27 Amazing Things To Do In Sapporo (2026)

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Audrey

Wondering what there is to do in Sapporo? Turns out, there's a lot... Here are the top things to do in Hokkaido's capital!

When people think of Sapporo, their first thought is usually beer. I'll admit, in the beginning, I also had no idea what there was to do there. The first time I visited, I thought going to Hokkaido equated to visiting the countryside. However, I was blown away by how amazing and underrated Sapporo is!

Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, Sapporo feels spacious, relaxed, and refreshingly uncrowded—even during peak travel seasons (like Golden Week!). The city has a unique Western influence, with wide streets and European architecture that seamlessly blends in with modern Japanese culture.

After visiting, I was honestly surprised by how alive the city felt. I expected a quiet countryside vibe, but instead found an energetic, food-loving city with a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty.

So, if you're looking for things to do in Sapporo, this guide covers the best activities, must-visit spots, and hidden gems that will make you fall in love with Hokkaido!

Explore Iconic Landmarks

1. Visit the Oldest Clock Tower in Japan

The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city, and the oldest clock tower in all of Japan!

Built in 1878 just a decade after Sapporo was officially recognized in 1868, the tower was originally a theatrical hall. Over time, it instead became a symbol of Sapporo’s early development and progress.

❔ Did you know? The clock was imported from Boston! It's interesting how much Western cities influenced Sapporo's development.

The tower is already pretty cool from the outside, but when you wander in there's a small museum detailing Sapporo's origin and the Clock Tower's history. You'll also learn about the (many!) fires that broke out and almost burned the tower to the ground several times!

The clock tower is conveniently located in central Sapporo, and you can walk to other historic sites nearby like the Former Hokkaido Government Office and Hokkaido University Museum.

2. View Odori Park from Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is another one of the city's most iconic landmarks, a 147-meter tall vibrant tower standing at the edge of Odori Park.

There are shops and restaurants to explore on the first floor of the tower, but the real attraction is the observation deck where visitors can take in panoramic views of the city. Although the views are great to see during the day, nighttime is better when the tower lights up.

If you're lucky enough to visit during the Sapporo Snow Festival, you'll get to see the ice sculptures in Odori Park magically lit up when night falls.

For those who want to celebrate a special occasion, you can actually rent out the tower after hours!

3. See the Red Brick Office

The Former Hokkaido Government Office, also known as the "Red Brick Office," is a historic landmark dating back to Sapporo's early development and references its Western influences.

The office was completed in 1888, just a decade after the Sapporo Clock Tower (two decades after Sapporo was officially recognized as a city). The building features American Neo-Baroque architecture and is an important cultural property of Japan.

It's pretty interesting to look at, because you can't help but scratch your head and wonder "What's the story behind all this American stuff?".

The building was recently closed for renovations and reopened July 2025, so it's worth a quick stop for photos if you're in the area.

4. Visit the iconic "Boys, Be Ambitious" Statue

At the site of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill lies the legendary statue of Dr. William S. Clark, an American professor who played a pivotal role in establishing Hokkaido University.

Along with a panoramic view of Sapporo City, you'll find his statue with his famous parting words "Boys, be ambitious!", which have become a nationally known motto!

Interestingly enough, Dr. Clark only spent a mere eight months in Sapporo from 1876 to 1877! However, he profoundly influenced his students to a high degree, and many ended up becoming prominent figures in Japan.

The hill is a beautiful spot to see the city from afar and to grab a photo of the iconic statue. If you have the extra time, you could even enjoy a picnic there. It's a peaceful escape from the city while still being close to Sapporo's urban center.

Experience Cultural Sites

5. Make Your Wish at Hokkaido Shrine

One of my favorite things to do in Sapporo is visit Hokkaido Shrine, a Shinto Shrine near the city's center.

Built in 1869, the shrine is dedicated to four guardian gods and is a popular spot to visit, especially during Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year. However, people come here to pray for health and prosperity all year round!

The shrine is peaceful and beautiful and is directly connected to Maruyama Park so you can also see seasonal flowers in bloom. When we visited, we prayed, purchased good luck fortunes, and made a wish that we tied into a knot on the shrine tree. I encourage you to do the same!

If you're visiting in late April to early May, Hokkaido Shrine is also one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. During the season, vendors also set up shops and games that you can enjoy during your visit.

6. Go Back in Time at the Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum that takes you back in time to the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868–1926), a crucial era in Hokkaido’s development.

The village is divided into four sections—the central town, fishing villages, farms, and mountain settlements. Each showcase different aspects of daily life during Japan’s early modernization.

👍 Pro tip: I recommend combining your visit with the nearby Hokkaido Museum as it's a bit out of the way from central Sapporo!

You can wander into the well-preserved historical buildings, and learn about the challenges the villagers faced back then. The Historical Village provides a fascinating way to experience Hokkaido’s heritage since it feels like you're stepping back in time.

Eat Hokkaido Specialties

7. Slurp Miso Ramen

I don't doubt you've had ramen before, but did you know that miso ramen specifically draws roots from Sapporo?

Miso ramen is a tasty variation where the ramen broth is made from miso paste, a fermented soybean seasoning. The miso gives the soup a unique savory and slightly sweet taste.

The bowls are often loaded with delicious fatty sliced pork (chashu), green onions, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. But if you want to enjoy it the local way, add butter and corn to the soup! At certain shops, you can also try spicy miso ramen (kara-miso ramen) if you like spicy food.

I recommend checking out Ramen Shingen, Ebisoba Ichigen, or Ramen Alley . Ramen Alley is possibly the most interesting of the three, as it's a narrow alleyway filled with tiny ramen shops that have been in business since the 1950s.

8. Taste Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market

Nijo Market is one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most famous seafood markets, dating back to the early Meiji Period in the 1800s. Located in the heart of Sapporo, it’s the best spot to enjoy fresh, high-quality seafood.

Hokkaido seafood is regarded as the best in Japan, possibly due to their colder temperatures causing the fish to store more fat. So Nijo Market is the best place for you to taste the freshest seafood firsthand!

The market is lined with stalls selling Hokkaido specialties like sea urchin (uni), massive king crabs, hairy crab, scallops, oysters, and salmon roe (ikura).

I bought a kaisen don with uni, fresh crab, and fatty tuna (toro) for just $15 at one of the cozy sit down restaurants. The seafood was absolutely amazing, and if my stomach hadn't betrayed me by getting full, I would've definitely ordered seconds.

👍 Pro tip: After browsing the vendors, venture into the alleyways that lead into the restaurants inside the market! That's where you'll find hidden restaurants with amazing dishes.

If you love seafood, don’t leave Sapporo without stopping by Nijo Market. You might even find some souvenirs to take home, like the delicious soup bases and crab furikake I packed into my suitcase!

9. Try Hokkaido’s Lighter Soup Curry

Soup curry is Sapporo’s most well-known regional specialty, so you shouldn’t end your trip without having a taste.

While I absolutely adore the thick stewy consistency that traditional Japanese curry has, soup curry's lighter, broth-like base is also fantastic. It’s packed with nutritious roasted vegetables, a protein like chicken, pork, or lamb, and is served with a side of fluffy white rice.

You can customize the spice level, protein, and toppings to match your preferences. The ingredients are nutritious and healthy, and it’s a comforting meal that’ll warm you up after a chilly day out in Sapporo.

I recommend Garaku Soup Curry or Suage+ for the best soup curry in Sapporo. They’re both located in Susukino, the city’s busy downtown area. 

10. Grill your own Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), is a Hokkaido specialty featuring grilled lamb cooked on a dome-shaped grill. It’s a fun activity where you can grill your own meat, and pair it with a crisp Sapporo beer for best flavor.

It goes hand in hand with cherry blossom season, with some parks offering grill sets to enjoy jingisukan under the blossoming flowers. During the colder seasons are great to,o when hot sizzling meat is all you need to warm up.

Now, I’m no barbecue virgin (although I know there are some of you out there…), but Japan was the first place to give me a plastic bag for my outerwear so that my clothes wouldn’t retain the barbecue smell! That small blessing made the experience just that much better. I loved visiting Extreme Salt Cured Genghis, and I also heard great things about Sapporo Beer Garden. 

While the lamb is delicious, what elevates the Genghis Khan experience is sharing the regional specialty with your friends and family. It’s a fun dining experience and worth trying at least once while you’re in Sapporo.

👍 Pro tip: Many AYCE Genghis Khan restaurants are all-you-can-eat lamb only. You may get tired of the taste after a few rounds, so I recommend a la carte for first time visitors.

11. Taste Hokkaido milk straight from the source

Hokkaido is known for producing the best dairy products in Japan.

You’ll spot cafés and bakeries everywhere in Sapporo featuring delicious products made from the region’s rich, high-quality milk. Hokkaido milk has a naturally sweeter taste that almost tastes like vanilla, making it a key ingredient in some of the most delicious cheese, ice cream, butter, and cakes you’ll find in Japan.

On our first day in Hokkaido, we were so jet-lagged and stumbled into a Komeda’s Coffee at 7 in the morning, where we got our first taste of Hokkaido milk from their mouthwatering Hokkaido cheesecake.

I also recommend Bocca’s White Pudding. We found it at a local shop while on a tour of top destinations in Hokkaido. It’s another local favorite, and comes in a balloon that you pop to reveal a perfectly smooth sphere of pudding. You can top it off with caramel drizzle, although I thought it was plenty sweet alone.

Beyond desserts, you’ll also find Hokkaido milk in buttery pastries, different types of cheeses, or you could add some to your coffee or tea.

12. Sip a chilled Sapporo Beer

You can’t miss a visit to Sapporo without tasting the beer that the city is most famous for (as long as you’re of age, of course).

Sapporo is home to Japan’s oldest beer brand, so there’s no better place to enjoy a fresh, locally brewed glass. 

If you're also interested in learning about its history, you could also visit Sapporo Beer Museum, which dives deeply into the brewing process. The museum offers both free self-guided tours and affordable guided tours, and lets you taste rare and seasonal Sapporo beers in a historic setting.

However, if you’re not a big beer fan like myself, there's alternatives. Simply enjoying a glass of Sapporo beer at a local restaurant, paired with a delicious Hokkaido meal, is more than enough. Normally beer wouldn’t interest me at all, but why wouldn’t I sip on a Sapporo in Sapporo?! 

I had my beer to complement trying Genghis Khan barbecue for the first time, and it was the perfect pair together. You could also pair it with a big hot bowl of miso ramen. Either way, don’t miss a chance to enjoy Japan’s famous beer in its namesake.

step into nature

13. Stroll through Odori Park

Odori Park is one of Sapporo’s most well-known landmarks, as all the major city festivals and events take place here. This street park stretches across the heart of the city for three blocks, and has 92 different types of trees and seasonal flowers. It’s the perfect place to unwind and destress despite being located in the city center. 

When you get to the end of the park, you’ll get to Sapporo TV Tower, which stands at the edge of the park and has incredible views of Sapporo City. 

In addition, Sapporo’s most famous events take place here. The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in February, where the area becomes a winter wonderland filled with massive, intricately carved ice sculptures all over. 

In spring, the Lilac Festival in May celebrates the city’s favorite flower. Tons of fun events occur and you can even take home your own lilac sapling. No matter the time of year, there’s always something happening around here.

14. See through the glass at Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park is a unique park in Sapporo that isn’t visited as often, but is definitely worth stopping by. Here, art, nature, and recreation are seamlessly blended together. 

Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the entire park is intended to function as a single, large sculpture. You’ll find geometric landscapes, such as the Glass Pyramid, Sea Fountain, Tetra Mound, and Play Mountain that are equally interactive and visually stunning.

The park can be enjoyed all year round, regardless of the weather. In spring, 1,900 cherry blossom trees bloom here, making it a beautiful hanami spot. Visitors can cool off in the fountains and wading pools during the summertime. When fall hits, the park transforms into a vibrant landscape of autumn colors. 

Winter is one of the best times to visit since you can sled and ski here and it’s such an easy trip from Sapporo! There are tons of great ski resorts around, but this park is easy and convenient. The glass pyramid is extra spectacular in the winter, as the white powdery snow complements the mesmerizing glass. 

15. See the city sparkle from Mount Moiwa

Just a 40-minute train ride from central Sapporo, Mount Moiwa Observatory offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city. Recognized as one of Japan’s top three night views, the summit provides a 360-degree view of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain.

You can head to the observatory via the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and Mo-risu Car (cable car), which offer different views of the city from above or nature down below. You could also hike up to the observatory if you have the time and energy!

At the summit, you'll find the famous love padlock area, along with a glowing sculpture. 

There’s also a fine-dining French restaurant at the top, The Jewels, which serves gourmet meals with the same unbeatable view. 

👍 Pro tip: Check the observation deck live camera to heading up, as the view can be obstructed on a particularly cloudy day.

16. Walk the halls of Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University is one of the most scenic spots in Sapporo, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the city with its elm and gingko tree-lined pathways, historic architecture, and beautifully maintained garden. 

The best time to visit the area is undoubtedly autumn, when the ginkgo trees that line the streets turn a vibrant yellow color. Although this spot isn’t a must-see if you’re short on time, the scenery is simply incredible to walk and relax in.

Originally established in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University has grown into one of Japan’s top universities. While you’re there, you can visit the Hokkaido University Museum for free, which showcases exhibits on natural history, science, and the university’s ongoing contributions to Hokkaido’s development. 

There’s also the university’s botanical garden nearby with a small museum on the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan and the earliest settlers of Hokkaido.

Get Festive

17. Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the city’s biggest annual event, bringing two million visitors each year.

Held during the first week of February, Sapporo transforms into a magical winter wonderland with massive ice and snow sculptures, based on famous landmarks and anime characters. At night, colorful lights illuminate the sculptures and make the atmosphere even more enchanting.

The main festival areas are Odori Park and Susukino, where you’ll stroll through endless rows of masterfully carved displays.

👍 Pro tip: Make sure to go up Sapporo TV Tower at night to see the displays sparkle against the white snow! 

In addition to the sculptures, there are exciting winter activities like snow slides, snow rafting, and ice skating, as well as food stalls serving Hokkaido specialties, from steaming bowls of miso ramen to freshly grilled seafood. 

If you manage to book a trip to Sapporo during this annual event, make sure to book months in advance, as this event is crazy popular!

18. Lilac Festival

While perhaps not as big as the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Lilac Festival is another popular event held in mid to late May when the city’s lilac trees bloom. As Sapporo’s designated tree, the lilac festival symbolizes the arrival of spring and is a way to welcome the warmer months.

The main festivities take place in, you guessed it, Odori Park, where you can stroll through 400 lilac trees in bloom. You’ll get the chance to to take home your own lilac saplings, sample local wines, and listen to live outdoor music performances.

Visiting Japanese festivals is super fun, as there are seasonal snacks to enjoy as you walk around, and the atmosphere is so lively. With its beautiful purple blooms, the Lilac Festival is a special way to experience a local tradition of Sapporo while enjoying the beauty of spring.

19. Dance the night away in Susukino

Susukino is hands-down my favorite area of Sapporo. It's the city's entertainment district, and you’ll never run out of things to do here! We went out frequently here and always had a good time.

One night we went clubbing until around 1 AM, then ended the night playing DDR games at the 24-hour Round 1. You’ll want to experience Japan’s late-night arcade culture when you see how late people stay out!

Packed with neon lights, restaurants, bars, clubs, and pachinko parlors, Susukino is the perfect place to experience the city’s exciting nightlife. You can try your luck at pachinko, a Japanese gambling game that’s sort of like pinball, or visit one Sapporo’s many bars and clubs. 

Susukino is also home to Sapporo’s best restaurants, so it’s perfect for grabbing dinner and then having a late-night adventure afterward. I recommend starting at one bar and exploring as you go. Many buildings have several bars separated by floors, so it’s super easy to bar hop here. 

However, keep in mind it is also a red-light district, so you may come across some interesting spots while you walk around. Once we saw a bar full of bunnysuit hostesses while we were crossing the street (nothing too scandalous though!) 

Visit a Hokkaido Museum

20. Get a beer flight at Sapporo Beer Museum

If you enjoy beer and are curious enough about its creation, then you should swing by the Sapporo Beer Museum. Housed in a historic red-brick building, the museum offers an in-depth look at Sapporo’s brewing process, its gradual evolution, and its cultural significance in Japan as the oldest beer brand.

You can either go on a free self-guided tour or pay a little extra for a guided tour that includes a beer flight of different Sapporo flavors, some which were limited edition and are no longer made! 

Nearby, you can also visit the Sapporo Beer Garden, which is highly regarded as one of the best places to down a freshly brewed Sapporo Beer and grill your own Genghis Khan lamb barbecue (jingisukan), a Hokkaido specialty. 

21. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is a cultural gem that showcases an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks with a focus on local Hokkaido artists such as Tamako Kataoka, Eien Iwahashi, Kinjiro Kida, and Nissho Kanda. 

Beyond its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts special exhibitions featuring both domestic and international artists. The current exhibit features the transformation of 20th-century European glass. Outside, you can take a peaceful walk among the modern art sculptures that decorate the museum’s exterior.

I personally love visiting museums, but only if I have enough time in my schedule. With that in mind, I think the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is worth a visit as it provides a compelling glimpse into Hokkaido’s artists and how they express their love for the land.

22. Walk along sculptures at Sapporo Art Park

Sapporo Art Park is another unique art experience that you’ll find south of Sapporo Station, and it’s free to visit! This cultural complex is a harmonious blend of art and nature, with an open-air sculpture garden featuring 74 large sculptures in a natural setting.

The art pieces are cool, abstract, and a little weird. It’s fun to walk around them as they’re pretty large-scale and elevate the park in an interactive way. 

As you wander around, you can also visit the Sapporo Art Museum inside, a fairly large museum where you could easily spend a couple of hours getting lost in the stories behind each piece. 

Additionally, there are also various craft studios set up in the forest where you can try your hand at pottery, dyeing, weaving, and woodworking! The park also includes an outdoor stage for musical and theatrical performances, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.

23. Hop with the Penguins at Aoao Aquarium

I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by Aoao Aquarium during your trip to Sapporo. It’s a very popular aquarium that both locals and tourists love, and it’s conveniently located right in Tanukikoji Shopping Street, one of the most popular shopping areas in the city. 

One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat, where these playful penguins hop across movable hexagonal blocks, so you can interact with them in a dynamic environment.

Another must-see is the Blue Room, a massive room with a 20-meter screen where you can swim with life-sized whales as they navigate the Shiretoko Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It feels as if you’re swimming underwater with them!

What makes Aoao Aquarium even more special is that it’s open late until 10 PM, so it’s a pretty flexible destination to add to your itinerary. You could visit before grabbing dinner in Susukino, or visit closer towards the end of the day as the perfect activity to relax.

24. Make your own cookie at Shiroi Koibito Park

If you’ve ever had Shiroi Koibito, Hokkaido’s most famous chocolate snack, you’ll love visiting Shiroi Koibito Park, a charming theme park dedicated to this delicious treat. The park combines sweets, history, and European-style architecture, making it a fun stop for families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth.

You can go on a chocolate factory tour to watch the production of Shiroi Koibito cookies and learn about the brand’s history, or visit the cookie-making workshop to decorate and customize your own cookies as a personalized souvenir. Just make sure to arrive early, as the line for this can get pretty long. 

The park also features a museum and beautifully landscaped garden, inspired by British architecture, reflecting the founder Isao Ishimizu’s love for England. If you happen to visit in the winter, the park becomes a Christmas town with beautiful colorful festive lights.

The park is separated into free attractions (the museum displays, gardens, and viewing area) that take around 1 hour or so to explore, and paid activities (workshops and factory tours) that charge an additional fee to participate in. 

Take a Day Trip Around Hokkaido

Sapporo is the perfect location to base in and explore other areas of Hokkaido! I made a full post on the best day trips around Sapporo, but here are some of the most convenient and popular spots to visit.

25. Take a Ride in Otaru Canal

Just 30 minutes from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a charming harbor city with a rich history as a major port during Hokkaido’s development in the 19th century. Today, it is best known for its nostalgic streets, fresh seafood, and scenic canal area, making it a perfect half-day or full-day trip from Sapporo.

One of the highlights of Otaru is Sakaimachi Hondori Street, a lively shopping street lined with local boutiques, glasswork shops, and food vendors selling delicious Hokkaido specialties.

You can sample fresh seafood, Hokkaido dairy products, and grilled Wagyu skewers, often at affordable prices. I had some of the best fresh uni for just 500 yen and juicy Wagyu skewers from a street vendor.

A short walk from Sakaimachi Hondori, you’ll find the Otaru Canal, a picturesque waterway inspired by the Venice canals, complete with retro street lamps and historic warehouses. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing boat ride, especially in the evening when the lamps light up the canal.

For more details on how to structure a day trip to Otaru from Sapporo, click here!

26. Relax in Jozankei Onsen

If you're want to try Japan’s onsen culture while you’re in Hokkaido, Jozankei is one of the best places to visit.

My first onsen experience in Japan was in Hokkaido, and let me tell you.. soaking in the hot springs coupled with cooler weather and beautiful scenery is *chef’s kiss*.  Plus, there are many onsen towns close to Sapporo with convenient transportation!

Located between Sapporo and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this onsen town is surrounded by beautiful trees and tranquil rivers that should belong on a postcard. It’s the perfect day trip or weekend getaway, plus it’s only an hour from Sapporo with easy transportation between the two towns.

As Jozankei is a pretty well-developed hot spring town, there are plenty of ryokan, restaurants, and shops for you to try out. Several onsen facilities offer day-use entry for a small fee, so even if you can’t stay overnight, you can still try out dipping in an onsen. (There are also a few ryokan in Sapporo, though it's pretty limited).

27. Check out the Whisky Distillery in Yoichi

Nearby Otaru, you can also visit Yoichi, a town of history, whisky, and fresh fruit picking. The town is best known for the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, as well as the Yamamoto Fruit Orchard, where you can pick seasonal fruits to bring home.

The Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, also known as the father of Japanese whisky. After studying in Scotland, Taketsuru brought his expertise back to Japan and built his distillery in Yoichi due to its resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.

You’ll find out that the coastal air and natural surroundings actively play a role in the whisky’s flavor and give it a subtle briny characteristic.

At the distillery, you can explore the museum, participate in a paid tasting, or take a free guided tour to learn about the whisky-making process. Since spots fill up quickly, I recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance.

If you can, I would group Otaru and Yoichi together on the same day since they're so close together. For more day trip ideas, click here for a full list!

Things to do in Sapporo: FAQs

Conclusion: The Best things to do in Sapporo

I hope you enjoyed learning about all the different things you can do while you're in Sapporo! Sapporo is lively, fun, and packed with delicious food everywhere. It's one of my favorite cities in Japan, and honestly, what's not to love?

If you got the chance to visit, let me know in the comments what your favorite part of Sapporo was! I can't wait to head back in the Winter when there's tons of snow and the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place.

If you need any help with your Japan travel or want to reach out, feel free to contact me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! I'm always excited to hear from you.

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