What to see and do in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s biggest city

Although Hokkaido had recently started to intrigue me, Sapporo was certainly not the destination on this island that inspired me the most… and indeed, even after visiting it, I can’t say it’s a city I’d want to return to over and over again, as is the case with Kanazawa, for example.

However, on an itinerary in Hokkaido, Sapporo is an almost obligatory stop, being the largest city in the region and conveniently connected to Shin-Chitose International Airport, from which it is easy to reach tourist destinations such as the lavender fields of Furano and Biei, the hot spring town of Noboribetsu Onsen, and perhaps continue on to Hakodate in the south of Hokkaido.

Undoubtedly, Sapporo is a perfect destination for food lovers, offering incredibly fresh seafood, fantastic Hokkaido snow crab, the famous soup curry, and the iconic miso ramen. There’s also Jingisukan, the grilled mutton dish popular due to Mongolian influence, delicious cheeses, and, of course, Sapporo beer, which originates right here!

What to See in Sapporo

Sapporo is a relatively young city, as it was only during the Meiji period that Japan concentrated on developing this area, which was originally inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people. With the arrival of Commodore Perry’s Black Ships, the United States began sending urban planners and support for the development of Sapporo. As a result, the city has a distinctly Western-style layout, with a grid-like pattern of intersecting streets. To attract Japanese settlers, an intensive development program was launched, introducing modern agricultural techniques and livestock farming for dairy and cheese production—foods that were quite uncommon in the Japanese diet at the time.

Sapporo is a relatively small city, primarily developing along Odori Park, a long and narrow park that stretches for about 1.5 kilometers across the city. Most of Sapporo’s main attractions are concentrated in this area, and it is also where the city’s two main subway lines intersect, making it easy to reach more distant destinations.

In general, I’d say that a couple of days are enough to visit Sapporo, or three at most if you want to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Odori Park Sapporo

Odori Park and the City Center

The heart of Sapporo is undoubtedly Odori Park, a green oasis where you can stroll among flower beds and fountains in summer or enjoy illuminations and Christmas markets in winter. In February, this park hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing enormous snow sculptures. At the eastern end of the park stands the Sapporo TV Tower, which offers a city view from above. However, I recommend saving the 1,000 yen entrance fee and instead heading to the top floor of the nearby Sapporo City Hall, where there is a free observation deck (closed in winter).

Nearby is one of Sapporo’s most famous landmarks, the Sapporo Clock Tower, a small wooden house with a clock imported from Boston, which has been voted Japan’s most disappointing attraction! The name “Clock Tower” might suggest something grand, like Prague’s Astronomical Clock Tower, but in reality, it’s just a small American-style wooden house with the clock almost hidden by tree branches…

Around Odori Park, you’ll also find Sapporo’s two busiest districts: the long Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a covered arcade perfect for souvenir shopping or browsing among typical shops and street food stalls, and Susukino, the nightlife district dominated by the famous Nikka Whiskey sign, full of izakayas, bars, and parfait shops. Here, you must try Sapporo’s signature dessert, the Shime Parfait: layers of ice cream, fresh fruit, cookies, and chocolate, assembled into sophisticated artistic creations in elegant glasses, often with an alcoholic twist. They are stunningly beautiful and highly Instagrammable, but also delicious thanks to the high-quality local ingredients like fruit and dairy. This area is also home to Ramen Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with ramen shops that relocated here after street food stalls (yatai) were banned in an effort to clean up the streets for the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Sapporo Clock tower

Jogai Shijo Market

Although the Nijo Market is often mentioned as a must-visit, I actually don’t recommend it—prices are high, and the quality is average. Instead, visit Jogai Shijo Market, located near Hokkaido Jingu, where locals go to buy the freshest seafood. While the market is generally open until 3 PM, I suggest going early, perhaps for a breakfast of kaisendon, to have the best selection of available seafood.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Hokkaido Jingu is one of the largest and most important shrines in Hokkaido, dedicated to the protective deities of the region. Nestled in the nature of Maruyama Park, it is a true oasis of peace where you can feel the solemn atmosphere and experience “traditional Japan.” I recommend taking your time, strolling through the park along the streams, and admiring the surrounding nature. I visited in winter when a blanket of snow covered everything, making it even more magical.

Hokkaido Jingu

Mount Moiwa Observatory

One of the most spectacular viewpoints in Sapporo is Mount Moiwa, a 531-meter hill whose summit is reached via the Moiwa Ropeway (700 yen one way). The panoramic terrace offers an incredible view of the city, especially at sunset, and the night view from here is considered one of Japan’s top three night views! There’s also the “Bell of Love” at the top, yet another place where couples leave padlocks as a symbol of eternal love… I’m not a big fan of this practice, but to each their own.

Sapporo’s “Factories”: Shiroi Koibito Park & Sapporo Beer Museum

A visit to Sapporo isn’t complete without seeing at least one of its “factories” where two of its most famous products are made: beer and Shiroi Koibito cookies.

Shiroi Koibito Park is a mix between a chocolate factory and a theme park, with a beautifully photogenic outdoor area featuring lovely winter illuminations. Every hour, the buildings’ musical carillons come to life with a whimsical display reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s world. The outdoor area is free to access, but entrance to the factory, which includes explanations on chocolate history and the making of Shiroi Koibito cookies, costs 800 yen. Inside, there’s also a café and various workshops where you can customize a cookie, take part in tastings, or even bake your own Shiroi Koibito!

For beer lovers, the Sapporo Beer Museum is an unmissable stop. The general visit is free, but I recommend booking the guided tour with a tasting session in advance to learn more about the history of Japan’s most iconic beer, from its 19th-century origins to its international fame.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Historical Village of Hokkaido

Another Sapporo attraction, though located outside the city center, is the open-air museum Historical Village of Hokkaido, which recreates a 19th-century village. Here, you’ll find wooden houses, rural buildings, and period shops, offering an immersive experience of Hokkaido’s pioneer life. Due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to visit this museum personally, but I’ve heard great things about it.

Hill of Buddha

I first discovered this place on Instagram: a gigantic Buddha statue rising into the sky through the circular opening in the roof of a structure designed by Tadao Ando. From the moment I saw it, I knew that if I ever traveled to Hokkaido, I would definitely make a stop here—and of course, it became an unmissable stop in Sapporo.

The weather wasn’t ideal that day, and I’m sure the view is even more breathtaking during lavender season. Still, it was an incredible experience to see that head peeking out from the hill at the Hill of the Buddha, located within the Makomanai Takino Cemetery complex. This site is situated south of the city center and can be reached by public transport in about an hour. Take the Namboku Line subway to its final stop, Makomanai, and then a 30-minute bus ride. However, keep in mind that bus services are infrequent.

Within the cemetery complex, in addition to the iconic Buddha, you’ll also find Moai statues and a miniature Stonehenge—almost as if to evoke divine presences from different cultures.

Since it’s not the most convenient place to reach, I recommend combining your visit with a stop at the nearby Sapporo Art Park, where nature and art blend together in a style reminiscent of the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In winter, most of the park’s trails are closed unless you join a guided snowshoe tour, which, unfortunately, is only available from mid-December—a few days after my visit, of course. 🙄

Hill of Buddha

Day Trips from Sapporo

Otaru

Just over 30 minutes from Sapporo, Otaru is a perfect half-day destination. Its most iconic attraction is undoubtedly the canal, lined with old stone warehouses that have been converted into shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can even take a short boat cruise along the canal.

Strolling down Sakaimachi-dori, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a retro town, where you can browse charming glassware and music box shops—two things Otaru is famous for across Japan. For a unique souvenir, you can even create your own custom music box at the Music Box Museum!

Needless to say, as a port city, Otaru offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood. You’ll find restaurants everywhere serving massive donburi bowls topped with salmon roe and sea urchin—two delicacies that stand out even among Hokkaido’s already high-quality seafood. I had planned to visit the Sankaku Market, but a raging snowstorm forced me to change plans, so I ended up at Otaru Ezoya, a restaurant closer to the canal, highly praised by locals for its excellent quality and reasonable prices.

Hokkaido itinerary - Otaru

Jozankei Onsen

If you’re visiting Sapporo in autumn or winter and don’t plan to go to Noboribetsu, consider enjoying the soothing hot springs of Jozankei Onsen. This Showa-era onsen town is about an hour’s bus ride from Sapporo. Of course, there are traditional hot spring baths to soak in, but what makes Jozankei special are the numerous ashiyu (foot baths) scattered along the river and the scenic nature trails that start from the town center.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring town—perhaps even one of Japan’s most renowned—especially for its Hell Valley (Jigokudani), a surreal landscape of steaming sulfur vents and boiling hot springs. Various nature trails start from here, though they are closed in winter.

I personally recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the incredible hot springs and visit the nearby Upopoy Ainu Museum. However, if you’re short on time, you can visit Noboribetsu on a day trip from Sapporo. You can either travel independently via a combination of train and bus (about 2 hours and 5,000 yen one way) or opt for a convenient bus tour. Get Your Guide, for example, offers tours that combine Noboribetsu with Lake Toya, one of Hokkaido’s natural gems.

Itinerario in Hokkaido - Noboribetsu Onsen

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Sapporo’s city center is quite compact, so staying near Sapporo TV Tower or around Odori Park is a safe bet. There’s a wide range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to high-end hotels, including various business hotel chains and Western-style hotels.

I stayed at Sosei Sapporo McGallery Collection since it was provided by a company. While the rooms were spacious and beautifully designed, and the buffet breakfast was fantastic—with a great selection of cheeses and local delicacies—I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it due to its distance from the city center and subway stations.

Instead, I’d suggest The Royal Park Canvas, where a couple who used my travel design services stayed and gave me great feedback about their experience.

That said, taxis in central Sapporo are fairly frequent and more affordable than in Tokyo, especially around Susukino and Odori Park. If you’re visiting during winter or if the weather isn’t great, don’t forget to look for entrances to Underground Sapporo, a city beneath the city with heated walkways, shops, and restaurants—perfect for escaping the cold.

Itinerario in Hokkaido - Sapporo

Sapporo may not be the most visually stunning city in Japan, and it didn’t completely steal my heart in terms of aesthetics. However, it has a well-defined character—marked by great food, convenience, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent base for exploring Hokkaido and definitely deserves a stop in any itinerary. Who knows? Maybe it will charm you more than it did me!

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