Sapporo is a snowy town in Hokkaido that brings to mind beer, the 1972 Winter Olympics and beautiful winter destinations. However, other treasures await exploration in Japan’s fifth-largest city. Why not dive into the city’s history, savor the north’s culinary pleasures and stroll through beautiful parks? Whatever your travel needs, read on for more of the best places Sapporo offers!
1. Sapporo Clock Tower
Photo: iStock/bee32Built in 1878 and designated an Important Cultural Property in 1970, the Sapporo Clock Tower is one of Sapporo’s few remaining historical Western-styled buildings. It continues to be a prominent landmark of the city. The Clock Tower was developed with American assistance. Its design is based on architecture typically found in wooden houses of the US Midwest. It was originally used as a military drill hall for Sapporo Agricultural College or modern-day Hokkaido University. It now serves as a museum, explaining the history and development of Sapporo.
2. Odori Park
Photo: iStock/ogalOdori Park, extending over 1.5 km through the center of Sapporo, provides a lovely respite. Completed in 1871, the park was originally built as a firebreak between the northern and southern parts of the city. The park features large and ornate fountains. Seasonally arranged garden displays and flowering trees show off lilacs, the official tree of Sapporo. The park also plays a vital role in yearly festivals, such as the summer Beer Garden and the February Snow Festival. The latter welcomes over 2 million visitors yearly to marvel at ornate ice sculptures and snow statues.
3. Nijo Market
Photo: PIXTA/まちゃーNijo Market, at the heart of Sapporo, is a favorite for its tasty seafood and lively vibe. Established in the Meiji period, it originated when Ishikari Beach fishermen brought their catch to sell in the city. Now spanning a whole city block, it boasts around 15 fisheries offering fresh delights like crabs, scallops and Hokkaido souvenirs such as dried fish and seaweed. You’ll find shops selling local vegetables and fruits, including the renowned musk melon. Don’t overlook the fantastic sushi, grilled fish, and seafood rice bowls served in eateries along the narrow Noren Yokocho corridor.
4. Jozankei Onsen
Photo: PIXTA/YsPhotoJozankei Onsen is a popular hot spring resort, just a short day trip outside central Sapporo. The onsen (hot spring) is located in a valley in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, offering scenic vistas throughout the year and exciting outdoor activities for every season, like snowshoeing, fruit picking, hiking and glamping. The hot springs were discovered in 1866. Since then, several ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) have been established in the area, offering access to their onsen for visitors to the resort. You can also experience the hot springs for free by trying the many hand and foot baths around the park.
5. Susukino Area/Ramen Yokocho Street
Photo: iStock/winhorseSusukino is Hokkaido’s biggest entertainment district, with many nighttime establishments, from karaoke and izakaya (Japanese pubs) to bars and LGBT clubs. Many stores and restaurants are packed into this bustling area that you can access during the day. One of the most famous stretches is Ganso Ramen Yokocho street, where 17 restaurants serving unique versions of Sapporo’s famous miso ramen line the narrow alley. Open late into the night (some until 5 a.m.), these ramen shops are popular with tourists looking to try miso ramen in its homeland and locals partying in Susukino.
6. Sapporo Factory
Photo: PIXTA/はっさくBuilt on the previous Kaitakushi Beer Brewery (the predecessor of Sapporo Beer), Sapporo Factory opened in 1993 as a shopping and entertainment site in the city’s center. Sapporo Factory comprises seven interconnected buildings, including a movie theater, a supermarket, clothing stores, lifestyle goods and more. The Atrium building is a great place to relax after a few hours of shopping, with many restaurants and cafes in its glassed-in garden! The Renga-Kan (Red Brick Building) and Observation Hall also have a beer hall, beer tastings and a small museum showcasing Kaitakushi’s history.
7. Sapporo Beer Garden
Photo: iStock/Jui-Chi ChanThe symbol of the Sapporo Beer Garden is the Kaitakushi-kan (Red Brick Building), consisting of two large restaurant halls with their original red-brick architecture intact. The building was constructed in 1890 as a sugar factory and later used as a malting factory until 1963. The Beer Garden opened in 1966 and serves freshly brewed beer from the Sapporo Factory next door and all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan lamb BBQ, a Hokkaido specialty. Nowadays, you can relive history while eating and drinking the same delicious beer and food as when it opened.
8. Shiroi Koibito Park
Photo: PIXTA/YsPhotoShiroi Koibito Park is a theme park run by the Hokkaido chocolatier Ishiya that will satisfy your sweet cravings in a whimsical Japanese and British cultural melange. Ishiya is well-known for making one of Sapporo’s premier souvenir treats, the Shiroi Koibito, two crispy flat cookies with white chocolate sandwiched between them. Join sweets-making classes, tour the production lines of Ishiya’s treats, learn how chocolate is made at the Study Base Cacao Pod and eat exclusive products, like the Sweets Enjoy Set at the Chocolate Lounge Oxford.
9. Moerenuma Park
Photo: PIXTA/tomcatThis park was conceptualized by the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who began working on it in 1982 as part of Sapporo’s larger Circular Greenbelt, which connects the city’s green areas. In 2005, the park held its grand opening as a place where art and nature intermingled. There are many intriguing design elements in Moerenuma Park, such as a man-made mountain and a glass pyramid building that uses Sapporo’s snow to power an air-conditioner. It also has charming seasonal elements, including cherry blossoms in spring, a summer wading pool, fall foliage and cross-country skiing for winter.
10. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Photo: PIXTA/tatsumi_yukiExperience the joy of skiing in Japan at the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, nestled in the stunning Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It features five lifts and seven courses. The courses cater to all skill levels, including a challenging black run from beginners to advanced. Despite its smaller scale, the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a favorite among enthusiasts due to heavy snowfall. ensuring exceptionally fluffy powder and excellent skiing conditions.
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