Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and is the largest city on the island. Thanks to its many attractions and activities, it is also one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. This article will recommend some of the best things to do in Sapporo, Japan.
One of Sapporo’s most popular tourist attractions is the Sapporo Snow Festival. This annual event takes place in February and features a variety of snow sculptures and ice sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy sledding, skiing, and other winter activities.
Another must-see in Sapporo is the Odori Park. This large park stretches for 1.5 kilometers through the city’s center and is a great place to relax or take a stroll. The park is especially beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
If you’re looking for some shopping and nightlife, Susukino is where to go. This entertainment district is full of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
And finally, no trip to Sapporo would be complete without trying the local food. Sapporo is famous for its ramen noodles, and there are many excellent ramen shops throughout the city. There are also many other delicious Hokkaido dishes to try, such as seafood, soba noodles, and rice cakes.
Here are some of the top list that you can start with, while traveling in Sapporo, Japan.
1. Visit the Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sapporo, Japan.
Located in the center of the city, the tower offers stunning views of Sapporo and the surrounding area.
Visitors can also enjoy the tower’s many shops and restaurants.
The Sapporo TV Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Sapporo.
2. Tour the Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo Beer Museum is a beer museum in Sapporo, Japan. It was opened in 1987 and is run by the Sapporo Brewing Company.
The museum tells the history of Sapporo beer and brewing and has a variety of exhibits on the brewing process and a tasting room where you can try different kinds of Sapporo beer.
There are also a few things to do outside of the museum. If you’re interested in trying some of the local food, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area.
Or, if you want to explore more of Sapporo, you can take a walk around Odori Park or visit one of the city’s many museums and art galleries.
3. Check out the Sapporo Clock Tower
Sapporo Clock Tower is a wooden Western-style building located in the center of Sapporo.
It was built in 1878 and originally served as a drill hall for the Hokkaido prefectural government.
The clock tower was designated as an important cultural property of Japan in 1957, and it now houses a museum on the history of Sapporo.
One of the things you can do at Sapporo Clock Tower is to tour the museum. On the first floor, you can learn about the history of the building and how it came to be an important cultural property of Japan.
There is also a small shop on this floor to buy souvenirs. On the second floor, there are exhibits on the history of Sapporo as a city.
You can also see the clock mechanism on this floor and learn about how it works.
If you want to get a birds-eye view of Sapporo, you can go up to the observation deck on the third floor. From here, you can see all of Sapporo City, including Odori Park, Susukino, and Mt. Moiwa.
The observation deck is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and offers free admission.
4. Stroll through Odori Park
Odori Park is one of Sapporo, Japan’s largest and most popular parks.
The park is located in the center of the city, and it is home to many events and festivals throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful flowers and trees and its many sculptures and monuments.
Odori Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Sapporo.
5. Sample some deliciously fresh seafood at the Nijo Market
Nijo Market is one of Sapporo’s most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It is a great place to find fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. There are also many things to do in Nijo Market, such as visiting the fish market, buying souvenirs, or taking a scenic walk.
What is the best time to visit Nijo Market?
The best time to visit Nijo Market is during the summer months when the weather is warm and fresh produce. However, it is also worth visiting during the winter months when the market transforms into a lively Christmas market.
6. Take a ride on the Susukino streetcar
The Susukino streetcar is one of the things you can do when you’re in Sapporo, Japan.
It’s a great way to see the city and get around. The streetcar runs from 6 am to midnight, and it’s a great way to get to your destination without having to worry about traffic.
There are two routes, the Hokkaido route, and the Susukino route.
The Hokkaido route goes through downtown Sapporo, while the Susukino route goes through the shopping district. You can buy tickets at any station along the route.
7. Visit the Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine, located in the center of Sapporo, is one of the most popular shrines in Japan.
The shrine was built in 1869 to worship the gods of agriculture and industry and is now a place where people can enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
There are many things to do at Hokkaido Shrine, such as exploring the beautiful grounds, participating in traditional Shinto ceremonies, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
One of the most popular things to do at Hokkaido Shrine is to explore the expansive grounds.
A large forest surrounds the shrine, and several walking trails wind through the trees. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll around the pond located on the grounds.
The pond is home to various fish, including koi, and is a popular spot for photography.
Another popular activity at Hokkaido Shrine is participating in traditional Shinto ceremonies.
These ceremonies are held throughout the year and offer visitors a glimpse into Japanese culture.
One of the most popular ceremonies is the New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes a traditional Japanese meal and illumination of the shrine grounds.
For those who simply want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hokkaido Shrine, there are plenty of things to do.
Visitors can relax in the courtyard, take in the views of Sapporo from the observation deck, or explore the many shops and restaurants located nearby.
No matter what you choose to do, Hokkaido Shrine is a great place to experience the beauty and tranquility of Japan.
8. Enjoy the views from Mt. Moiwa
Mt. Moiwa is a mountain located in Sapporo, Japan. It is 531 meters high and offers views of the cityscape below.
There are several things to do on Mt. Moiwa, including hiking, taking the ropeway up to the summit, and visiting the observation deck.
The history of Mt. Moiwa dates back to 1873, when English missionary John Batchelor first climbed it.
Since then, the mountain has become a popular tourist destination for locals and visitors abroad. There are a number of reasons why Mt. Moiwa is so popular, but one of the most notable is its scenic views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Sea of Japan from the top of Mt. Moiwa.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sapporo, Japan, Mt. Moiwa should definitely be on your list.
Whether you want to hike to the summit or simply enjoy the ropeway or observation deck views, Mt. Moiwa is a great place to spend a day in Sapporo.
9. Take a Day Trip to Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Sapporo. Mountains surround the lake, and it’s a great place to enjoy nature. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, and you can also rent boats and paddleboards to explore the lake.
10. Take a dip in one of Sapporo’s hot springs
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a popular destination for tourists from all over Japan and the world. The city is home to many things to see and do, including several hot springs.
The hot springs of Sapporo are some of the most popular in Japan. They were first discovered in the early 18th century by Ainu people, who used them for bathing and healing. The springs became well known to Japanese people in the late 19th century when they started to visit Hokkaido for health reasons.
Nowadays, there are many different hot springs in Sapporo that you can visit. Some of the most popular ones include Jozankei Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, and Shikotsu Onsen. These hot springs are known for their healing properties, and many people visit them for their health benefits.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sapporo, visiting the hot springs is great. There are many different types of hot springs to choose from, so you can find one that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing experience or a way to improve your health, Sapporo’s hot springs will provide what you’re looking for.
11. Experience a true winter wonderland at the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most popular winter events. It is held every year in February in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido.
The festival began in 1950 when a group of high school students built six snow sculptures in Odori Park. The event was so popular that it had been held every year since then.
Nowadays, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a major tourist attraction, with over two million people visiting Sapporo each year to see the amazing snow sculptures.
The sculptures are made from blocks of snow and ice and can be up to 15 meters tall. They are usually based on popular characters from movies, TV shows, or video games.
In addition to the snow sculptures, ice sculptures are made from big blocks of ice. These sculptures are usually more realistic and detailed than the snow sculptures.
There are also many other things to do at the Sapporo Snow Festival. You can go sledding or skiing at the nearby ski resorts or just enjoy the winter scenery. If you get cold, you can warm up in one of the many food stalls that sell hot drinks and food.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a great event for people of all ages. If you’re looking for things to do in Japan during the winter, this is definitely an event you don’t want to miss.
Best Time to go to Sapporo?
The best time to go to Sapporo, Japan, is during the winter months. This is when the city comes alive with its world-famous Snow Festival. The festival attracts over 2 million people every year, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during another time of year.
Thoughts and Conclusion
So those are some of the best things to do in Sapporo, Japan. Whether you’re interested in winter sports, cherry blossoms, nightlife, or delicious food, Sapporo offers something.
Check out some of the best things to do in Tokyo, Japan. And if you’re traveling in Osaka, Hokkaido or Chiba check out our travel guide as well.
