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Popular Tourist Attractions in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our series of resources for visitors to Sapporo, we provide details about the most popular tourist attractions in Sapporo, Japan.

In this article, we will introduce the best tourist spots in Sapporo, divided into different types of attractions. Here is a collection of famous locations where tourists and visitors can enjoy sightseeing, nature, food, shopping, and cultural experiences in Sapporo City.

What to See and Do in Sapporo

See our article below for more details on each of the topics:

— Famous Tourist Spots in Sapporo
— Best Parks and Gardens in Sapporo
— Biggest Shrines and Temples in Sapporo
— Best Museums in Sapporo
— Best Shopping in Sapporo
— Best Onsen in Sapporo
— Biggest Festivals in Sapporo
— Biggest Events in Sapporo
— Ski Jump Facility in Sapporo
— Marathons in Sapporo
— Baseball in Sapporo

More details below.

Famous Tourist Spots in Sapporo

Sapporo Clock Tower (札幌時計台)

Address: Kita 1 Nishi 2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 350 JPY / High school and younger: Free
Website: sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp

The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, originally built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College. The building showcases American-style architecture and houses a museum explaining the early development of Sapporo.

The Clock Tower is not the same as the TV Tower, but both have prominent clocks (and are physically close to each other). The Clock Tower is a traditional wooden structure, while the TV Tower is a tall, metal structure, with a digital clock (and resembles France’s Eiffel Tower).

Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)

Address: Odori Nishi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 1,000 JPY / High school: 800 JPY / Elementary: 500 JPY
Website: tvtower.co.jp

The Sapporo TV Tower is located inside Odori Park, and features a large, digital clock (by Panasonic) that can be seen from several blocks away. The tower offers panoramic views of the park and the Sapporo city skyline. This tall, metal structure features an observation deck at 90 meters, which is especially beautiful during winter illuminations and the Snow Festival.

While there is fee for tourists to go up into the tower to see the view, the Sapporo TV Tower is free for local residents on their birthday (within three days before or after their birthday).

Mount Moiwa Ropeway (藻岩山ロープウェイ)

Address: Fushimi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 2,100 JPY round trip / Children: 1,050 JPY
Website: mt-moiwa.jp

Mount Moiwa is famous for its romantic night view, often listed among Japan’s top three most scenic views. Visitors can ride a ropeway and cable car to the summit for a stunning panoramic view of Sapporo at night.

Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)

Address: Miyanosawa 2-2-11-36, Nishi-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 1,800 JPY / Students: 1,200 JPY / Children: 600 JPY
Website: shiroikoibitopark.jp

Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate-themed amusement facility run by the makers of Hokkaido’s famous “Shiroi Koibito” cookies. Visitors can view the production line, join workshops, and explore the photogenic gardens.

Royce’ Town Factory (ロイズタウン工場見学館)

Address: Tobetsu-cho, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido (near Royce’ Town)
Admission Fee: Free (some areas or activities may require a fee)
Website: royce.com

Royce’ Town Factory is an immersive chocolate experience created by Royce’, one of Hokkaido’s most beloved chocolate brands. Visitors can watch the chocolate production process from behind glass windows, enjoy interactive exhibits about cacao and chocolate-making, and explore beautifully designed spaces perfect for photos.

Maruyama Zoo (円山動物園)

Address: Miyagaoka 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 800 JPY / High School Students: 400 JPY / Junior High School Students and Younger: Free
Website: maruyama-zoo.jp

Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido’s most popular attractions, located next to Maruyama Park. The zoo is known for its spacious, natural-style enclosures and its focus on animals from cold climates, including polar bears, red pandas, and snow leopards. It is a family-friendly destination that offers educational exhibits and seasonal events throughout the year.

Best Parks and Gardens in Sapporo

Odori Park (大通公園)

Address: Odori Nishi 1–12, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: odori-park.jp

Odori Park stretches through central Sapporo and is the main venue for seasonal events including the Snow Festival, White Illumination, and the Yosakoi dance competition. The park offers wide lawns, flowerbeds, and fountains, providing a relaxing area for both locals and tourists.

Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園)

Address: Moerenuma-koen 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free (some facilities may require fees)
Website: moerenumapark.jp

Designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park blends art, design, and landscape architecture. The park features iconic structures like the Glass Pyramid, Tetra Mound, and a massive fountain.

Maruyama Park (円山公園)

Address: Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: maruyamapark.jp

Maruyama Park a beautiful park, a short walk from Maruyama Station, is located against the western mountains in Sapporo. There is a children’s play area, a stream and a pond (with ducks), and a beautiful collection of redwood trees (the forested walking paths make it a relaxing destination for nature lovers). It is also located next to Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo. Maruyama Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing area in spring.

While usually not a problem, there are occasionally warnings about bears in the park.

Nakajima Park (中島公園)

Address: Nakajima Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: nakajimakoen.jp

Nakajima Park features a peaceful pond, historic buildings, and the Sapporo Concert Hall “Kitara.” It is a scenic place to visit throughout the year, especially during autumn foliage.

For more information about nature spots, please see our Guide to Parks and Gardens in Sapporo, Japan.

Biggest Shrines and Temples in Sapporo

Hokkaido Shrine (北海道神宮)

Address: Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: hokkaidojingu.or.jp

Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Hokkaido and hosts major ceremonies including New Year’s visits and the Hokkaido Shrine Festival in June.

Fushimi Inari Sapporo (伏見稲荷神社)

Address: Fushimi 2-2-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: fushimiinari.jp

Known for its red torii gates similar to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, this shrine offers a beautiful hillside setting.

Shinzenkoji Temple (真言宗国宝真禅寺)

Address: Kita 3 Nishi 1-3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free
Website: s-zenkoj.com

A traditional Shingon Buddhist temple known for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural significance in Sapporo.

Best Museums in Sapporo

Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール博物館)

Address: Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Free for basic tour / Premium Tour: around 1,000 JPY
Website: sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/

The Sapporo Beer Museum details the history of Sapporo Beer and the development of brewing in Hokkaido. The adjacent beer hall is popular for tastings and Hokkaido-style lamb BBQ.

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art (北海道立近代美術館)

Address: Kita 1 Nishi 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 510 JPY / Students: 250 JPY
Website: artmuseum.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/knb/english

A major art museum featuring paintings, sculptures, and works by Hokkaido artists.

Historical Village of Hokkaido (北海道開拓の村)

Address: Atsubetsucho Konopporo, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 800 JPY / Students: 600 JPY / Children: 100 JPY
Website: kaitaku.or.jp/en/

An open-air museum showcasing buildings from Hokkaido’s pioneering era. Visitors can walk through historical townscapes and learn about early settlements.

Sapporo Best Shopping

Sapporo Station Area Shopping

Daimaru Sapporo (大丸札幌店)

Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: 10:00–20:00 (Restaurants may stay open later)
Daimaru Sapporo is a high-end department store directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, offering luxury brands, fashion, cosmetics, and a popular basement food floor.

Sapporo Stellar Place (札幌ステラプレイス)

Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (JR Sapporo Station)
Opening Time: Shopping 10:00–21:00 / Dining 11:00–23:00
Stellar Place is a modern shopping complex with fashion, lifestyle stores, cafés, and restaurants, making it one of the most convenient shopping spots in Sapporo.

JR Tower (JRタワー)

Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: Varies by facility (Shopping generally 10:00–21:00 / Observation Deck 10:00–22:00)
JR Tower is a landmark complex above Sapporo Station, featuring shopping, dining, offices, a hotel, and the popular T38 observation deck with panoramic city views.

Apia (アピア)

Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 3–4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (Underground, Sapporo Station)
Opening Time: Shopping 10:00–21:00 / Dining 11:00–22:00
Apia is an underground shopping mall connected to Sapporo Station, ideal for shopping and dining regardless of weather, especially during winter.

Tokyu Department Store Sapporo (さっぽろ東急百貨店)

Address: Kita 4-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: 10:00–20:00
Tokyu Department Store offers a wide range of fashion, household goods, souvenirs, and food, catering to both locals and tourists.

Odori–Susukino Area Shopping

Tanukikoji Shopping Street (狸小路商店街)

Address: Minami 2–3-jo Nishi 1–7-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: Varies by shop (Most shops open around 10:00–20:00)
Tanukikoji is Sapporo’s historic covered shopping arcade, lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, drugstores, and local boutiques.

Parco Sapporo (札幌パルコ)

Address: Minami 1-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: 10:00–20:00
PARCO Sapporo is a trendy shopping destination popular with younger visitors, featuring fashion brands, pop-up stores, and cafes.

Mitsukoshi Sapporo (札幌三越)

Address: Minami 1-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: 10:00–19:30
Mitsukoshi is a traditional department store offering luxury fashion, fine food, and high-quality Japanese goods.

Marui Imai Sapporo (丸井今井札幌本店)

Address: Minami 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening Time: 10:30–19:30
Marui Imai is one of Sapporo’s oldest department stores, known for its elegant atmosphere, fashion, and gourmet food selections.

Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall (Pole Town / Aurora Town)

Address: Underground between Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino
Opening Time:
Pole Town: 10:00–20:00
Aurora Town: 10:00–20:00
This extensive underground shopping network connects major areas of central Sapporo, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for exploring in any season.

If you’d like to learn more, visit our complete Guide to Shopping in Sapporo, Japan, including a list of the best department stores in Sapporo.

Best Onsen in Sapporo

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo – Sky Resort Spa “Pulau Bulan”(JRタワーホテル日航札幌スカイリゾートスパプラウブラン)

Address: Nishi 2-chome, Kita 5-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo (JR Sapporo Station)
Admission Fee: From around 2,900 JPY (varies by time and plan)
Website: jrtower-hotels.com

Sky Resort Spa “Pulau Bulan” is a luxury spa located on the upper floors of JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. The spa offers panoramic views of the city from its baths and relaxation areas, making it an ideal place to unwind after sightseeing. Facilities include indoor baths, saunas, and relaxation lounges, providing a refined and tranquil atmosphere in the heart of Sapporo.

Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo Hotel & Spa Resort (シャトレーゼガトーキングダムサッポロホテル＆スパリゾート)

Address: Atsubetsu-chō Chūō 1-2-1, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo
Admission/Fee:Day Spa & Pool Access from around 2,000–3,000 JPY (varies by age, day, and plan)
Website: gateauxkingdom.com

Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo Hotel & Spa Resort is a family-friendly hotel and leisure complex featuring an expansive water park, spa facilities, pools, hot springs, and various dining options. Perfect for both families and couples, the resort offers fun activities and relaxation year-round, including themed water attractions, lazy rivers, saunas, and comfortable resting areas. It’s a popular destination for a full-day getaway in Sapporo.

Mori no Uta Jozankei Onsen (森の謌定山渓温泉)

Address: 3-192 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Day-use typically 2,000–3,000 JPY depending on season and plan
Website: morino-uta.com/en/

Mori no Uta is one of Jozankei’s most well-known luxury onsen resorts, surrounded by forests and designed with a warm, nature-inspired atmosphere. The facility offers indoor and open-air baths, relaxation lounges, and beautifully designed spaces that highlight the natural charm of Jozankei.

The Jozankei area is technically in Sapporo, but it is at the very south-easter border, quite far from downtown.

Hoheikyo Onsen (豊平峡温泉)

Address: 608-2 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Adults: 1,200 JPY / Children: 600 JPY
Website: hoheikyo.co.jp/

Hoheikyo Onsen is one of Sapporo’s most popular natural hot springs, famous for its 100% pure, unfiltered hot spring water that flows directly from the source. The outdoor bath (rotenburo), one of the largest in Hokkaido; surrounded by trees and mountain scenery that change beautifully with each season.

Jozankei View Hotel (定山渓ビューホテル)

Address: 2-111-3 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Admission Fee: Day-use typically 2,000–3,000 JPY depending on the season and plan
Website: jozankeiview.com/

Jozankei View Hotel is one of the largest and most popular hot spring resorts in Jozankei, known for its huge indoor water park “Water Kingdom Lagoon”, spacious public baths, and a wide variety of facilities perfect for families and groups. The hotel offers both indoor and open-air onsen baths, allowing guests to enjoy the natural hot spring waters while surrounded by the beautiful seasonal scenery of Jozankei.

For more information about Sapporo’s hot springs, please see our Guide to Onsen in Sapporo, Japan.

Biggest Festival in Sapporo

Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり)

Time: From early morning till 22:00
Date: Early February (usually Feb 4–11)
Address: Odori Park, Odori Nishi 1–11, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: snowfes.com/

The Sapporo Snow Festival is of Japan’s most famous winter festivals, featuring giant snow and ice sculptures across the city. Odori Park displays large snow artworks, Susukino hosts illuminated ice carvings, and Tsudome offers family-friendly snow activities.

See our guide to the Sapporo Winter festival for more information.

Hokkaido Shrine Festival (Sapporo Matsuri / 北海道神宮例祭)

Time: From early morning; parade around 9:00
Date: Mid-June
Address: Hokkaido Shrine, Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: hokkaidojingu.or.jp/

Sapporo’s major traditional festival held at Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most popular shrines in Sapporo. Highlights include a large parade with historical costumes, mikoshi, music, and dancers, all celebrating the arrival of summer.

Yosakoi Soran Festival (YOSAKOI ソーラン祭り)

Time: 10:00–21:00
Date: Early June
Address: Odori Park and multiple venues across Sapporo
Website: yosakoi-soran.jp/en/

A lively dance festival combining Yosakoi dance with Hokkaido’s Soran Bushi music. Thousands of dancers perform energetic routines in colorful costumes throughout the city, with the final night featuring performances and awards.

For more information about annual celebrations and cultural events, please see our Guide to Festivals in Sapporo, Japan.

Biggest Events in Sapporo

Yukitoro (Snow Candle Way / 雪灯路)

Time: 17:00–21:00
Date: Early February
Address: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chōme, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Website: jozankei.jp/en/event/yukituro2026/

Yukitoro is a winter night event in Jozankei featuring hundreds of snow lanterns and candle-lit sculptures. Visitors can stroll through softly illuminated paths and enjoy a calm, romantic snowy atmosphere.

Sapporo Craft Beer Forest (サッポロ・クラフトビア・フォレスト)

Time: 12:00–18:00
Date: Mid-July
Address: Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Chuo-ku
Website: sapporo-craft-beer-forest.com/

Held at the Bankei mountain ski resort, this outdoor festival brings together 30+ breweries from Japan and overseas. Enjoy craft beer, local food, and live music in a relaxed summer setting.

Sapporo City Jazz – Park Jazz Live (サッポロ・シティ・ジャズパークジャズライブ)

Time: 11:00–20:00 (varies by venue)
Date: Late July
Address: Various locations across Sapporo
Website: sapporocityjazz.jp/event/park-jazz-live-2025/

Part of the Sapporo City Jazz Festival, Park Jazz Live offers free jazz performances in parks and public spaces. Local and international musicians perform in a casual, open-air atmosphere.

Rising Sun Rock Festival (ライジング・サン・ロックフェスティバル)

Time: From morning until sunrise
Date: Mid-August
Address: Ishikari Bay New Port (near Sapporo)
Website: rsr.wess.co.jp/2025/

Japan’s largest all-night outdoor music festival, featuring top Japanese and international artists. The event includes camping areas, food stalls, and nonstop live performances until dawn.

Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory (サッポロファクトリージャンボクリスマスツリー)

Time: 10:00–20:00 (illumination from late afternoon)
Date: Early November–Late December
Address: Sapporo Factory Atrium, Chuo-ku
Website: sapporofactory.jp/

A giant real Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights fills the indoor atrium each winter. It’s a popular spot for festive displays, events, and holiday photos. Sapporo Factory is also a top destination for shopping in Sapporo.

Ski Jump Facility in Sapporo

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (大倉山ジャンプ競技場)

Time: 9:00–18:00 (hours vary by season)
Date: Open year-round
Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: okurayama-jump.jp/

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (which can be easily seen from the streets of Sapporo every night) is a historic ski jump stadium and symbol of Sapporo’s winter sports legacy. Visitors can ride the lift to the observation deck for panoramic city views, explore the ski museum, and watch training sessions during ski season. There are also international competitions held each winter at this facility.

For more information about ski jumping and winter sports, please see our Guide to Ski Jumping in Sapporo.

Marathons in Sapporo

Hokkaido Marathon (北海道マラソン)

Time: Morning start
Date: Late August
Address: Starts and finishes in central Sapporo (Odori Park area)
Website: hokkaido-marathon.com/

Hokkaido’s largest full marathon and one of Japan’s major summer races. Runners compete on a certified course through Sapporo, with cheering crowds and a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

For more information about the Hokkaido Marathon, please see our Guide to the Hokkaido Marathon.

Sapporo Marathon (札幌マラソン)

Time: Morning start (varies by race category)
Date: Early October
Address: Nakajima Park and surrounding streets, Sapporo
Website: satumara.sapporo-sport.jp/

An annual city marathon attracting runners of all levels. The course passes through central Sapporo, offering scenic views of parks and city landmarks in the cool autumn weather.

For more information about the Sapporo Marathon, please see our Guide to the Sapporo Marathon.

Baseball in Sapporo

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (北海道日本ハムファイターズ)

Time: Game times vary by schedule
Date: March–October (baseball season)
Address: ES CON Field Hokkaido, F Village, Kitahiroshima City (near Sapporo)
Website: fighters.co.jp/

The Hokkaido Fighters are the professional baseball team for Sapporo, and one of Japan’s most popular clubs. Home games are played at the state-of-the-art ES CON Field Hokkaido, featuring a retractable roof, open-air seating, dining, and entertainment areas.

For more information about professional baseball in the city, please see our guide to Baseball in Sapporo.