocolate Factory / Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito is a famous chocolate from Japan. Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate entertainment theme park with attractions, shops, restaurants and factory.

You can participate in chocolate making courses, view through the factory, kids can ride on mini train and spend time in play zones.

From December to February, the theme park has illumination where colourful lights and project mapping is used to create beautiful atmosphere.

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Asahiyama Memorial Park opened in 1970 to commemorate Sapporo’s 100th anniversary.

In Spring, the park becomes a popular location for locals and travelers for it’s wonderful scenery with the cherry trees blossoming. Asahiyama Park Night Cherry Blossoms Festival is a famous event held in start of May each year.

From the park’s peak which is at 137.5 metres above the sea level, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of Sapporo.

Sapporo dome

Sapporo Dome

Sapporo Dome is the first dome in the world equipped with a system for switching between turf for baseball and football. It is the home field of the professional baseball team “Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters” and the professional soccer club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.

The dome has held many international sporting events such as 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2019 World Rugby Cup.

From Sapporo Subway Station, catch Toho line to Fukuzumi Subway Station. It is approximately 10 minutes walk from there to the Dome.

Sapporo Beer Museum

Sapporo Beer Museum

This is the museum of famous Japanese beer brand Sapporo. This is Japan’s only museum dedicated to beer.

There is tasting corner where you can enjoy various brews. The sourvenir shop is very popular for foreign visitors as there are museum exclusive snacks and drinks.

Next to the museum there is Sapporo Beer Garden which consists of few restaurants. You can enjoy the tasty local food and drinks including king crab, sushi, the lamb or mutton dish known as jingisukan (named after the Mongolian warlord) and other delicious food and drinks.

Nijo Ichiba
© Sapporo Tourist Association

Nijo Fish Market

Nijo Ichiba is an authentic Japanese fish market in Sapporo. You will see many delicious seafood including sea urchins, salmon roes, king crabs, oysters and sashimi. There are many shops in the market so you can buy small amount of variety of tasty seafood and enjoy as you navigate through the market.

There are many seafood restaurants inside and near Nijo Ichiba which offers fresh sushi and sashimi. It is a must visit location if you want to enjoy the real sashimi/sushi of Japan.

Events and Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February in Hokkaido's capital, transforms the city into a winter wonderland with breathtaking ice and snow sculptures, illuminated displays, and interactive attractions. Visitors can enjoy snow slides, local cuisine, and a magical celebration of winter.
Yosakoi Soran Festival
Image source: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/en/

Yosakoi Soran Festival

The Yosakoi Soran Festival, held every June in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a vibrant celebration blending traditional and modern dance. Teams from across Japan perform energetic routines inspired by folk music, incorporating colorful costumes and Naruko clappers. It's a lively spectacle of creativity and cultural pride.

Local Specialties

Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo Ramen

A rich miso-based ramen, often topped with butter, corn, and local seafood or pork. It’s a hearty dish reflecting Sapporo’s cold climate, best enjoyed in the city’s famous ramen alleys.

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito

A famous Hokkaido confectionery featuring buttery langue de chat cookies sandwiching white chocolate. These are often purchased as souvenirs from the Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo.

Soup Curry

Soup Curry

A Sapporo specialty, soup curry features a spice-rich, flavorful broth paired with ingredients like tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Its warming taste and customizable spice level make it a popular dish, especially in Hokkaido’s cold winters.