Top Things to Do and Places to Go in Sapporo

June 27, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 6224 Views

Sapporo is one of the largest city in Japan and the largest city on the Hokkaido island. There are several places to visit in Sapporo for all kinds of tourists. The city has a rich history and fun loving people. There are several interesting things to do in Sapporo regardless of your preference. The mountains near the city are a Sapporo must see spots in all seasons. As the days get colder and these mountains get covered in snow, skiing is the most popular among things to do in Sapporo winter. Also during the winter months the hot spring baths are a must do in Sapporo. Even besides the skiing resorts there are several Sapporo places of interest amidst the mountains as well as in the city. Just like most of Japan, you would be visiting a lot of shrines on Sapporo holiday. There are also many sightseeing activities in Sapporo for tourists to enjoy. The places to visit in Sapporo are a blend of modern and traditional Japan.

There are several museums and historical places to visit in Sapporo. A visit to the Hokkaido museum is must do for those tourists interested in history. This museum depicts the storied history of the city of Sapporo as well as the island and prefecture of Hokkaido. The history presented here goes long back before the arrival of people. The pre-historic exhibitions at this museum are Sapporo places of interest.

If you wish to see historical buildings and neighborhoods among things to see in Sapporo, you can head to Kaitaku Mura neighborhood. This area has some of the fine works of victorian architecture and 19th century Japanese architecture as well. It is one of the best Sapporo tourist attractions to explore on foot.

If you are an admirer of modern art, you should include the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in your Sapporo travel guide. This museum exhibits and promotes works of modern art created by Japanese artists. It also exhibits art by various collectors and foreign artists as well. It is one of the most culturally rich Sapporo tourists spots.

One of the biggest Sapporo tourist attractions is the Snow Festival. This festival is known for its elaborate ice sculptures, which themselves become Sapporo attractions. Some of the sculptures are as large as buildings and you can tour within them on Sapporo travel. You will find many ice and snow themed things to do in Sapporo winter. It is one of the most fun times to visit Sapporo. The ice sculptures do not last long so you would have to manage your time Sapporo sightseeing if you want see all of the sculptures.

If you are on travel to Sapporo in winter, you can’t miss out on skiing. It is among the best things to do in Sapporo winter. There are several ski resorts among Sapporo tourist attractions. Though the best among then is arguably Mount Tiene, especially because this Sapporo attraction was the host to winter Olympics in the year 1972. Other top things to do in Sapporo winter are snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing etc. All of these activities in Sapporo, you will be able to enjoy on Mount Tiene. Other popular ski resorts you can include in Sapporo travel guide are Kokusai Ski Resort and Mount Moiwa Ski Resort. If you are here for best things to do in Sapporo winter, you also want to check out the hot spring baths in the beautiful town of Jozankai. Actually you can enjoy hot sprints any time of the year when you visit Sapporo.

One of the most unique things to see in Sapporo is the Ishiya Chocolate factory. It represents the quintessential Japanese quirkiness spread across an elaborate factory. The factory is also like a theme park with several candy and desert themed statues to view around the factory. You can also shop for sweets among things to do in Sapporo. The place is especially known for a local variant of white chocolate known as Shiroi Koibito.

Besides the sweets, another popular item among tourists on Sapporo city tour is the local beer. Sapporo is known both for its local chocolates and its local beer. Another Sapporo must visit places is the beer museum. Here you will get acquainted with the local variety of Sapporo beer. You will get to sample a lot of beers at different stages of production as well. Owing to the popularity of the beer, this place is a Sapporo must see.

Sapporo is also famous for its fresh and rich tradition of sea food. It is also a heaven for all kinds of foodies. One of the sea food dishes considered must do in Sapporo is the kegani, a local preparation of hairy crab. Like other parts of Japan, you can also try a unique variety of Ramen on Sapporo holiday as well. Trying the Hokkaido style soup curry is also among top things to do in Sapporo for foodies. Besides the sweets and deserts, already discussed above, the island of Hokkaido is also famous for its dairy products. Hence, you will get to try a huge variety and flavors of ice cream and it is one of the best things to do in Sapporo. You can hunt down various ice cream parlous producing quirky and unheard flavors of ice-cream. One of the best places to visit in Sapporo for ice cream is the Milk Mura, where you get a combination of ice-cream with liquor. What a wonderful thing to please your palate when you visit Sapporo. Besides the prepared food, Sapporo is also famous for its fruits. You can shop for fresh strawberry, mulberry, and melons on Sapporo travel.

Table of Contents

The Best Tourist Places to Visit in Sapporo

1. Ishiya Chocolate Factory

This chocolate factory is like an amusement park. It is one of the most fun places to visit in Sapporo. This factory is also popular for production of Shiroi Koibito, a variety of white chocolate. You will need about an hour to explore this factory.

2. Asahiyama Memorial Park

This park is among the most beautiful things to see in Sapporo. It is among the top places in the city for watching cherry blossoms and even for clicking pictures. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this park.

3. Sapporo Odori Park

This is the central park of the city. The park stretches for several blocks and is one the prime venues for top things to do in Sapporo. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park.

4. Hokkaido-Jingu Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to deities of the Shinto religion and was built in 1869. It is one of the most well known cultural Sapporo tourist attractions. The shrine is especially worth visiting during festivals. You will need about an hour to explore this shrine.

5. Mount Moiwa

The mountain is quite close to the city and you can take the ropeway to reach its top. The mountain is one of the best spots for Sapporo sightseeing and is also well known for outdoor activities and its hike trails. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy Mount Moiwa.

6. Jozankei Onsen Hot Springs

You will need to embark on an hour’s drive to get here, but peace, relaxation and leisure is worth the effort. These mineral water hot springs are surrounded by beautiful scenery. They are among popular Sapporo attractions and attract several visitors. You will need 2 to 3 hours to enjoy these hot springs.

7. Shikotsu Toya National Park

This National Park is among the most picturesque places on Sapporo travel guide. The park has volcanic mountains, crater lakes, valleys, mountains, pastures and hot springs. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities in Sapporo, then you should keep at least a day’s time for this National Park.

8. Sapporo Snow Festival

This festival is extremely popular and attracts numerous people form Japan and abroad to the city. It is among the best things to do in Sapporo in winter. The festival goes on for several days and features numerous activities and attractions. You will need at least a day to explore all the offerings of this festival.

9. Sapporo TV Tower

This 147 meters tall tower is one of the most visited Sapporo tourist spots. You get an incredible view of the city from the observation deck and it happens to be a popular spot for taking pictures. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this attraction.

10. Sapporo Beer Museum

The Beer museum complex is part of the distillery. You can learn about the history of locally brewed beer and taste fresh beer while you tour the factory. The tour takes about 2 hours and you can enjoy dining at Sapporo Beer Garden, which is part of the complex and one of the top places to go in Sapporo for dinning.

11. Sapporo Art Park

This park is an outdoor art gallery of sorts featuring art pieces and art installations by several renowned artists. You should definitely include this park in Sapporo city tour for its aesthetic value. It will take you about an hour to explore this park.

12. Teine Ski Resort

Situated on Mount Teine, this venue was host to 1972 Olympic Games. You can still see the Olympic torch burning at the resort. If you are here in winter, skiing is must do in Sapporo and this is one of the best places to enjoy all winter sports. You can easily spend a couple of days enjoying numerous attractions of this resort.

13. Hokkaido Government Office

This red-brick building serves as the government office for Hokkaido. It is known for its American style architecture and is one of the most important historical buildings among Sapporo places of interest. You will need about an hour for this building.

14. Maruyama Zoo

This is the largest Zoo in Japan and has more than 170 varieties of animals from different continents. It is one of the best attractions of Sapporo holiday for families with children. You will need 2 hours to explore this zoo.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Sapporo, you can check out the section below.

Things to do in Sapporo, Japan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sapporo, Japan

Hokkaido Shrine
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
Hokkaido Museum
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
Sapporo Art Museum
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Hill of Buddha Cemetery
Hokkaido University Museum
Yagai Museum
Beer Museum
Sapporo Salmon Museum
Sapporo Shiryokan
Jozankei Shrine
Clock Tower Museum
Hoheikan Hotel
Hokkaido Prefectural Migishi Kotaro Museum
Sapporo Olympic Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Sapporo, Japan

Mount Moiwa
Mount Okura
Mount Teine
Mount Eniwa
Mount Tengu
Mount Yoichi
Mount Muine
Mount Soranuma
Mount Sapporo
Nopporo Forest Park
Mayurama Nature Park
Makomanai Park
Maeda Forest Park
Sankakuyama
Nakayama Park
Okotanpe Lake
Hoheikyo Reservoir
Ashiribetsu Waterfall

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Sapporo, Japan

Ishiyaam Green Space
Sapporo Art Park
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Tiene Ski Center
Mount Moiwa Ski Resort
Hoheikyo Hot Spring Baths
Jozenkai Onsen Hot Spring Baths
Matsunoyu Ryokan Hot Spring Baths
Hoheikyo Dam
North Safari Sapporo
Sunpiazza Aquarium
Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo
Sapporo Community Dome
Hokkaido Botanic Garden
Sapporo Science Center

Shopping in Sapporo, Japan

Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Sapporo Factory
Sapporo Stellar Place
Paseo Shopping Zone
Apia Shopping Area
Parco Complex
Nijo Market
Bic Camera
100 Yens Shops

Beaches in Sapporo, Japan

Otaku Dream Beach
Ishikarihama Beach
Ishikari Aso Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Sapporo, Japan

Mount Moiwa Ropeway
Mount Okura Ski Jump Stadium
Bankei Ski Area
Fu’s Snow Area
Skiing
Jozankei Futami Suspension Bridge

Sightseeing in Sapporo, Japan

Shiroikoibito Park
Moerenuma Park
JR Tower Observatory T38
Hidamari Glass Pyramid
Satoland Park
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Asahiyama Memorial Park
Maruyama Park
Hokkaido Government Office
Hiraoka Park
Horomitoge Lavender Garden
Hiraoka Tree Art Center
Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower
Jozankei Gensen Park
Mount Moiwa Observation Deck
Benizakura Park
Noshi Park
Toyohira Park
Nishioka Park
Soseikawa Park
Kawashimo Park
Tsukisamu Park
Yurigahara Park
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Nakajima Park
Odori Park
Sapporo TV Tower

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sapporo, Japan

Soup & Curry Dining Suage
Nishitondendori Soup Curry Honpo
Ramen Shingen
Mikuni
Daruma Honten
Kani Honre
Nemuro Hanamaru
Fugetsu
Sapporo Beer Garden
Aoi Sora
Ebisoba Ichigen Sohonten
Ramen Kyowakoku
Gotsubo

How to Reach Sapporo, Japan?

By Air

There are 2 airport for Sapporo travel. You can choose the New Chitose Airport and Okadama Airport. If you visit Sapporo from abroad The New Chitose Airport. You can also pick the New Chitose airport from within Japan for places to visit in Sapporo. The Okadama Airport welcomes domestic airport only. So you can fly to Okadama Airport from other cities in Japan for things to do in Sapporo. In terms of convenience, Okadama Airport is closer to things to see in Sapporo city. The New Chitose Airport is located on the outskirts of the city but is still accessible for many Sapporo tourist attractions. One of the beautiful Sapporo attractions is the ocean around Hokkaido island. Sapporo travel by air gives you an opportunity to see this wonder from the sky. Sapporo sightseeing from above is a wonderful view to enjoy.

By Road

If you wish to visit Sapporo, you would first need to get on Hokkaido Island. There is road route to take to Hokkaido island under Sapporo travel guide. But you can take a train form mainland Japan to visit Sapporo tourist spots. You have get to the JR Sapporo station via the Seikan Tunnel. The train ride between the islands is one of the best things to do in Sapporo. You will be able to catch a train from most major cities in Japan for Sapporo travel. You can also explore top things to do in Sapporo by bus. But, buses are only valid for Hokkaido island. Japan is advanced, but till now there are no floating buses to take you to places to go in Sapporo. Although that would be really cool among things to do in Sapporo city tour if it came true.

By Water

There are two ports for Sapporo travel by ferry & boats. One is Otaru & other one is called Tomakomai. You will get ferries from major coastal cities of Japan to visit Sapporo. Just look for ferries leading to either of these 2 ports. Although not a Sapporo must visit, these ports are also a part of tourist attractions in the city.

Image Reference

Ishiya Chocolate Factory – saldesalsal / Flickr
Asahiyama Memorial Park – MIKI Yoshihito / Flickr
Sapporo Odori Park – May_hokkaido / PixaBay
Hokkaido-Jingu Shrine – May_hokkaido / PixaBay
Mount Moiwa – redlegsfan21 / Flickr
Jozankei Onsen Hot Springs – David McKelvey / Flickr
Shikotsu Toya National Park – Raymond Ling / Flickr
Sapporo Snow Festival – annintofu / Flickr
Sapporo TV Tower – daiouoka / PixaBay
Sapporo Beer Museum – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
Sapporo Art Park – Jacques Beaulieu / Flickr
Teine Ski Resort – MIKI Yoshihito / Flickr
Hokkaido Government Office – POHAN CHEN / Flickr
Maruyama Zoo – MIKI Yoshihito / Flickr