Sapporo is full of wonderful things to see and do, from exploring cultural sites such as shrines and monuments, taking in amazing views from atop Mount Moiwa, or enjoying culinary delights at Nijo Fish Market –there are plenty of activities that should suit any traveler‘s needs during their stay.
Whether it be immersing yourself into local culture with an educational tour around Hokkaido University or unwinding after dark by partying away at Susukino – this city has something unique to offer to all who visit here.
So read on through our complete list below to find out more about all the fun and exciting experiences you can have while exploring Japan’s fifth-largest city – it’s definitely worth the trek north!
Have a Lazy Afternoon In Odori Park
Odori Park is one of the most popular places among visitors coming to Hokkaido. Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park offers something for everyone. With its beautiful flowers and grassy lawns it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic in the spring and in the summertime it’s home to a massive beer garden.
In winter this is the site for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival held in February.
Take In The View From The Sapporo TV Tower
One of Hokkaido’s iconic landmarks is the 180-meter-tall observation tower that stands at the center of town – representing modernity and progress within this bustling cityscape. Visitors from all around come here every year to take photos from atop one of Sapporo’s tallest structures, and catch a glimpse of Sapporo from up high.
Moerenuma Park
For those wanting to explore a bit further out of town, Moerenamapark is just outside the city limits and offers breathtaking views. With its open spaces for sports and leisure activities, this park also has some great monuments like sculptural works from acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi – making it an ideal place to relax in any season!
Grab Lunch At Nijo Fish Market
If you’re looking for a truly local experience then make sure not to miss out on visiting one of Sapporo’s oldest markets -Nijō fish market. Here visitors will find all kinds of fresh seafood and produce. A must-visit for any foodie exploring the city, this is a great place to grab some lunch or dinner – not to mention you can even enjoy freshly made sushi straight from the market!
Enjoy The View From Mount Moiwa
Mount Moiwashita (also known as ‘Moiwa’) sits on Sapporo’s horizon offering amazing views over town during clear days. This destination makes an ideal spot for visitors wanting to catch sight of Hokkaido in all its glory -from seaside landscapes to mountains covered with snow further away beyond town limits. Whether going up via cable car or climbing by foot–Mount Moiwa will surely not disappoint!
Hokkaido University
For a bit of educational sightseeing –head towards Hokkaido University, one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutes. Established in 1876 the campus offers many beautiful sights such as historical buildings like those within its botanical garden or the brick clock tower (which dates back to 1909). For an even more unique experience -visit on Sundays when it opens up for public walking tours.
Ramen Yokocho
Sapporo is known for having some great ramen shops around town– so if you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of noodles, head over to Ramen Yokocho. This alleyway is where visitors can find some of Sapporo’s most popular ramen restaurants all lined up and ready to serve you!
Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
The HokkaidōJingū shrine has been around since 1871– standing out as one of few shrines that remain from the Edo period (1603-1867). This historic religious landmark offers an interesting peek into the past while giving visitors insight into traditional Shinto worship practices. Visitors are also welcome to purchase their own omamori (lucky charms) for good luck or fortune!
Enjoy The Amazing Sapporo Snow Festival
An annual winter event, the Sapporō snow festival attracts visitors from all around Japan and beyond. During its seven days of festivities– impressive ice sculptures are illuminated in different colors while various food stalls fill up city streets offering a diverse range of dishes and drinks to try. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience when visiting Hokkaido during wintertime!
Summer Beer Garden In Odori Park
During summer months, beer gardens open up at parks throughout town -offering guests an opportunity to enjoy a cold beer in the great outdoors. With plenty of space to relax and take photos – this is an ideal way for visitors to experience Sapporo’s nightlife without ever having entered any crowded bars or clubs.
Sapporo Clock Tower
Standing tall at the center of town, The Sapporō clock tower has been around since 1878 -signifying the time that passes within city limits throughout history– making it one of the few remaining landmarks still standing today from the Meiji period (1868-1912). This important cultural asset also provides daily tours as well as guided audio walks!
Party The Night Away In Susukino
Susukino is a place for those who want to experience nightlife in Sapporo. Home to some of the city’s most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants – this entertainment district offers visitors an opportunity to explore all that Hokkaido has to offer after dark. Enjoy tasty drinks at many different places throughout town – or just simply wander around its bright neon streets!
Take A Relaxing Onsen In Jozankai
There’s nothing like getting away from it all with a day spent relaxing at one of Japan’s traditional onsen hot springs– making Jōzankei one of the few must-visit spots during your stay in Sapporo. Located just outside of town -this is an ideal spot for visitors wanting to take a break from city life and relax amidst nature!
Explore Sapporo Station
Take some time out during your stay in Sapporo to explore the bustling train station located at its center–Sapporō eki (as it’s known locally).
This important hub offers more than just transportation services- having everything from shopping centers, restaurants & bars – all within one place making it easy for travelers to get what they need without ever leaving the premises.
Shop At Tanuki Koji
This popular shopping arcade has been around since 1871 and continues to attract visitors from all around Japan – offering a great variety of clothes, souvenirs as well street food stalls filled with delicious snacks. You’ll never get bored walking through this colorful alleyway!
Shiroi Koibito Park
If you have a sweet tooth or just want to release your inner Willy Wonker then make sure not to miss out on visiting Shiroikoibitopāku (also known as ‘White Lover’s park’), an amusement area that features many sweets-related attractions.
Here visitors can learn about the history of popular snack foods like ‘shirōko-bīto’ cookie -a Hokkaido specialty dessert made up of two butter cookies with white chocolate filling. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs before heading out!
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Take a break from city life and explore this park located at the foot of Mt.Maruyamawhere you can enjoy sights such as polar bears, sea lions, and monkeys amongst many others within its grounds– making it an ideal spot for families or anyone wanting to relax in nature during their stay in Sapporo!
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Visit one among the few Meiji period (1868-1912) landmarks remaining today -the former government office of Hokkaidō–located just a short walk from Sapporō station.
This building is home to many interesting cultural artifacts as well as photos and documents of the Hokkaido prefecture’s history -making it an ideal spot for anyone wanting to get better acquainted with local culture during their stay in town!
Relax In Nakajima Park
Nakashimapāku (also known as ‘Nakajima park’) offers visitors a relaxing atmosphere thanks to its open spaces, gardens, and water features making it a great place to take a break amidst nature when visiting this lively cityscape. There’s also a small but beautiful Japanese garden, a concert hall, and a Japanese literary museum.
Say Cheers At The Sapporo Beer Museum
For those who like to enjoy quality beer, there’s no better place than the Sapporō bīrukyosui (as it’s known locally). This popular museum offers visitors great opportunities to learn about the history of this beverage. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs at the gift shop before heading out–the perfect thing for any craft beer enthusiast visiting town!
Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
Visitors looking for some peace and quiet while being in the center of town should head towards Hokkaidō daigakubotanikaru (as it’s known locally)– one of few green spaces offering visitors refuge from busy city life. Here you can take a stroll through gardens or simply enjoy sight views stretching out over Sapporo!
Step Back In Time At The Historic Village Of Hokkaido
Visit this reconstructed Edo-period (1603-1867) village located just outside of downtown –offering visitors a glimpse into what life was like during that time period as well chance to see many interesting artifacts related to the early Japanese settlers in Hokkaido.
Walk Around Sapporo Art Park
This park offers visitors interesting works of art created by local contemporary artists –making it an ideal spot for anyone interested in culture or simply looking to take a break from city life during their stay! Here you’ll find plenty of things to explore as well as places to sit down and relax while taking beautiful photos. So make sure not to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience when visiting the town.
Warm Up With A Bowl Of Soup Curry
Soup curry is a popular dish found all around Hokkaido -so don’t forget to grab yourself a bowl of this delicious meal before heading out! With its thick broth and abundance of vegetables – this is one dish that will warm you up on those cold winter days in Sapporo.
Hit The Slopes
If you’re looking for some adventure then head over to any ski resorts nearby -all within a short distance from Sapporo.
From well-known spots like the Kirorōski resort or Rusutsuresutto, or the conveniently located Teine or Mt Moiwa ski fields– there’s an abundance of choice no matter your skiing ability, so make sure not to miss the chance hit the slopes if you plan to visit during the winter months.
Sapporo Teine:
Just a few miles away from city limits lies this great ski resort -offering a great variety of slopes as well terrain parks that are perfect for those who want to challenge themselves while still enjoying views over Sapporo!
Kiroro Ski Resort:
This ski area located just a short drive from town has beautiful landscapes and challenging runs. It’s no wonder why this is one of the few top resorts within the Hokkaido region!
Rusutsu Resort:
Located near the scenic Lake Toya, Rusutsuresutto offers visitors some of the best skiing experiences found in Japan. Make sure you don’t miss out on stunning views over Mount Yōtei or surrounding forests while you’re here –all just a short drive away from Sapporo.
Take A Day Trip To Otaru
The city of Otarū is located just 30 minutes by train and makes a great day trip destination during your stay in Sapporo.
Here visitors can take leisurely strolls through the town’s quaint streets lined with old buildings as well as shop for souvenirs at its many artisan shops–not to mention it’s very close to an aquarium making this spot ideal for those wanting to explore more!
Welcome To Sapporo
As you can see, Sapporo has something for everyone. From spending lazy afternoons in Odori Park or taking a relaxing onsen –to exploring cultural landmarks such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office -there is no shortage of things to do while visiting this lively city! So make sure not to miss out on all the great experiences that await here during your stay–it’s definitely worth visiting!
Whether it be immersing yourself into local culture with an educational tour around town or just simply enjoying nature at one of its many parks –you are guaranteed to have some amazing adventures when traveling through Japan’s fifth largest city -so plan out trip today and get ready experience everything that Sapporo has offer!
