What to do in Sapporo
In Sapporo one can see the very famous Snow Festival in February.
The city is fairly new, some places of interest are outside the city, such as Moerenuma Park or the historical village of Hokkaido.
From Mount Moiwa and the Okurayama Observatory (ski jump) you have a great view of the city.
Nkns, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual event held in Sapporo, northern Japan, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. The festival features incredible snow and ice sculptures created by international artists and also presents light shows and cultural performances. Each year, the festival attracts millions of visitors from all over the world who come to admire the exceptional works of art, enjoy Japanese dishes and have fun with the many outdoor activities on offer. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a must-attend event for winter and snow enthusiasts.
t-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
Official website  |
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| Until 22:00 (Odori Park) Until 23:00 (Susukino) 9:00-17:00 (Tsudome) |
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| Free |
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park, also known as Moerenuma Kōen, is a scenic wonder located in Sapporo, Japan. Designed by renowned Japanese landscape artist Isamu Noguchi, this park combines art, nature and design into a single experience. With its undulating hills, lakes, meadows and spectacular artwork, such as a large roller coaster and a water fountain, Moerenuma Park enchants visitors of all ages. It is a perfect place to relax, take a peaceful walk or enjoy various outdoor activities. Moerenuma Park is a unique gem in the heart of Sapporo.
t-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 7:00-22:00 Last entry 1 hour before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| Take the Toho underground line and get off at the Kanjodori-higashi stop and then take the Higashi 69 or Higashi 79 Chuo bus to Moere koen higashiguchi (east entrance). For the 79, take the Nakanuma Shogakko-dori-bound bus. |
Kaitaku no Mura, also known as the Historic Village of Hokkaido, is a fascinating open-air museum located in Sapporo, Japan. The village reconstructs the look and feel of early Hokkaido, displaying pioneer-style houses, schools, shops and churches.
Visitors can explore these historic structures and immerse themselves in the life of the time, participating in traditional activities such as woodworking, folk games and handicrafts. The Hokkaido Historical Village is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido and appreciate the heritage of this fascinating region.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Hokkaido Historical Village (open-air museum) | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-17:00 (until 16:30 from October to April) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (October to April, or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) 29 December to 3 January |
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| 1000 Yen (village only) 1400 Yen (village and historical museum) |
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| Hokkaido History Museum | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-16:30 Last entry 30 minutes before closing) |
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| Mondays 29 December to 3 January Some days of the year for maintenance |
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| 800 Yen (museum only) 1400 Yen (village and museum) |
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| From JR Sapporo Station take a local train to Shinrinkoen(Hokkaido) (15 minutes). From here take a bus to the village (5 minutes) or walk 30 minutes to the southeast. |
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is an enchanting place dedicated to the famous Japanese delicacy, ‘Shiroi Koibito’ (White Kisses). In the park, visitors can immerse themselves in the romantic and sweet atmosphere of this delicious dessert. There are well-kept gardens, fountains and even a chocolate factory where you can see the process of making the delicacy. In addition, visitors can enjoy freshly made Shiroi Koibito and buy unique souvenirs. The Shiroi Koibito Park is a perfect place for chocolate lovers and those who wish to have a sweet and magical experience.
ダブルで at Japanese Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Chargeable area 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00) Free area 9:00-20:00 (10:00-16:00 restaurants) |
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| No closing days | |
| 800 Yen | |
| Take the Tozai underground line to Miyanosawa. From here, walk 10 minutes to the west |
Sapporo Beer Museum
The Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-see attraction for lovers of beer and Japanese culture. Located in the former Sapporo Brewery, the museum offers an engaging insight into the history and process of beer production. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibition rooms, see ancient machinery and tools used in production, and even participate in guided tastings. It is also possible to discover the history of the Sapporo brand and admire the handcrafted design of bottles and labels. The Sapporo Beer Museum is a fun and informative place to discover and appreciate the Japanese brewing tradition.
MIKI Yoshihitoderivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 11:00-20:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 31 December Some irregular closing days |
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| Free (1000 Yen for the guided tour) | |
| Take the Loop 88 Factory Line bus (210 Yen) 25 minutes’ walk east of JR station 15 minutes’ walk south of Higashi-kuyakusho-mae underground station |
Mount Moiwa
Mount Moiwa, located in the city of Sapporo, Japan, is one of the most popular attractions for residents and visitors alike. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. It can be reached by cable car and chairlift, which take visitors up to the summit. At Mount Moiwa, you can hike, admire the breathtaking sunset and also enjoy the night view of the illuminated city. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sapporo. Mount Moiwa is definitely a scenic spot not to be missed during a visit to Sapporo.
In addition to being accessible by cable car, there are trails that start from the city and lead to the top of Mt. (more information)
User: (WT-shared) Tatata at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Ropeway | |
| Official website |
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| 10:30-22:00 (April to November) 11:00-22:00 (December to March) |
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| Maintenance locks (see Official website) | |
| 2100 Yen (cable car and mini cable car round trip) 1400 Yen (cable car round trip only) 700 Yen (mini cable car round trip only) |
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| Take the tram from the Susukino stop to the Ropeway Iriguchi stop (25 minutes – 200 yen). From here take the shuttle bus or walk 5 minutes west to the Sanroku cable car station |
Okurayama Observatory
The Okurayama Observatory is one of the most popular attractions in Sapporo, Japan. Located on Okurayama Hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. It can be reached by a cable car that takes visitors to the top. Once there, they can explore the observatory and admire the spectacular scenery. In addition, the Okurayama Observatory is famous for being the site of ski jumping competitions during the 1972 Winter Olympics. You can visit the ski jumping museum to discover the history of this fascinating sport.
hfordsa, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Observatory | |
| Official website |
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| 8:30-21:00 (29 April to October) 9:00-17:00 (November to 28 April) |
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| No closing days | |
| 1000 Yen (cable car round trip) 1300 Yen (cable car and museum) |
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| Winter Sports Museum | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-18:00 (29 April to October) 9:00-17:00 (November to 28 April) Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| 600 Yen | |
| From April to early November you can take the JR Burari Sapporo Kanko Bus from JR station to the observatory (45 minutes – 210 yen). Free for Japan Rail Pass holders During the rest of the year take the underground to the Maruyama Koen stop. From here take bus number 14 and get off at Okurayama Kyogijo Iriguchi stop (10 minutes – 210 Yen). From the stop 10 minutes walk |
Odori Park
Odori Park is one of the main green lungs of Sapporo, Japan. Located in the heart of the city, it stretches about 1.5 kilometres and offers an oasis of tranquillity and beauty. The park is famous for its well-kept lawn, which is transformed into a carpet of flowers during the summer thanks to the Sapporo Flower Festival. During the rest of the year, the trees offer a wonderful spectacle of autumn colours. Odori Park is also a great place to take a walk, relax on a bench or have a picnic. It is surrounded by numerous government buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, making it a focal point for Sapporo residents and visitors.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Sapporo TV Tower | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-22:00 | |
| Irregular locks for maintenance (see Official website) | |
| 1000 Yen | |
| Close to Odori underground station 10 minutes’ walk south of JR station |
Susukino
Susukino is Sapporo’s vibrant district known for its lively nightlife and numerous entertainment activities. It is considered the beating heart of Sapporo’s nightlife, with a wide range of bars, pubs, karaoke and nightclubs. During the day, Susukino continues to be an important commercial centre, with shops, restaurants and cafés offering a variety of food and items. With its energetic atmosphere and entertainment options, Susukino is a must for visitors to Sapporo.
Of particular interest to noodle lovers is Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley and New Ramen Alley), a narrow street lined with shops serving Sapporo’s famous ramen.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Get off at Susukino underground station 15 minutes’ walk south of JR station 10 minutes’ walk south of Odori underground station |
Botanical Garden (Hokudai Shokubutsuen)
The Sapporo Botanical Garden, also known as Hokudai Shokubutsuen, is a paradise for nature lovers. Located in the city of Sapporo, Japan, it offers a wide variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. It is a perfect place for a pleasant stroll amidst the lush flora and serene atmosphere. The garden also has a greenhouse area, where one can admire exotic plants and relax in a tropical setting. With its enchanting paths and natural beauty, the Sapporo Botanical Garden is a must-see for nature and garden lovers.
During the winter season (4 November to 28 April), only the greenhouse is open.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-16:30 (until 16:00 from October to the beginning of November) Winter hours (from 4 November to 28 April 10:00 to 15:30 and until 12:30 on Saturdays) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| 28 December to 4 January Monday (next day if Monday is a national holiday) Sunday during the winter season |
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| 420 Yen 120 Yen (in winter, only the greenhouse is open) |
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| 10 minutes south-west of JR station 5 minutes’ walk north of Nishi-Juitchome underground station |
Nijo Market
Sapporo’s Nijo market is a fascinating place to immerse yourself in Sapporo’s culinary culture. Located in the Chuo district, it offers a wide selection of fresh food products, including seafood, vegetables, meat and local cheeses. It is a food lover’s paradise with numerous restaurants and street food shops offering local specialities such as ramen, sushi and fried chicken. You can also buy fresh produce to prepare a delicious meal at home. The Nijo market is a lively and bustling place, offering an authentic culinary experience to those who visit.
Wing1990hk, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Shops: 7:00-18:00 (approximate time) Restaurants: 6:00-21:00 (approximate time) |
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| Varies from shop to shop | |
| 10 minutes south-east of JR station 5 minutes’ walk south-east of Odori underground station |
Sapporo Factory
Sapporo Factory is a shopping and entertainment centre located in the heart of Sapporo, Japan. It is housed in a historic building that was once a brewery. Today, Sapporo Factory offers a variety of shops, including fashion boutiques, homeware shops and souvenir shops. There are also numerous restaurants, cafés and bars where local and international cuisine can be enjoyed. It is a great place to shop, eat and spend time in a cosy and charming environment. Sapporo Factory is a must for Sapporo residents and visitors seeking a unique shopping and entertainment experience.
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t-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:00 Restaurants: 11:00-22:00 |
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| No closing days | |
| 5 minutes’ walk north of the Bus Centre Mae metro station 15 minutes’ walk south-east of JR station |
Sapporo Station
Sapporo Station is the main entry point into this lively Japanese city. Every day, thousands of people pass through it to catch trains and buses connecting it with neighbouring cities and other regions of Japan. Sapporo Station is one of the country’s main railway terminals and will be an essential stop for those wishing to explore the north of the island of Hokkaido. In addition to its transport functions, the station is also a place of entertainment, with numerous shops and restaurants for those seeking convenience and practicality.
Inside the station is the Sapporo Ramen Republic with 8 restaurants offering the famous dish.
It is also possible to ascend to the 38th floor of the JR Tower at a height of 160 metres.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| T38 Observatory | |
Official website  |
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| 10:00-23:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| 740 Yen | |
| Sapporo Ramen Republic | |
| Official website |
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| 11:00-22:00 | |
| Varies between restaurants | |
| Shopping centre | |
| Shops: 10:00-21:00 Restaurants: 11:00-21:30 |
Clock Tower
La torre dell’orologio di Sapporo, nota come Tokedai, è un importante monumento storico nel quartiere di Chuo. Costruita nel 1878, è una delle poche strutture rimaste della vecchia Sapporo. La torre ha un fascino intramontabile, con la sua architettura in stile europeo e l’orologio che scandisce il tempo. È un luogo popolare tra i visitatori che vogliono scattare fotografie iconiche e ammirare il suo splendore. Ogni anno, durante il festival dei fiori di Sapporo, la torre è circondata da bellissime fioriture che la rendono ancora più suggestiva.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 8:45-17:10 Last entry 10 minutes before closing time |
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| 1 to 3 January | |
| 200 Yen | |
| 5 minutes south of JR station 5 minutes’ walk north of Odori underground station |