14 Things To Do In Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Are you visiting Sapporo soon? Here are the top 14 things to do in Sapporo to put on your bucket list!
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, effortlessly combines the charm of Japan’s northern landscapes with a lively urban atmosphere.
It is known for its snowy winters, famous festivals, and culinary delights, but it’s an amazing destination all year round! Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or history enthusiast, this city has a unique mix of activities that promise to make your trip unforgettable.
Here are the 14 best things to do in Sapporo that should be on your bucket list when you plan your trip!
Read more: 14 Things To Do In Sapporo City, Hokkaido14 Things To Do In Sapporo, Hokkaido
I visited Hokkaido during my summer trip while on my working holiday. Therefore, I couldn’t get a JR Pass like when I explored Kyushu in winter.
Still, if you’re visiting Hokkaido on a regular tourist visa, I recommend you get one of the regional JR Passes you can get in Hokkaido; there are several types you can see here to see which would fit your itinerary best.
Check out my South Hokkaido 7 Day Itinerary for more!
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokeidai) dates back to 1878 and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Originally built as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), the building was used as a student drill hall. Its American-style architecture is a rare sight in Japan, giving it historical and cultural significance. Inside, the small museum offers insight into the development of Sapporo and the influence of Western education in Japan during the Meiji era.
The clock, imported from the U.S. and still functioning after over a century, is a regular chiming addition to the charm of this nostalgic site.
When we visited, the staff inside were very nice and chatty, showing us different part of the museum and asking us about France, it was a fun visit. Also, if you’re into stamps, there are some stamps there!
Mount Moiwa
To experience one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo, take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Moiwa, 531 meters above sea level. You can take a free shuttle (make sure to check the timetable) to get you up the ropeway point; it is fairly small, so there might be a queue, especially at sunset and nighttime when the city lights twinkle below, creating one of Japan’s top three night views.
At the halfway point, you’ll transfer to a mini cable car to take you to the summit. Once at the top, the observation deck offers a 360-degree view of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and beyond.
Be ready for a long queue when it’s time to get back down the mountain, as it is a very busy spot.
Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower rises 147 meters above the ground and is a landmark at the eastern end of Odori Park. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Built-in 1957, the tower’s observation deck, located at 90 meters, provides sweeping views of Sapporo’s skyline, Odori Park below, and even the distant peaks of Mount Okura and Mount Moiwa.
Personally, we didn’t go further than the first floor with the souvenir shop as we were already planning to visit Mt Moiwa to get a great view over the city at night.
Odori Park
Odori Park stretches over 1.5 kilometres through the centre of Sapporo. It is a vibrant green oasis that offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a cultural hub.
The park is divided into 13 blocks, each with its own unique attractions, including fountains, sculptures, flower gardens, and event spaces.
Throughout the year, the park transforms with the changing seasons—blossoming with tulips and cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and colourful foliage in autumn. Winter is when Odori Park truly shines, as it becomes the main venue for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. During the festival, the park is lined with massive snow and ice sculptures, illuminated at night, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Nijo Market
Centrally located in Sapporo, Nijo Market has been a bustling local market serving the community since the early 1900s. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering the freshest catches from Hokkaido’s rich waters.
You’ll find stalls brimming with delicacies like Hokkaido crab, sea urchin (uni), salmon roe (ikura), scallops, and other local specialities. Many vendors offer tasting options, allowing you to sample the day’s freshest catches on the spot. Even if you’re not fond of seafood (like me), it’s still fun to look around out of curiosity when you’re in Sapporo.
Asahiyama Memorial Park
Perched on the slopes of Mount Moiwa, Asahiyama Memorial Park provides stunning panoramic views of Sapporo’s skyline, attracting both locals and visitors.
Established in 1970 to commemorate Sapporo’s 100th anniversary, the park boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and lookout points that offer uninterrupted views of the city and Ishikari Bay.
While it’s a charming destination year-round, the park truly shines in autumn when the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic, a leisurely stroll, or simply appreciating the natural beauty of Hokkaido’s changing seasons. As night falls, the city lights create a romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for evening visits if you want to enjoy a free view of the city.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Explore the history of one of Japan’s most famous beers at the Sapporo Beer Museum, the only beer museum in the country.
The museum is located in a red-brick building that once housed a brewery. It offers a journey through the origins of Sapporo Beer, which date back to 1876.
There you can learn about the brewing process, the influence of German brewing techniques, and the beer’s role in shaping Hokkaido’s culture and industry. The museum also features interactive exhibits showcasing the brand’s evolution from its early days to becoming one of Japan’s leading beer companies. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy tastings of fresh Sapporo Beer, including limited-edition brews unavailable elsewhere. A must-do for beer enthusiasts!
To complete the experience, you can visit the adjoining beer garden and pair your drinks with Hokkaido’s signature dish, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).
Explore Susukino District
Susukino is the place to be for nightlife, dining, and fun. This bustling district is packed with neon-lit streets lined with bars, izakayas, karaoke spots (Karaoke is so much cheaper there in Tokyo!), and nightclubs, making it the perfect destination for those looking to experience Sapporo’s energetic evening scene.
It’s also a foodie’s paradise, offering various restaurants where you can sample local specialities. Don’t miss out on trying Sapporo’s famous miso ramen at the nearby Ramen Alley (we went to Baisensya and the ramen was delicious!) or indulge in Genghis Khan—Hokkaido’s signature dish of grilled lamb, often served with fresh vegetables. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink or a culinary adventure, Susukino delivers an unforgettable taste of Sapporo’s dynamic culture.
I don’t have any good photos of the area so I am adding what I think was one of the best yakiniku I ever done in Japan, it was so delicious and yet very decently priced! Make sure to check out “Yakiniku Horumone Fuhdo” if you’re in Sapporo City!
Sapporo Iyahiko Shrine
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this serene shrine offers a peaceful and less touristy atmosphere for those looking to experience local religious culture.
The shrine is dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular place for locals to pray for success in business or other endeavors. The surrounding forest and the shrine’s architecture offer a calm, spiritual retreat from the bustle of the city.
Suwa-jinja Shrine
Suwa-jinja offers a quiet and serene environment, perfect for those looking to escape the city’s hustle. Surrounded by lush greenery, this shrine is dedicated to Suwa Myojin, the god of courage and martial prowess.
The peaceful ambiance makes it an excellent spot for reflection or a scenic stroll. The decorations were the cutest, as seen in the photo above. They also have a beautiful collection of goshuin for those who are into it.
Nakajima Koen (Nakajima Park)
Nakajima Park is a peaceful oasis that provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features lush greenery, a serene central pond, and winding walking paths, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or quiet reflection.
During autumn, the park becomes a stunning display of vibrant red, orange, and gold hues, attracting fall foliage enthusiasts. When we visited (in July), it had plenty of gorgeous hydrangea blooming!
One of the park’s main attractions is the Hoheikan, a well-preserved historic building that was once a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries during the Meiji era.
Go Shopping At Tanukikoji Shopping Street
This historic covered shopping arcade stretches for seven blocks and is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
With over 200 stores, it’s the perfect spot to pick up local souvenirs, traditional crafts, and quirky goods. The street has a lively, vibrant atmosphere, making it a fun place to explore, whether you’re looking for gifts or enjoying some local snacks.
Shiroi Koibito Park
A whimsical chocolate factory and park where you can learn about the making of Sapporo’s famous Shiroi Koibito cookies, and even create your own sweet treats. After we went to the park I’ve found them everywhere in Tokyo as well. They are really nice gift.
While the park is located a bit further than the city centre, it is still a really short train ride. It is a super fun place to visit to see the making of their cookies and have some cake and hot chocolate while admiring the show, which runs every hour for about 10 minutes from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can ask for a window seat at the Chocolate Lounge OXFORD to admire it!
Also, one of my favourite souvenir from my visit to Shiroi Koibito is the custom magnet I got with the photo of my rabbit on the chocolate box. It is also doable with a proper cookie box but I didn’t have enough space to bring it back home, which was a shame.
You can explore the outside areas and enjoy the restaurants without a ticket, but I think paying for the visit is worth it!
Ticket price: 800 yen
Sapporo in Winter: Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri)
If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss this iconic event where massive ice sculptures take over the city, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Of course, I haven’t attended it as I visited Sapporo in the summer, but I couldn’t list the best things to do in Sapporo without mentioning this festival after all this is what Sapporo is famous for!
Conclusion On Things To Do In Sapporo
That’s a wrap on what to do in Sapporo. With these things to do in Sapporo, you’ll cover all the city’s highlights and get a good insight into what it’s like.
I felt like Sapporo was the perfect summer escapism from Tokyo’s heat. Summer in Japan is no joke, and it felt much nicer in Sapporo. If you’re unsure about visiting Sapporo in the summer, I would recommend it it should not be overlooked as a summer destination!
I would love to come back in the winter to experience all the beauty of nature with the snow!
Need more Japan travel inspiration? Check out those travel guides about various destinations all around Japan!
- Ride the SL Paleo Express In Chichibu
- First time in Tokyo Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
- A Relax Kagoshima 3 Day Itinerary
- How To Spend One Day In Kagoshima City
- Visit USJ in Osaka Guide
- Day Trip From Tokyo: Kawagoe Little Edo Things To Do
- Hike in Tokyo: Mt Takao
Also, follow me on Instagram to check out my travel adventures around Europe and more lifestyle content @cpt_lyne!
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14 Things To Do In Sapporo, Hokkaido
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!
