Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fourth most populous city, is a vibrant destination where modern city life meets the vast beauty of nature. Around Sapporo Station, you’ll find a lively urban landscape filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment, yet just a short distance away, the scenery opens up to Hokkaido’s breathtaking wilderness. This perfect harmony between city and nature is one of Sapporo’s greatest charms.
As the main gateway to Hokkaido, Sapporo is easily accessible from New Chitose Airport in as little as 33 minutes via the Rapid Airport Express. The city often serves as the centerpiece of many Hokkaido travel itineraries, thanks to its abundance of popular attractions and restaurants. From the expansive Odori Park to Susukino—one of Japan’s three largest entertainment districts—Sapporo offers a wealth of experiences. Food lovers can savor iconic Hokkaido dishes such as miso ramen, jingisukan (grilled lamb), and fresh seafood all in one city.
Sapporo also hosts major events throughout the year, including the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the three largest snow festivals in the world. In winter, the snow-covered night views are nothing short of magical, but each season brings its own unique beauty, making Sapporo a destination you can enjoy year-round.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Sapporo, the answer depends on what you want to see and experience. Each season brings its own unique beauty, events, and flavors, making Sapporo a year-round destination. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you plan your trip.
Spring in Sapporo is a season of renewal, when the snow finally melts and colorful flowers begin to bloom across the city. From late April to early May, cherry blossoms paint the parks and streets in shades of pink. Popular spots for hanami (flower viewing) include Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.
By mid-May, lilacs—the official tree of Sapporo—burst into bloom during the Sapporo Lilac Festival in Odori Park, where you can enjoy outdoor concerts, local food stalls, and a fragrant sea of flowers. The Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park also offers stunning displays of tulips covering entire hillsides.
Spring is also the perfect season to enjoy Hokkaido’s fresh seafood and wild mountain vegetables, such as bamboo shoots and spring crab dishes, which are available only at this time of year.
Thanks to its mild temperatures and low humidity, summer in Sapporo is perfect for outdoor activities and vibrant festivals. The season kicks off with the YOSAKOI Soran Festival in June, featuring dynamic dance performances throughout the city. In July and August, the Sapporo Summer Festival transforms Odori Park into one of Japan’s largest beer gardens, where visitors can sample local brews and Hokkaido specialties under the open sky.
Following the local tradition, try a jingisukan BBQ (grilled lamb) at one of the city’s outdoor venues, or cool down with fresh soft serve ice cream made from Hokkaido milk. Summer is also the best time to enjoy fresh uni (sea urchin), sweet cherries, and other seasonal delicacies.
As autumn arrives, Sapporo’s parks, mountains, and riversides are painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. One of the best spots to enjoy the autumn foliage is Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring town nestled in a valley just an hour from the city center. Here, you can soak in an open-air bath while surrounded by breathtaking fall colors.
Food lovers will not want to miss the Sapporo Autumn Fest, held in Odori Park, where restaurants and producers from all over Hokkaido gather to showcase seasonal specialties. This is also the peak season for fresh ikura (salmon roe), best enjoyed on top of a generous seafood rice bowl.
Winter transforms Sapporo into a snowy wonderland. The city is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the world’s largest winter events, attracting millions of visitors with its massive ice and snow sculptures. From late November, the Sapporo White Illumination lights up Odori Park and the city streets, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding without leaving the city—Sapporo Teine and Moiwa Ski Resort are both easily accessible from downtown. After a day in the snow, warm up with a steaming bowl of Sapporo miso ramen, a hearty dish that’s especially satisfying in the cold.
No matter when you visit, Sapporo offers a unique mix of seasonal beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable food. From spring’s cherry blossoms to winter’s snow festivals, the city’s blend of urban excitement and natural charm ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Sapporo is well-connected by air and rail, making it easy to reach from major Japanese cities. Below are the most common and convenient routes to Sapporo Station, the city’s main transportation hub.
💡 Travel Tip:
Sapporo has an efficient and easy-to-use public transportation system that makes exploring the city simple, even for first-time visitors. Most major attractions can be reached by subway, streetcar (tram), or bus.
💡 Travel Tip:
| Month | Avg Low / Avg High (°C) | Recommended Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| January | −12 / −2 | Heavy winter coat, insulated boots, gloves, hat |
| February | −11 / −1 (approx.) | Similar to January—layer well for potential snow |
| March | ~0 / ~10 | Warm layers, light jacket—transition to spring |
| April | ~3 / ~11 | Medium-weight jacket, long sleeves, scarf |
| May | ~8 / ~17 | Light sweaters, layers—pleasant spring weather |
| June | ~13 / ~22 | T-shirt with light jacket—comfortable for warm days |
| July | ~17 / ~25 | Summer wear (shorts, tees)—evenings may need jacket |
| August | ~19 / ~26 | Light summer clothes; sun protection recommended |
| September | ~14 / ~23 | Light jacket or layered tops for mild weather |
| October | ~7 / ~16 | Jumpers and mid-weight coat for cooler mornings |
| November | ~1 / ~9 | Warm jacket, perhaps knitwear |
| December | ~−4 / ~2 | Winter coat, boots, warm accessories |
If you’re visiting Sapporo for the first time, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks is the best way to start. Sapporo offers a wide variety of sights—from historical buildings and scenic parks to vibrant entertainment districts and delicious food spots.
In this guide, we’ve carefully handpicked 12 classic attractions that truly represent the charm of Sapporo. These are the places that locals recommend, travelers rave about, and that you simply can’t miss on your first trip to the city.
Use this list as the foundation for your Sapporo travel itinerary, and you’ll be sure to experience the very best the city has to offer.
Stretching 1.5 km through the center of the city, Odori Park is a lush green space with around 4,700 trees, including Sapporo’s symbolic lilacs and elms. It’s loved by both locals and visitors as a place to relax, with lawns, fountains, and seasonal flowers.
The park is also the stage for Sapporo’s biggest events: the Lilac Festival in spring, the YOSAKOI Soran Festival and massive beer garden in summer, the Autumn Fest for food lovers, and in winter, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival and dazzling White Illumination. No matter the season, Odori Park is a must-visit landmark that captures the city’s charm.
Built in 1878, the Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a rare example of American-style wooden architecture in Japan. Originally constructed as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, its clock—still in operation today—was imported from Boston and has kept time for over a century.
Inside, you can explore a small museum detailing the building’s history and Sapporo’s early development, with exhibits and photographs from the Meiji era. Located just a short walk from Sapporo Station, the Clock Tower is an essential stop for history lovers and a classic photo spot for any visitor to the city.
One of Sapporo’s most beloved souvenirs, Shiroi Koibito is a famous white chocolate and langue de chat cookie enjoyed across Japan. At Shiroi Koibito Park, visitors can go behind the scenes to watch the production line, explore exhibits on the history of chocolate, and even create their own custom Shiroi Koibito cookie in the hands-on workshop.
This charming chocolate-themed park offers much more than just factory tours. You can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, admire intricate chocolate art displays, and indulge in exclusive sweets you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re here to see, learn, taste, or create, Shiroi Koibito Park is a must-visit for families, couples, and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Standing 147 meters tall at the eastern end of Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower has been a beloved city landmark since 1957. Its observation deck, located 90 meters above ground, offers stunning 360-degree views of Sapporo, Odori Park, and, on clear days, the distant Ishikari Plain and surrounding mountains.
The tower is beautifully illuminated at night and serves as a popular backdrop for seasonal events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival and White Illumination. Inside, you’ll find souvenir shops, a café, and interactive displays about the tower’s history. Whether by day or night, the Sapporo TV Tower is a must-visit spot for capturing the city’s charm from above.
Located just south of Odori Park, Susukino is one of Japan’s three largest entertainment districts, alongside Tokyo’s Kabukicho and Fukuoka’s Nakasu. By night, the streets glow with neon lights, drawing visitors to hundreds of bars, izakayas, clubs, and karaoke spots. It’s the perfect place to experience Sapporo’s lively nightlife.
Susukino is also a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can savor Sapporo’s famous miso ramen in the Ramen Yokocho alley, enjoy fresh Hokkaido seafood, or try jingisukan (grilled lamb) at local restaurants. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant night out or a memorable meal, Susukino is an essential stop on any Sapporo itinerary.
Built in 1888 in American Neo-Baroque style, the Former Hokkaido Government Office, or “Red Brick Office,” is one of Sapporo’s most iconic historic buildings. After a major renovation, it reopened in July 2025 with upgraded exhibits, improved accessibility, and a new balcony offering city views.
Inside, visitors can explore displays on Hokkaido’s history and culture, while the surrounding gardens showcase seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful autumn foliage. Just a short walk from Sapporo Station, this architectural gem is a must-see for history and photography lovers alike.
Located in central Sapporo, Nijo Market has been serving fresh seafood for over a century. This lively market is the perfect place to taste Hokkaido’s ocean bounty—think uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), crab, scallops, and seasonal fish caught in local waters.
Many stalls and small restaurants offer kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) piled high with colorful toppings, as well as grilled seafood to enjoy on the spot. Arrive early in the morning for the freshest selection, and don’t forget to explore the nearby shops selling local produce, snacks, and souvenirs. For food lovers, Nijo Market is a must-visit Sapporo destination.
Nestled in the lush greenery of Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the prefecture. Established in 1869, it enshrines four deities, including the soul of Emperor Meiji, and plays a central role in Hokkaido’s spiritual and cultural life.
The shrine is especially beautiful during spring, when hundreds of cherry blossom trees bloom across its grounds, making it a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing). Seasonal festivals such as the Sapporo Festival in June bring traditional music, dance, and food stalls, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage. Just a short subway ride from central Sapporo, Hokkaido Shrine is a peaceful retreat and a must-visit for those seeking history, culture, and nature in one place.
Designed by world-renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a stunning fusion of art, nature, and architecture. Built on a reclaimed waste disposal site, the park features geometric landscapes, wide open lawns, and striking structures such as the glass-walled Hidamari and the towering Mount Moere, which offers panoramic views of Sapporo.
Seasonal beauty enhances the park year-round—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered sculptures in winter. Cycling paths, playgrounds, and fountains make it ideal for both relaxation and recreation. Located about 30 minutes from central Sapporo, Moerenuma Park is a must-see for design lovers, families, and anyone seeking a unique outdoor experience.
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers sweeping views of the Ishikari Plain and the city skyline, with the snow-capped peaks of the mountains as a backdrop. The hill is famous for its statue of Dr. William S. Clark, the American educator who inspired Hokkaido’s pioneers with his words, “Boys, be ambitious.”
True to its name, the site is home to grazing sheep, adding to the pastoral charm. Seasonal flowers, a winter snow play area, and local food stalls make it a pleasant stop year-round. It’s also a great spot to enjoy soft-serve ice cream made from fresh Hokkaido milk while taking in the scenery. Easily accessible by bus from central Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill combines history, culture, and nature in one relaxing visit.
Opened in July 2023, AOAO SAPPORO is one of the city’s newest attractions, bringing a fresh, modern take on the urban aquarium concept. Located in the heart of central Sapporo, this multi-floor facility combines immersive digital art, creative exhibits, and live aquatic displays to showcase the beauty of marine life from Hokkaido and beyond.
Highlights include massive tanks filled with local cold-water species, hands-on touch pools, and mesmerizing jellyfish illuminated in vibrant colors. Interactive zones and stylish interior design make it as much a cultural space as an aquarium, appealing to families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Easily accessible from Susukino and Odori stations, AOAO SAPPORO offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and relaxation right in the city center.
Tucked away in the heart of Susukino, Ramen Yokocho is a narrow alley lined with small shops dedicated to one of Hokkaido’s most famous dishes—Sapporo miso ramen. Established in 1951, it has become a culinary landmark where visitors can taste authentic bowls prepared by long-running family businesses and innovative newcomers alike.
The rich miso-based broth, curly noodles, and toppings like butter, corn, and fresh seafood make for a hearty meal, especially in winter. Open late into the night, Ramen Yokocho is the perfect place to end an evening in Susukino. With around a dozen shops packed into a single alleyway, it’s a must-visit destination for ramen lovers exploring Sapporo.
Sapporo offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from historic arcades to modern department stores. Whether you’re looking for fashion, souvenirs, or local specialties, these six destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
With over 145 years of history, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most famous shopping arcades. Stretching nearly 900 meters through central Sapporo, it features around 200 shops ranging from trendy fashion boutiques to stores selling local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty foods. The entire street is covered by an arcade roof, making it a great place to shop, dine, or stroll even on rainy or snowy days.
Located beneath central Sapporo, the Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall connects key stations like Odori and Susukino, as well as major landmarks such as the Sapporo TV Tower. Lined with fashion boutiques, cafés, and souvenir shops, it’s a perfect place to browse between sightseeing stops. The underground passages also link to major department stores and buildings above ground, allowing for comfortable shopping year-round, regardless of the weather.
Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, Sapporo Tokyu Department Store offers a refined shopping experience with high-quality fashion, cosmetics, and home goods. The basement food floor is a must-visit for sampling and purchasing Hokkaido delicacies, from fresh seafood to sweets. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop before catching a train or exploring nearby attractions.
Just steps from the Former Hokkaido Government Office, Akarenga Terrace is a modern commercial complex with the concept of “Sapporo’s courtyard.” It houses around 26 shops and restaurants, including cafés serving Hokkaido ingredients and stylish fashion stores. Direct underground access from JR Sapporo Station makes it easy to visit in any weather, and its terrace area offers a pleasant spot to relax between shopping and sightseeing.
Part of the JR Tower complex, Sapporo Stellar Place is one of Japan’s largest shopping centers, with over 200 stores ranging from popular fashion brands to lifestyle goods, plus a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. Its direct connection to Sapporo Station makes it a hub for both locals and visitors. With its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, it’s a destination where you can easily spend an entire day.
Connected to JR Sapporo Station, Daimaru Sapporo is a luxury department store offering premium fashion, accessories, and cosmetics. The basement food hall is particularly popular for its high-quality Hokkaido products, including beautifully packaged sweets and fresh seafood. It’s a great place to shop for elegant souvenirs or to enjoy a gourmet lunch before continuing your travels.
From massive winter festivals to vibrant summer celebrations, Sapporo offers exciting events throughout the year. Here’s a handpicked list of eight popular events—complete with tips on how to get there, avoid the crowds, and what to wear.
One of the world’s largest winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms the city every February with enormous snow and ice sculptures, light shows, and interactive snow activities. The main sites are Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. Around two million visitors attend each year.
Held in September, the Sapporo Autumn Fest is a gourmet paradise where visitors can sample dishes from across Hokkaido. From seafood and regional specialties to local sake and craft beer, it’s a food lover’s dream. Live music and farmers’ markets add to the festive atmosphere.
Every June, the streets of Sapporo come alive with colorful costumes, energetic dance teams, and the sound of naruko clappers. This unique festival blends Kochi’s Yosakoi dance with Hokkaido’s “Soran Bushi” folk song.
From mid-July to early August, the Sapporo Summer Festival combines several events: Japan’s largest beer garden in Odori Park, the historic Tanuki Festival, the lively Susukino Festival, and the Hokkai Bon Odori.
From late November to early March, the Sapporo White Illumination brightens the city with artistic light displays across multiple venues. Perfect for a romantic evening stroll.
In May, around 400 lilac trees bloom in Odori Park, filling the air with fragrance. The Sapporo Lilac Festival includes concerts, tea ceremonies, and guided walks.
Held in summer at Moerenuma Park, this spectacular fireworks show combines music, pyrotechnics, and the park’s artistic landscape designed by Isamu Noguchi.
Located in the forested hills south of the city, Sapporo Art Park hosts a summer festival with outdoor concerts, art workshops, and craft markets.
💡 Extra Tip:
For all major events, consider booking hotels at least 3–6 months in advance. Public transport is the best way to move around, as parking near venues is limited or unavailable.
From iconic sweets available only in Hokkaido to treats famous across Japan, these souvenirs are especially beloved in Sapporo and make perfect gifts to bring home from your trip.
A beloved Sapporo sweet—a crisp langue de chat cookie with white chocolate filling, perfect as a gift.
Crispy potato snacks made from Hokkaido-grown potatoes, known for their light texture and natural flavor.
A soft sponge cake filled with custard cream, offering a light and sweet taste.
A baumkuchen cake with a white chocolate coating, designed to resemble the bark of a tree.
Simple yet rich cookies made with fresh Hokkaido milk, featuring a gentle sweetness.
Moist butter cake from Rokkatei, with a nostalgic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Smooth, creamy milk chocolate from Royce’, famous for its delicate melt and rich flavor.
Discover the Best Sapporo SouvenirsSapporo is a city that seamlessly blends vibrant urban life with the natural beauty of Hokkaido’s landscapes. From iconic landmarks and seasonal festivals to shopping hotspots, gourmet cuisine, and unique local souvenirs, every season offers a new reason to visit. Whether you’re strolling through Odori Park, tasting fresh seafood at Nijo Market, or enjoying the magic of the Snow Festival, Sapporo promises memorable experiences for every traveler.
Plan your trip with these highlights in mind, and you’ll discover why Sapporo remains one of Japan’s most captivating destinations year-round.
