Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Wei Wen Lai, Pexels
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a vibrant city offering a unique blend of urban experiences and natural beauty. It is well-known for its exceptional local cuisine, particularly fresh seafood, ramen, and soup curry, and hosts the internationally renowned Sapporo Snow Festival during winter.
For socializing, the Susukino district stands out as Sapporo's primary entertainment hub, featuring a lively array of neon-lit streets with bars, clubs, izakayas, and karaoke establishments. Many hostels in the city also offer communal spaces and bars, fostering a social atmosphere for travelers and backpackers.
Top 6 Things to do in Sapporo
Visitors can immerse themselves in local food culture, explore historical landmarks, enjoy panoramic city views, and relax in expansive green spaces.
1. Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
Stretching for 1.5 kilometers through the city center, Odori Park is a green oasis filled with lawns, fountains, and flowerbeds. It serves as a central hub for many of Sapporo's major annual events, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in winter and the vibrant Beer Garden in summer. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the park, find quiet spots for relaxation, or enjoy performances and food stalls during festivals. At the eastern end, the Sapporo TV Tower provides a 360-degree observation deck, offering panoramic views of the park, the city, and the surrounding mountains, which are particularly stunning after sunset.
Cost: Odori Park entry is free. Sapporo TV Tower observation deck admission is approximately ¥720-1,000.
Transport: Odori Park is centrally located, easily accessible by subway to Odori Station or a roughly 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station.
2. Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum
Discover the history of beer brewing in Japan at the Sapporo Beer Museum, the country's only dedicated beer museum. Visitors can take a free tour to learn about the brand's origins dating back to 1876 and the brewing process. Afterward, the adjacent Sapporo Beer Garden offers a unique dining experience, often featuring local classics like 'Genghis Khan' (grilled mutton BBQ) and various Sapporo Beer styles for tasting.
Cost: Museum entry is free. Beer tasting and food at the Beer Garden incur additional costs, varying by selection.
Transport: Accessible by bus from Sapporo Station or by taking the Toho Subway Line to Higashi-kuyakusho-mae Station, followed by a short walk.
3. Shiroi Koibito Park
Step into a whimsical world at Shiroi Koibito Park, a confectionery theme park known for its famous 'Shiroi Koibito' white chocolate biscuits. It offers a fun experience for all ages, with opportunities to watch the chocolate assembly line, explore unique architecture reminiscent of a European village, and even participate in cookie-making workshops. The park features delightful gardens and playful installations, making it a sweet escape from the city.
Cost: Admission to the paid area is approximately ¥800.
Transport: The park is reachable by the Tozai Subway Line to Miyanosawa Station (about 15 minutes from Odori Station, ¥290), followed by a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, direct buses are available from Odori or Sapporo Station (approximately 15-27 minutes, ¥250-310). Taxis are the fastest but most expensive option.
4. Nijo Market
Experience the vibrant local food scene at Nijo Market, a public market in central Sapporo with a history spanning over 100 years. Both locals and tourists visit this bustling market to shop for and enjoy fresh local produce and an impressive variety of seafood, including crabs, salmon roe, and sea urchins, often brought in daily from Hokkaido's surrounding waters. Visitors can enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast at one of the market's many restaurants or food stalls, making it a perfect spot to savor Hokkaido's renowned culinary delights.
Cost: Entry to the market is free. The cost of food varies depending on purchases and restaurant choices.
Transport: Nijo Market is located in central Sapporo, about a 15-minute walk from Odori Station.
5. Mount Moiwa Ropeway
Ascend Mount Moiwa for one of Sapporo's most spectacular views. A combination of a ropeway and a mini cable car takes visitors to the summit's observation deck, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the entire city. The view is particularly mesmerizing at night, as the city lights twinkle below. The summit complex also includes a restaurant and a planetarium, providing a relaxing experience with stunning natural scenery.
Cost: A roundtrip ticket for the ropeway is approximately ¥1,400 (or $15.04). An additional ¥700 roundtrip is needed for the mini cable car from the transfer station to the summit.
Transport: Take Sapporo's streetcar line from Susukino to 'Ropeway Iriguchi' station (approximately 25 minutes, ¥200). From there, a free shuttle bus operates to the lower ropeway station (5 minutes), or it's a short 5-minute walk.
6. Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley)
Located in the lively Susukino district, Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, or 'Ramen Alley,' is a narrow passage lined with numerous ramen shops. This historic alley is a culinary institution, recognized as the birthplace of Sapporo's iconic miso ramen. Each of the 17 shops offers its unique take on the hearty dish, along with other ramen varieties. It provides an authentic and delicious experience of local food culture, perfect for a flavorful meal, especially after exploring the city's nightlife.
Cost: The cost of ramen varies by shop and dish, typically around ¥800-¥1,200 per bowl.
Transport: Ramen Yokocho is a short walk from Susukino Subway Station (Namboku Line). It is also accessible on foot from the Odori Park area.
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