Sapporo Guide: Best Places to Visit, Food, Weather, and Tips

Sapporo: Explore Hokkaido's Capital City

Hokkaido, Japan’s vast northern frontier, finds its vibrant heart in Sapporo. As the island's political and cultural hub, the city captivates travelers with its legendary food scene—featuring world-class seafood, savory ramen, and the iconic Jingisukan (grilled mutton).

Whether you're drawn by the snowy winters or lush summers, Sapporo’s seasonal beauty never fails to enchant.

This guide covers everything you need for the perfect trip, from 15 must-visit attractions to local culinary secrets and essential seasonal packing tips.

Sapporo Travel Tips

Sapporo Area Guide
Places to Visit in Sapporo
1. Sapporo Clock Tower
2. Red Brick Office (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building)
3. Nijo Market: For Excellent Seafood
4. Horomitoge Lavender Garden
5. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
6. Susukino: Sapporo's Entertainment District
7. Shiroi Koibito Park
8. Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
9. Moerenuma Park: Art and the Great Outdoors
10. Jozankei Onsen: A Scenic Hot Spring Town
11. Sapporo Beer Museum
12. Sapporo Art Park
13. Maruyama Zoo
14. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
15. Hokkaido Historical Village
4 Must-Eat Sapporo Foods
How to Get to Sapporo
Sapporo Weather and Clothing Tips
Sapporo Events
Sapporo Itineraries and Day Trips
Hotels in Sapporo
Sapporo Souvenirs

Sapporo Area Guide

Sapporo is a vibrant capital where historic landmarks meet bustling entertainment districts and iconic public green spaces.

At the city’s heart lies Odori Park, a sprawling emerald belt that stretches from east to west. Clustered nearby are architectural treasures like the Clock Tower, the Sapporo TV Tower, and the majestic Red Brick Office (the Former Hokkaido Government Office).

For those seeking local flavor and nightlife, the nearby Susukino district—famously known as the "city that never sleeps"—offers an endless array of neon-lit bars and eateries. It is the premier spot to sample Sapporo’s culinary trio: savory ramen, Jingisukan (mutton BBQ), and zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken).

To see the city from a different perspective, take a short trip to Mt. Moiwa, where the glittering night skyline is officially recognized as one of Japan's most beautiful vistas.

For a change of pace, you can retreat to the serene Jozankei Onsen, where natural hot springs offer a peaceful soak amidst Hokkaido’s breathtaking seasonal scenery.

Read on to discover 15 essential landmarks that define Sapporo’s fascinating history and vibrant modern culture.

1. Sapporo Clock Tower

Photo by Pixta

The Sapporo Clock Tower is the city’s most iconic landmark. Built in 1878 as a lecture hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), it is officially designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

For over a century, the tower has been a beloved symbol of the city; its bell chimes on the hour, echoing through the streets, while the building is beautifully illuminated after dark. It remains a quiet, steadfast guardian of Sapporo and its citizens.

Sapporo Clock Tower

〒060-0001 2-chome, Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

2. Red Brick Office (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building)

The Red Brick Office is one of Sapporo’s most striking historical landmarks. Formally known as the Former Hokkaido Government Office, this grand structure was completed in 1888.

It is celebrated for its Neo-Baroque architecture, a style inspired by the Paris Opera but executed with American-influenced brickwork.

Today, the building is open to the public free of charge, housing a fascinating collection of historical records and exhibits that chronicle the development of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Government Red Brick Government Building (Former Main Go...

〒060-0003 Kita 3, West 6-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

3. Nijo Market

No trip to Sapporo is complete without sampling its world-famous fresh seafood. At Nijo Market, a landmark with over a century of history, you can indulge in the ocean’s finest offerings to your heart’s content.

From creamy, freshly caught sea urchin (uni) to glistening salmon roe (ikura) and succulent crab, it is a premier destination for any food lover.

Nijo Market

〒060-0052 1-chome Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Nijo Market is a market in Sapporo's Chuo Ward with a history of about 128 years. Approximately 60 stores are lined up, selling fresh seafood, agricultural products, processed foods, and more. Hokkaido's seafood is particularly abundant here, and seafood bowls with crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, and other ingredients are particularly popular. While it is loved as the kitchen of locals, it is also a popular tourist destination in Sapporo. There are also stores where you can enjoy meals within the market, making it a place where you can experience the lively atmosphere and flavors of Hokkaido.

4. Horomitoge Lavender Garden

Horomitoge Lavender Garden is one of Sapporo’s most stunning summer destinations, famous for its 5,000 lavender plants that fill the air with a sweet fragrance when in full bloom.

The peak viewing season is typically from mid-July to mid-August. During this time, visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience by harvesting their own lavender for just 500 yen.

Horomitoge Lavender Garden (Yume Kobou Sato)

471-110 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-0945

5. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Photo by Pixta

Sapporo is renowned for its stunning nighttime scenery, officially recognized as one of Japan’s "New Three Major Night Views." The most spectacular vantage point is from the summit of Mt. Moiwa, which towers 531 meters over the city center.

Accessible via a scenic ropeway and unique mini-cable car, the observation deck offers a panoramic view often described as a "carpet of light." It is a breathtaking experience that no traveler should miss.

Travel Tip: You can save on admission by booking a discounted combined ticket for the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and the Sapporo TV Tower through Klook.

Sapporo Mount Moiwa Ropeway

064-0942 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

From the observation deck at the summit, 531m above sea level, you can see a 360-degree panoramic view of the Ishikari Plain, Ishikari Bay, and the distant mountains. In addition, the Morris Car, a cable car that runs from the mid-mountain station to the summit station, offers the feeling of racing through the forest for about 1 minute and 40 seconds to the summit station.

6. Susukino

Susukino is an entertainment district that represents Hokkaido and is an area crowded with restaurants, recreational facilities, hotels, and more.

It has also been described as the “district that doesn’t sleep” and is overflowing with as much as 80,000 people at night. There are no problems with public safety in this area but be sure to be careful of pickpockets and panderers.

Susukino may have a strong night image, but the area is also home to a shopping district called Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade where you can enjoy shopping in the afternoon.

Susukino intersection

〒064-0804 4-chome, Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

Susukino is Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward. It is known as one of Japan's three largest entertainment districts, with around 3,700 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, karaoke establishments and more. It is full of energy day and night, and especially at night, the entire town is lit up with neon lights. There are many popular dining spots for tourists and locals, and you can enjoy Hokkaido specialties such as Sapporo ramen, seafood dishes, and Genghis Khan. It is a popular tourist spot in Sapporo at night, bustling all year round.

7. Shiroi Koibito Park

Picture courtesy of Yokoso Sapporo

Shiroi Koibito is a famous Hokkaido confection featuring two delicate cookies sandwiching a layer of smooth white chocolate. At Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo, visitors can take a guided tour of the factory to see how these treats are made.

Our recommendation: Save money and skip the long ticket lines by booking a Shiroi Koibito Park day tour package online in advance.

Shiroi Koibito Park

2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 063-0052

Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo is a theme park for Shiroi Koibito, a famous confectionery that represents Hokkaido. On the factory tour, you can see the manufacturing process up close, and there are also plenty of exhibits to learn about the history of chocolate. You can also experience making your own sweets, enjoying the fun of creation. There is also a spacious garden and a cafe, where you can spend some relaxing time. It's the perfect spot to make memories with friends.

8. Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Established in 1869, Hokkaido Jingu is the region's most significant Shinto shrine. It serves as the spiritual home to the deities tasked with protecting the land of Hokkaido.

The sprawling grounds are home to approximately 1,400 cherry trees, transforming the shrine into a premier cherry blossom destination each spring. If you are visiting Sapporo during the blooming season, a visit here offers a perfect blend of spiritual reflection and seasonal beauty.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-8505

Hokkaido Shrine, located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, is a prestigious shrine founded in 1869. The shrine occupies a vast area of 180,000 square meters and is a majestic space surrounded by trees. You can enjoy nature in every season, especially in spring when about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in full glory. It is a popular shrine that is crowded with about 700,000 to 800,000 worshippers during the first visit of the year. In the shrine grounds, food stalls are set up during events, and you can enjoy limited edition sweets at two teahouses, Rokkatei Jingu Chaya Branch and Jingu Chaya.

9. Moerenuma Park

Photo by Pixta

Designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a breathtaking fusion of nature and art.

Built on the site of a former waste treatment plant, this expansive "sculpture in its entirety" showcases Noguchi's vision of turning reclaimed land into a masterpiece.

With its striking geometric landmarks and rolling landscapes, the park’s charm shifts beautifully with each passing season.

Moerenuma Park

1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011

10. Jozankei Onsen

Located on the scenic outskirts of Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring destinations. Whether you choose a luxurious stay at a traditional ryokan or a modern hotel, the area offers a perfect escape into nature.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences beyond the baths, from relaxing in free public footbaths to making your own onsen tamago (eggs slow-cooked in the natural spring water).

Jozankei is also legendary for its vibrant autumn foliage. For a unique perspective, you can paddle through the colorful valley in a canoe—an activity available from late June through October 31st.

Jozankei Onsen

〒ro, 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sento, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302 Japan

11. Sapporo Beer Museum

Photo by Pixta

The Sapporo Beer Museum offers insights into the history and production process of Sapporo Beer.

Housed in a retro beer factory building, the museum showcases historical brewing equipment and exhibits about the evolution of Sapporo Beer. Visitors can enjoy beer tastings in the beer hall, where they can sample various brews and receive advice on food and drink pairing.

The museum also features a shop with beer-related goods and books. Regular events and special exhibitions further enhance the experience, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

Address: Sapporo city, Higashi Ward, Kita 7 Jo Higashi, 7-9
Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station or a 7-minute walk from Toho Line "Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae" Station.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM)
Admission Fee: Free (Tastings are paid)

12. Sapporo Art Park

Photo by Pixta

Sapporo Art Park is a vast cultural facility where art and nature intersect. The park features outdoor sculptures designed by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi and offers various art exhibits and workshops.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal landscapes, with spring flowers and autumn foliage enhancing the experience.

The park also includes galleries, studios, and art-related events, providing a relaxing environment to engage with art. It’s a great spot for families and couples to explore art in a natural setting.

Address: Sapporo city, Minami Ward, Geijutsunomori, 2-75
Access: About a 30-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Geijutsunomori" bus stop, then a 5-minute walk.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, University students 500 yen, High school students 300 yen, Junior high school students and younger are free

13. Maruyama Zoo

Photo by Pixta

Maruyama Zoo is ideal for families and animal lovers. The zoo showcases a diverse range of animals, including popular species like the giant panda, Asian elephant, and red panda.

The zoo’s open enclosures provide naturalistic habitats for the animals, enhancing the visitor experience. Educational exhibits on animal behavior and conservation efforts are also featured.

Regular feeding sessions and animal shows add to the enjoyment. With ample rest areas and a café, it’s a perfect destination for a day out with family.

Address: Sapporo city, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, 3-1
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Maruyama-Koen Subway Station or directly accessible via the "Maruyama Zoo-mae" bus stop.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 620 yen, Junior high school students and younger are free

14. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Photo by Pixta

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers panoramic views of Sapporo and its surroundings. The observation hill is famous for the statue of Dr. William S. Clark, a symbol of the pioneering spirit of Hokkaido.

The expansive lawn area around the observation deck provides a relaxing space for visitors. The on-site restaurant and café serve local dishes and sweets, adding to the visit’s enjoyment.

The observation hill is an ideal spot to appreciate the city's scenery and nature while reflecting on the historical significance of the site.

Address: Sapporo city, Kiyota Ward, Hitsujigaoka, 1
Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill" bus stop.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 820 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 410 yen

15. Hokkaido Historical Village

Photo by Pixta

Hokkaido Historical Village is an open-air museum that recreates the pioneer era of Hokkaido in the Meiji period. The large grounds feature restored historical buildings, including homes, shops, and other structures from the early days of Hokkaido’s development.

Visitors can experience historical lifestyles through exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum also offers workshops on traditional crafts and hosts historical events. It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in Hokkaido's past and see how early settlers lived and worked.

Address: Sapporo city, Atsubetsu Ward, Atsubetsu-cho, 50-1
Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Kaitaku-no-Mura" bus stop.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, University and high school students 600 yen, Junior high school students 400 yen

4 Must-Eat Sapporo Foods

Sapporo is a true paradise for food lovers, boasting a culinary scene as diverse as it is delicious. While the city is world-famous for its pristine seafood, its soul lies in its rich, savory comfort foods.

From the smoky aroma of grilled mutton to the deep warmth of a local broth, we’ve highlighted the four signature dishes you simply cannot miss while exploring Sapporo.

1. Seafood and Sushi

Photo by Pixta

When it comes to Sapporo’s gourmet scene, seafood is the undisputed star. Hokkaido boasts the highest catch in Japan, meaning you can enjoy incredibly fresh, high-quality seafood at its peak.

For the ultimate experience, head to Nijo Market or the Jogai Market as early as 6:00 AM. Here, you can indulge in decadent seafood bowls (kaisen-don) overflowing with creamy sea urchin and glistening salmon roe. We highly recommend a morning visit—not only to secure the freshest ingredients but to beat the long queues that form during the lunch rush.

2. Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo is a powerhouse in the ramen world, boasting a density of shops so high it is considered Japan's most competitive market outside of Tokyo.

The city’s undisputed king is miso ramen. Unlike other varieties, Sapporo miso ramen is defined by a high-heat cooking technique: miso, fresh vegetables, and savory dashi stock are stir-fried together in a flaming wok. This process creates a rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful broth that is perfect for Hokkaido’s cold climate.

3. Jingisukan

Photo by Pixta

Jingisukan (named after Genghis Khan), a specialty Sapporo gourmet food, is a grilled mutton dish made with a special nabe pot. The most common style of the dish is to fry various vegetables together with the meat.

Jingisukan is nutritious and can be enjoyed at a reasonable price; it’s one dish you definitely must try when you visit Sapporo.

4. Soup Curry

While there are countless varieties of curry worldwide, soup curry is a unique invention that originated right here in Sapporo.

Unlike thick traditional Japanese curry, this dish is defined by its light, spicy, and fragrant broth. It typically features a colorful abundance of chunky, flash-fried vegetables and tender proteins—most commonly a whole chicken leg that falls off the bone.

The bold, aromatic spices and substantial portions make it an incredibly satisfying meal that is as healthy as it is flavorful.

How to Get to Sapporo

Flying is the most efficient way to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo. Flights depart from both Haneda and Narita airports, arriving at New Chitose Airport in about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours. One-way fares start as low as 6,000 yen, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.

Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, you have two main options to reach central Sapporo:

JR Rapid Airport Train: Takes ~40 minutes (1,680 yen).

Airport Bus: Takes ~65 minutes (1,100 yen—note: prices have slightly increased recently).

Note on the Shinkansen: While you can take the bullet train from Tokyo, it requires a transfer to a local line at Hakodate. The journey takes roughly 8.5 hours and costs over 28,000 yen. Unless you are using the JR Pass fr Whole Japan and enjoy long-distance train travel, flying is significantly faster and more affordable.

Transportation in Sapporo

If you’ll be traveling around sightseeing spots in Sapporo, we recommend taking the Sapporo Municipal Subway that connects central Sapporo to other parts of the city. The cost of each section covered by the subway is around 200 to 370 yen, but if you purchase the “One-Day Ticket for Subway Use”, you will have unlimited rides on the subway for an entire day at 830 yen for adults and 420 yen for children.

Additionally, a more advantageous unlimited ride ticket called “Donichika” is also sold for those visiting Sapporo on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during the New Year’s holidays (December 29 – January 3). This ticket allows unlimited rides for the entire day at 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children. Do utilize this ticket if you’ll be traveling to Sapporo on a holiday.

Aside from subways, there is also rail transport, buses, and trams that are in operation in the outskirts of Sapporo. It is useful to utilize the tram (city streetcar) in the area to the west of central Sapporo where the subway does not run.

For day trips around Sapporo, we suggest using a JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for cost-efficient travel.

Sapporo Weather and Clothing Tips

Sapporo in the spring still remains quite chilly when compared to Honshu (the main island of Japan). As such, we recommend bringing outer garments such as coats and clothing to protect against the cold like a muffler and gloves. In March, the snow will begin to melt and the snow will have mostly melted away once it’s April.

Meanwhile, there will be days during July and August when the temperature exceeds 30°C. However, it would be best to prepare long-sleeved clothing even in the summer due to the dropping temperature at night.

When it’s October, the average temperature will fall below 12°C and come early November the snow will begin to fall. From November to February, the days where it is below freezing will increase and roads covered in snow will become slippery. If you’ll be visiting Hokkaido in the winter, make sure to protect yourself against the cold and prepare boots that are easy to walk in.

Sapporo Events

When you think of the most famous event in Sapporo, the Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February each year will come to mind. Art creations made by carving and sculpting snow is something you must definitely try to see at least once.

Tourists from all around the world gather for this event where warm Hokkaido foods perfect for the cold season are also offered. The main venues will be at Odori Park and Susukino in central Sapporo.

Sapporo Itineraries and Day Trips

We will introduce a recommended course for those who would like to enjoy the best things to see and do in Sapporo.

Day One
Morning: Visit the Red Brick Office, Clock Tower, and TV Tower (Odori Park)
Afternoon: Factory tour at Shiroi Koibito Park
Night: Mt. Moiwa, then eat ramen at Susukino

Day Two
Morning: Eat a seafood bowl at Nijo Market
Afternoon – Night: Moerenuma Park or Jozankei Onsen

In other words, how about going around the main sightseeing spots in Sapporo on day one, then spending a relaxing day on day two by healing through nature and hot springs?

Hotels in Sapporo

There are various types of lodging facilities available in Sapporo from the typical hotel to well-established Japanese inns and guest houses.

Sapporo Grand Hotel, a hotel right by Sapporo Station and Odori Park, has a convenient location and is reputed for their high-quality services.

All rooms at Nakamuraya Ryokan, an established Japanese inn founded in 1903, are Japanese-style rooms. The inn has garnered popularity among foreign visitors as a Japanese inn brimming with a historic atmosphere. We recommend this inn to everyone who will be sightseeing within the city for its close location to Sapporo Station.

At SappoLodge, a representative Sapporo guesthouse, you’ll find various types of rooms such as dormitories and private rooms. You can also interact with other travelers or enjoy a drink in the adjacent café bar on the first floor.

Sapporo Souvenirs

While Hokkaido is legendary for its rich dairy, the region also produces exceptional fruits, wines, and seafood.

In Sapporo, you’ll discover a wide variety of snacks that make perfect souvenirs, each crafted using these premium local ingredients. From buttery biscuits to fruit-infused treats, there is something for every palate.

ROYCE’s Chocolate Potato Chips

ROYCE’s Chocolate Potato Chips are super popular as a Sapporo souvenir. It is a chocolate-coated potato chip snack with the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito, a confectionery of white chocolate sandwiched between two cookies, is one of Sapporo’s staple souvenirs. You can easily buy this product at souvenir shops in department stores and stations. Its aqua-colored packaging is a trademark known by every Japanese person.

Enjoy Your Trip to Sapporo

Sapporo has no lack of sightseeing spots and gourmet foods. Do make travel plans to enjoy and experience Sapporo to the fullest!