15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo
What is Sapporo Most Famous For?
Located on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan and is packed with interesting things to do. A host of festivals celebrating everything from the blooming of the cherry trees to Yosakoi dance draw many visitors year after year. During the winter months, the parks are filled with spectacular snow and ice sculptures for the infamous Yuki Matsuri.
There is significant variety in Sapporo’s attractions, and the city has a few surprises in store that celebrate the local specialties or provide stunning city skyline views. Read on for our list of the city’s best.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
1. Odori Park
The stage of the city’s festivals
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Odori Park is the centre of the action in Sapporo. This 12-block stretch runs through the city centre and hosts festivals and events year-round. In summer, the park teems with street performers and snack vendors. Winter brings the city’s biggest annual event, the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival), which draws visitors from around the country for its spectacular snow and ice sculptures.
Other festivals hosted at the park include the Lilac Festival in May and the Summer Festival, which sees the park transformed into one gigantic beer garden. The Yosakoi Soran festival has gained international attention in recent years: this colourful dance celebration features dance teams facing off in high-energy folk dances.
Dirección: 1-12 Chome, Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0042, Japan
Odori Park
2. Horomitoge Lavender Garden
A stunning seasonal floral display
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos, Poco común
The Horomitoge Lavender Garden blooms into a spectacular sea of purple that makes for a sublime photo op. The garden boasts over 5,000 vibrant lavender plants, a colourful affair to rival Hokkaido’s more famous fields of Furano.
The gardens are located just outside of the city, and you’ll need to take the train and transfer to a bus to reach it. Although the gardens are open from April until November, you’ll need to time your trip in July to see the lavender in bloom. For a small fee, you can snip a few fragrant flowers to take home as a souvenir.
Dirección: 471-110 Bankei, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0945, Japan
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-622-5167
Horomitoge Lavender Garden
3. Maruyama Park
The city’s woodland
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Maruyama Park is a sprawling green space in the west of Sapporo home to the Hokkaido Shrine, the Maruyama Zoo and several athletic fields all amidst wooded parkland. The park’s paths are lined with magnolia, maple and over 1,500 sakura, making it a hugely popular spot for cherry blossom viewing each May.
Its magnificent cypress and elm trees make the park particularly stunning in the winter season when the boughs hang heavy with snow. Nestled in this enchanting forest, the Hokkaido Shrine offers a tranquil respite from the city bustle. Pass through the enormous torii gate to visit the main hall, housing 4 Shinto deities, and stop for a cup of tea at the traditional café.
Dirección: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959, Japan
Horario: February–October from 9 am to 5 pm. November–January from 9 am to 4 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-621-0453
Maruyama Park
4. JR Tower Observation Deck
Stunning cityscape night or day
The view from JR Tower’s 160-metre-high observatory ‘Tower 38’ makes an impression. From the deck, nothing gets in the way of the far-reaching 360-degree vistas. This observation area is on the top floor of JR Tower, a commercial complex that houses shops, restaurants, department stores and a hotel.
On the deck, visitors will find a souvenir shop and a café sells coffee by day and drinks by night. The view is a little extra special after dark when the city lights stretch out as far as the eye can see.
Dirección: JR Tower East 6F, 5-Chome 5, Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-209-5500
JR Tower Observation Deck
5. Former Hokkaido Government Building
An adventure to the history of the prefecture
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
At the time of its construction in 1888, the Old Hokkaido Government Building was the largest and tallest building in Japan. The grand red-brick building built in Neo-Baroque style quickly became a local attraction, as this type of architecture is a rare sighting in the country. The stately architecture and well-manicured gardens make it a lovely backdrop for a photo-op.
The building now contains the Hokkaido Historical Galley, which provides visitors with an introduction to the history and culture of the island and is free to enter. You can also peek into the opulent executive offices of past administrators and governors.
Dirección: 6 Chome Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8588, Japan
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-231-4111
Former Hokkaido Government Building
6. Jozankei Onsen
A hot spring oasis just one hour from the city
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
A famed Sapporo natural attraction, this hot spring town is nestled in a canyon inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It’s about an hour’s trek from the Sapporo city centre but feels much further, with its small-town atmosphere and green mountain surroundings. The steaming springs are a soothing delight year-round, but especially during the chill of winter.
Spend an afternoon at a day spa like Hoheikyo Hot Spring, gazing out at the natural landscape from an open-air bath, or dip your toes in the town’s foot baths. Many of Jozankei’s ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer day passes to their private springs.
Jozankei Onsen
7. Sapporo Beer Museum
An exhibition of Japan’s favourite brews
Sapporo Beer is one of Japan’s oldest breweries. Opened in 1987, the Sapporo Beer Museum walks visitors through the history of the brewery and Japan’s beer industry and explores brewing techniques in 10 multi-lingual exhibits. The red-brick industrial building was originally the site of the Sapporo Sugar Factory before it was renovated to house the museum.
While the museum is free to enter, you’ll want to budget for the on-site beer garden. Accompany your tasting of 3 half-pints with a snack of local Hokkaido cheese or a huge spread of all-you-can-eat barbeque.
Dirección: 9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
Horario: Daily from 11 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-748-1876
Sapporo Beer Museum
8. Sapporo TV Tower
City views from Odori Park
Categorías: Fotos
Standing tall at the eastern end of Odori Park, the 147-metre-high TV Tower affords views out over the city as far as the distant mountains. It serves double duty as a transportation hub, built over a bus and subway station and a tourist information centre. While nowadays it has competition from the nearby skyscrapers for the best views, this structure built in 1957 retains the nostalgic charm of its era.
Take the elevator up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city. Visiting in the evenings rewards with a sparkling nightscape as well as the colourful illumination of the tower itself.
Dirección: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11 241 1131
Sapporo TV Tower
9. Bankei Ski Area
A Sapporo wintersports wonderland
Categorías: Familias, Aventuras, Grupos
Bankei Ski Area is an urban snowsports facility located only 20 minutes from central Sapporo. The purpose-built facility offers fun activities for all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts.
The well-equipped centre is home to the largest halfpipe in Japan, as well as shops, restaurants, a daycare centre and a snowpark play area for kids. Equipment and clothing can be rented on-site, a great option if you’re travelling light. Ski and snowboard lessons are available in English, and there’s a large wooden fireplace where you can unwind once you’ve finished working up a sweat.
Dirección: 410 Bankei, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0945, Japan
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-641-0071
Bankei Ski Area
10. Otaru Dream Beach
An oceanfront party spot
Categorías: Ambiente nocturno
Otaru Dream Beach is a lively seaside destination filled with bars, restaurants and a buzzing party atmosphere. One of the closest beaches to the city of Sapporo, it is hugely popular with students and a young crowd looking to let their hair down on the weekends.
The sandy beach is lined with bars and izakaya-style restaurants selling fresh-off-the-grill yakitori and seafood dishes. While this beach isn’t known for its natural beauty, the feel-good mood is what keeps people coming back. The beach is accessible by public transport in a little over one hour or 30 minutes by car.
Dirección: 3 Chome-70 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0261, Japan
Teléfono: +81 (0)13-462-3003
Otaru Dream Beach
11. Hokkaido Museum
A dive into local history and culture
Categorías: Familias, Historia
The exhibits of the Hokkaido Museum explore the natural history and historical development of Japan’s northernmost major island. A great blend of education and entertainment, the museum is an especially fitting destination for families visiting Sapporo.
The main exhibition covers the history of Hokkaido from about 2 million years ago through the present day, divided chronologically into 8 stages. The exhibits covering the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous peoples, and the Early Modern Era (1869–1886) are of particular interest. Educational programmes that can include weaving tapestries or milling with stone mortar are a great way to engage children in the local culture.
Dirección: 53-2 Atsubetsucho Konopporo, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo 004-0006, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (open until 5 pm May–September)
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-898-0466
Hokkaido Museum
12. Sapporo Clock Tower
The American-built symbol of the city
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Asequible
Despite its modest appearance, the Sapporo Clock Tower is considered an important symbol of the city. You will certainly have seen it floating in the city’s shop windows or stamped on tourism pamphlets. Originally built as a martial arts hall for the Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University, the 1878 building boasts the oldest existing clock tower in Japan.
The building now houses a small museum that narrates the early history of Sapporo. On the second floor, visitors can examine the clock’s internal mechanisms. Whether or not you take an interest in its history, the clock tower’s distinct character brings locals strolling past to enjoy its charming façade.
Dirección: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan
Horario: Daily from 8.45 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11 231 0838
Sapporo Clock Tower
13. Shiroi Koibito Park
For an afternoon of tasting and exploring
Categorías: Familias, Fotos, Comida
The existence of a place like Shiroi Koibito Park is a surprise and a delight: this small theme park is centred not around beloved characters or thrilling rides, but a popular Sapporo confection. The shiroi koibito cookie is the city’s most-bought souvenir, a lightly sweet cookie sandwich with a white chocolate filling. This park may be the closest we’ll get to Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, and it’s loved by couples and families alike.
The grounds resemble a charming English neighbourhood with its Tudor houses and rose gardens. Visitors can tour the factory to see how the cookies and chocolate are made and sample other Ishiya treats, some of which are only available at the park.
Dirección: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-666-1481
Shiroi Koibito Park
14. Sapporo Salmon Museum
Hands-on learning about river ecosystems
Categorías: Familias, Poco común
A museum dedicated to salmon may not jump to the top of everyone’s list, but rest assured that the Sapporo Salmon Museum is a great destination for families. The museum’s mission is to conserve the salmon popular in the local rivers, and to that end, it educates the community and monitors the ecosystem and salmon populations.
Visitors will be able to observe salmon in various stages of life in an underground observation room. They’ll also see frogs and other creatures from the river habitat. The museum hosts a variety of educational activities throughout the year to engage children, including releasing baby salmon into the river in the spring.
Dirección: 2-1 Makomanai Koen, Minami, Sapporo
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.15 to 4.45 (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)11 582 7555
Sapporo Salmon Museum
15. Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium
Amazing view from the top of a 300-metre-high jump
Categorías: Fotos, Poco común
In 1972 when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, it constructed a giant ski jump on the side of Mount Okura overlooking the city. Today, the ski jump remains as it was as a tourist attraction. Visitors can ride the chair lift to the top of the astoundingly large jump to the Okurayama Observatory, which offers a spectacular view of the city.
The Ski Jump Stadium is connected by a bus line and otherwise accessible by car. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, visit the adjacent Sapporo Olympic Museum, which is full of memorabilia from the games plus race and bobsled simulators.
Dirección: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0958, Japan
Horario: May–October from 8.30 am to 6 pm. November–April from 9.30 to 5 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)11-641-8585
Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium
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